I‘m referring to those who died never hearing the gospel. Natural revelation tells thems God exists as Creator, but not Savior. It doesn’t tell them what Paul wrote in 1 Cor. 15:1-4. It doesn’t them about the gospel and Christ dying and raising from the tomb three days later.
Once people understand the true Gospel and in it that God does not owe man a thing, nor does he owe any man opportunity, their understanding of God will grow by leaps and bounds, and their fear and awe of him will grow exponentially.
I get the feeling listening to messages, blogs, social media of people talking about God that they think he is a pushover. And that is scary!
People should consider this;
Imagine: God has no right, according to some, to exercise justice on a human at any given moment, who is sinful, guilty, wicked, lost, unless he first gives them an opportunity for salvation (mercy.) The description of the human here is applicable to all.
If (really "since") He does not do this (offer every single person ever an opportunity) he is deemed unfair and not a God of love, and is subject to mans criteria. Isn't this man making God in his own image? Why yes, of course it is.
No judge on this earth would be held to such a standard, nor would they be judged by the same criteria, demanding they give every criminal an opportunity to vote for receiving mercy, or not. That would be absolutely absurd and such a judge would be removed from the bench. An earthly judge has the authority to exercise justice at will, and does so.
God has that same right, but his right transcends mans by unimaginable lengths because he is holy, perfect, just, and good.
God shows mercy to whom He wills to show mercy, and also reveals himself to whom he wills. Note Exodus 33:12-23; Matthew 11:25-30; Romans 9. He does not owe this to all men.