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Is this a sticking point for you, wai-ming? If so, I can prove Scripturally that none were excluded, even those born before Christ.

I'd be very interested in the scriptural proof. Seems contradictory that God would say "this is the only way" then make exceptions for people depending on extenuating circumstances. Then again, if God is just, He must be fair to all people, and cannot hold those who never heard His word accountable for something they didn't know.

This is a major sticking point for many Chinese, who revere their ancestors and want the best for them in the afterlife--who wouldn't? So far, I have not found a satisfactory answer from mainstream Christianity.

Let me recommend a wonderful book that I just finished. It's called "Safely Home" by Randy Alcorn. It deals entirely with the church in China, and there's even some stuff to speak directly to your question.

Sounds like a fascinating book. Thanks for the reference. I'll check my local bookstore.

Re: issues of ancestors or those who died (suffered the first death prior to Christ's first coming).

There is evidence of God allowing a relationship between Himself and man prior to the the birth of Jesus Christ and His bodily death on the cross in many portions of the Old Testament. Those things counted as righteousness in Abraham for one and the original relationship between God and Adam before the the sin in the Garden of Eden is another. Lot provided a testing ground which also displays His favor even when man greatly suffers.

We also understand that with Christ's bodily death on the cross, he descended for three days into hell and conquered death as well. There are indications in Scripture that those persons held in Paradise or in Abraham's bosom as distinct from that area reserved for the unrighteous, were brought to heaven when Christ ascended. Today, the protocol is a tad different in that a New Covenant exists wherein each man/woman is able to have a relationship with God because of that Perfect Sacrifice.

The relationship between each person and God is discernable by God. He also allows us to have fellowship with Him provided we access via that door (His rules, His will, none other).

I applaud respect for one's father and mother, but it also needs to be understood that the relationship between them and God also has privacy from our judgment.

A point was mentioned regarding fairness/justice/ regarding all equally... It might also be noted that God is Perfect righteousness. Even if a predecessor didn't know the name of 'Jesus Christ', since the Lord created all things, then evidence exists in all things of His existence. Christ also has many hundreds of names, so there has always been enormous opportunity to understand and have a relationship with God through Christ. Unlike before, though, the authority of Satan to bind man upon death has been clearly shown as false and impotent. These issues not only involve men but others in His creation. An enjoyable study though for those so inclined.

Here is the direct Scriptural proof:

1 Peter 3:18-20 For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, 19 through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water,

In other words, Jesus went to the place of the dead to preach there. Why would he go, if not to give them a chance to receive Him? A less direct Scriptural proof follows:

Luke 16:22-23 "The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.

If the rich man was in hell, but not at Abraham's side, then Abraham was not in hell. If you read the entire story (Luke 16:19-31) you will decide with me that Abraham was in heaven. Yet Abraham was before Christ. Therefore, G-d has indeed made a way for everyone to hear and accept the Gospel.

There are Christians who will disagree with me that people can hear the Gospel after death. But I think Scripture supports me. However, if you hear the Gospel in life, that is your time of decision. I don't believe Scripture supports "one last chance" after death for those who heard in life.

[Safely Home]Sounds like a fascinating book. Thanks for the reference. I'll check my local bookstore.

Check a local Christian bookstore. Or check Christianbooks.com

Shalom.