Romans 1:20 is a verse that answers many questions for me regarding who does, and who does not get into heaven. Actually it does not answer questions as much as it opens the door for God's grace to go to all people, and it makes it clear that God is doing things that we can neither control nor know about. Here it is:
For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. Romans 1:20
This verse is referring to what theologians call "general revelation." Through nature, God has revealed himself. He has done it so strongly, that people are accountable. All living people are accountable to God because he has confronted them through what has been made. The ocean, the beach, the bird in flight, the miracle of the human body, and the heavens declare the glory of God.
This tells me that I don't have to worry about the tribe in Africa that might go to hell because they have not heard of Jesus. Somehow, God will hold everyone accountable. He has shown himself to each of us, and each of us must respond to Him.
This doesn't answer any of the questions that come up after this, about exactly how God will do this. It doesn't give me a nice pat answer or a three step approach to who is saved. What it does do is put the question of who is saved back into the hands of God, and that is precisely where it belongs. He alone determines who enters the pearly gates.
Pray for those who do not know Jesus. Pray for those who say they do not believe in God. Enjoy and celebrate the beauty and glory of God through the things that he has made.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
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My comment would be, if you know someone that you believe does not know Jesus, pray a prayer of salvation with them. No, there is not a "prayer of salvation" in the Bible, but there are scriptures all through the Bible that make reference to the act of praying for salvation.
Romans 10:9-11, 13
9 Because if you acknowledge and confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and in your heart believe that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart a person believes and so is justified, and with the mouth he confesses and confirms salvation. 11 The Scripture says, No man who believes in Him will be put to shame or be disappointed. 13 For everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.
I will pray for those that don't believe in God, and I will pray with those that are ready to speak with their own mouths the words of confession and belief that will bring them salvation.
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