3578—Did They Have a "Chance" for Eternal Life?
Is it not taught that millions of the race have died without God and without hope in the world? that they have never heard the Gospel, or heard of the name of Jesus? How can their condemnation be just, if they have never had a chance for eternal life? Not one single intelligent soul has lived upon this earth since time began but that has had sufficient to save him if he would but grasp it. The 19th Psalm and the 10th chapter of Romans are clear proof of this, as well as the first chapter of Romans. There have millions died without hope and without God; but it was because they put God far away, and would not cherish the hope. The invisible things of God are seen in the visible. The fact that God is a God of infinite power and wisdom, as revealed in His works, to the logical, thoughtful mind, demonstrates that He is a God of power and of love. Jesus Christ is the true light "that lighteth every man that cometh into the world." To every soul there comes some ray of light. This is shown in the experience of missionaries who have found heathen in the darkest lands living up to all the light they had. It is not knowledge that saves; it is love and loyalty. "The eyes of Jehovah run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him." They may be heathen who are guilty of many sins of ignorance; but if their heart is perfect toward the little light they have, that light is sufficient to save. One ray of light followed leads to the center of light. One ray of light from the throne of God followed will lead to God and His salvation. Our English name of Jesus may not be known. The thought is not the name, but in the character. We know what Russell's plan of the ages indicates; it is a soothing song to the men who are in wickedness so to continue. It utterly rejects the universality of God's law, and leads men to trample it underfoot. That man who has truly grasped the government of God, who sees the bearing of the law of God in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, who knows the love of God, knows that the Lord will and has left all without excuse. The idiots, the insane, the fools, the irresponsible, will die; but the responsible ones will have to give an account of the light which they have had.