The knowledge of the Messiah

Question: If Jesus only died 2000 years ago for our forgiveness, does that mean everyone before him went to hell? What about the people who were not Israelites, who had no knowledge of the promise of the coming messiah?

Answer: To be fair and honest, I believe that this question should be regarded as two separate questions. The one should relate to the Jews and the other to the Gentile nations. So let us start with all mankind and then deal with the “JEWS” afterwards as a separate matter.

Going back to Genesis we see it as the book of “beginnings.” In Genesis 1:26-31 we have the first reference to the creation of Man and here we also read that Man was created in the image of God.

In Genesis Chapter 2: 2 – 24 we have a more detailed account of what God did in the first chapter. We also see where Man lived and also his role and responsibilities.

When we turn to Genesis 3: 1 – 23 we see how sin came into the world and the Fall of Man. Here with the introduction of sin Man lost the Image of God. Now when you go to Genesis 5:1-3 you read that in verse 1 man was made in the likeness of God but in verse 3 the son of Adam was in the likeness of Adam.

Take note that all the sons and generations of Adam are in his likeness and not the likeness of God.

We now have all people born with a sinful nature and in Genesis 12 – 17 we have the introduction of Abraham who believed God and it was accounted unto him as righteousness and so Abraham becomes the father of Israel as a result of a Covenant God made with Abraham.

This is the original departure where God now deals with an individual that then results in a family and ultimately a nation. So what happens to the Gentiles?

I think Paul gives us the answer in Romans 1:13 - 32.

God gave up the Gentiles as a whole and only individual Gentiles like Rahab and Ruth are seen as being saved because they chose the religion and God of Israel.

Author: Les Senabria