General revelation can be defined as “the revelation of God to all people, at all times, and in all places that reveals that God exists and that He is intelligent, powerful, and transcendent.” Scriptures such as Psalm 19:1–4 and Romans 1:20 clearly state that certain things about God can be understood from His creation around us. Creation reveals God’s power and majesty, but it does not reveal the plan of salvation through Christ. There is only salvation in Jesus’ name (Acts 4:12); therefore, a person cannot be saved simply through general revelation. Usually, the question “Can a person be saved through general revelation?” is asked in relation to another question, “What happens to those who have never heard the gospel?”
Sadly, there are still parts of the world with absolutely no access to the Bible, to the gospel of Jesus Christ, or to any means of learning Christian truth. The question then arises, what happens to these people when they die? Is it fair for God to condemn a person who has never heard the gospel or of Jesus Christ? Some propose the idea that God judges those who have never heard based on how they responded to general revelation. The presumption is that, if a person truly believes what can be known about God through general revelation, God will judge the person based on that faith and allow the person entrance into heaven.
The problem is that Scripture declares that, unless a person is in Christ, he or she “stands condemned already” (John 3:18). Romans 3:10–12, quoting Psalm 14:3, pronounces the unregenerate nature to be universally sinful: “There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.” According to Scripture, the knowledge of God is available (through general revelation), but mankind perverts it to his own liking. Romans 1:21–23 states, “For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.” The status of those without God is one of rebellion, darkness, and idolatry.
Man rebels despite general revelation. Sinful man willfully rejects what can be known of God through nature and seeks ways to avoid the truth (see John 3:19). Since man does not naturally seek God, God must seek him—and that is exactly what He did, in the Person of Jesus Christ. Jesus came “to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10).
A good example of our need for the gospel is found in Acts 10. Cornelius knew about God and was “devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly” (Acts 10:2). Did God save Cornelius because of his devotion to God based on the limited knowledge he had? No. Cornelius needed to hear about Jesus. God instructed Cornelius to contact the apostle Peter and invite him to come to Cornelius’ home. Cornelius obeyed, and Peter came and presented the gospel to Cornelius and his family. Cornelius and his household believed in Jesus and were therefore saved (Acts 10:44–48). No one, not even a “good” man like Cornelius, is saved simply by believing that God exists or by honoring God in certain ways. The only way of salvation is the gospel of Jesus Christ (John 14:6; Acts 4:12).
General revelation can be seen as a universal call for people to acknowledge God’s existence. But general revelation, by itself, is not enough to lead a person to salvation in Christ. That is why it is so important for us to proclaim the gospel throughout the whole world (Matthew 28:19–20; Acts 1:8). Romans 10:14 declares, “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” Faith in the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ is the only means of salvation (John 3:16).
altruistico 
Wow. I love your blogs. These aren’t easy questions, I don’t know that I’ve ever even heard this topic addressed in Church before. I’ve learned a lot just by reading your writes.
Write on, and have a wonderful thanksgiving!
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Hello, Steffie; How are you?
Well, thank you for saying so. It means a great deal to me knowing you, and others, are learning from my posts. And, I have to agree with you; the Church (or the many denominations do not always cover the most essential of topical coverage. My view is simply this: “how are people ever going to know the fullness of God’s message if there is no question, in there mind, concerning the wholeness of that truth?” I believe in bringing forth a question it sparks a curiosity (on both sides of the question) of which needs clarification in each person’s. Thus, hopefully, they read and learn.
Seffie, your always welcome here – as is everyone –
God bless you and yours;
Michael
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Hi, Michail, I’m doing very well thanks. It’s cold and rainy here but I’m looking forward to having the rest of the week off from work to spend with my kids sharing our gratitude for everything the Lord has done for us this year.
Very true. I also love the questions you ask and I appreciate especially that you answer them from the Bible. I’ve definitely learned a lot through your posts.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, brother Michael. God bless you.
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Hello, Steffie;
Yes, it’s cold here as well. I think Winter’s upon us (smiling).
I am so glad you love the form I post in….. that of presenting questions and giving the correct Biblical answers. But more so that it is means of learning, building your knowledge of the Bible and spiritual growth. I pray my efforts will continue to bless you and others – not for my sake, but that of our Lord’s.
I can not begin to share with you the blessing our Lord has provided me this past year alone. I find myself in complete astonishment at the blessings I have received – through His love for me, His redeeming Grace and authority. Knowing too, these Blessing could not have come from my efforts – they have been far too accomplished to have come from mere mortal hands and works. It can only be witnessed as “entering a race – where the odds of you winning are astronomical at best”. One where you not only win the race – but do so in record achieving time.
When people ask me – or marvel over this wondrous transformation and accomplishment – I tell them it was not me, it was all the blessing of God. Yet, some will say still “I don’t know how you’ve done so much; but we’re happy for you, Michael.” Like somehow it was all my doing. With their own eyes they witness a miracle; yet, they do not see…. they have ears; yet, they do not hear…. I have so much to be Thankful for. One of which I have one more testimony into the awesome Power, Love and Grace my Heavenly Father has shared with me. That alone is cause to be Thankful.
May the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob continue to bless you and yours always. And, may He continue to cause you to have an abundance of reasons for which to be “Thankful”.
Your brother in Christ;
Michael
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