What does Scripture say about those who have never heard and/or accepted the gospel of Jesus Christ?
We are told in Romans 1:18-23 of God’s wrath against all ungodliness and unrighteousness and that it is by unrighteousness that the truth is suppressed. We are also told that we are without excuse because God’s invisible attributes are on full display in Creation. Mark 16:16 says that whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. Those in unbelief cannot enter the kingdom of heaven (Heb. 3:19). The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom. 6:23). Jesus is the way, and the truth, and the life and no comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6).
What clear direction does God give to His followers regarding their role in the good news of Jesus Christ?
We are to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. We are also instructed to teach new disciples to observe all that Christ has commanded (Matt. 28: 19,20).
Not only are we to evangelize, educate, and train others but it is of the utmost importance to remember where we came from. We all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23) and if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us (1 John 1:8). It is good to examine ourselves, to see whether we are in the faith (2 Cor. 13:5). The Bible says to test ourselves; this is called the Doctrine of Assurance of Faith. Is there evidence in our lives of salvation: trust in Christ, obedient to God, growth in holiness, fruit of the Spirit, love for other Christians, positive influence on others, adhere to the apostolic teaching and testimony of the Holy Spirit within us (The Reformation Study Bible)?
Lastly, read and apply the Word of God daily! All Scripture is breathed out by God, and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work (2 Tim. 3:16,17). The Bible is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Ps. 119:105). It is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4).
There is a huge responsibility when it comes to the Great Commission and it is only by the power of the Holy Spirit that we effectively evangelize, preach, and teach. Lives are at stake and this mission needs to be taken very seriously!
Our Heavenly Prize 