So he created living, feeling beings whose default position is eternal Hell, knowing full well the vast majority would end up there.
Can you square that with an infinitely loving and merciful Father?
That is why those who reject the gift of Jesus Christ's salvation cannot be permitted into Heaven.
So what about the child victims of the Khmer and the eternal separation from their unsaved parents. Do you think they might want to know where their mom and dad are? It would be interesting to hear what they have to say to the saved Khmer butchers.
Without the covering provided by the only begotten Son of God, we stand naked and alone in the presence of Almighty God and must plead our case the merits. Jesus Christ of Nazareth will stand in the gap for those who have sought His forgiveness and have accepted Him as their Lord and Savior. Without Jesus, we have only ourselves and our own filthiness to present to God.
What happened to those who died before the Gospels? Are they in Hell forever?
That is not what God's Word says. If you read the creation account in Genesis, you will see what God says about His creation and man's position in that creation. The pivotal event for mankind is commonly referred to as 'The Fall'.
Can you square that with an infinitely loving and merciful Father?
We all deserve Hell because of our sin. It is only by His magnificent grace and love that God has provided a way to Him through His Son, Jesus Christ of Nazareth. As God, He was under no obligation to provide a way of salvation, but it was His plan all along. Praise His name forever!
So what about the child victims of the Khmer and the eternal separation from their unsaved parents. Do you think they might want to know where their mom and dad are? It would be interesting to hear what they have to say to the saved Khmer butchers.
As to children, Jesus Christ of Nazareth had a special place in his heart for small children. Even though scripture makes it abundantly clear that all men are born into sin, it is not clear about the point at which a child is held accountable for its sin. On a personal note, my wife and I have lost three babies due to miscarriage and we fully expect to see them in heaven. As to exact scriptural proof, I have none to offer. I am of the opinion that there is an 'age of accountability' at which point a child becomes responsible for its choices. When this 'age of accountability' occurs is likely different for every individual depending on life experience.
As to the unrepentent who will face God's judgement alone, without Jesus Christ to defend them, the Word of God promises degrees of reward in Heaven and degress of punishment in Hell.
Romans 2:5-11 - But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; Who will render to every man according to his deeds: To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: For there is no respect of persons with God.
God will not be mocked and He will have the final say. His justice is perfect and holy and no one will be able to speak a true word against His proclamations.