Bible Studies

Why Did Jesus Preach the Good News to the Dead?

by Michael Edwards 
05/09/17
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Have you ever had anyone reject the gospel because it is too narrow and exclusive? What about those who never hear? But what if everyone does hear? Would that change your mind?

Well, those from Noah’s day disobeyed and died, but they never heard the gospel, until Jesus preached it to their spirits in prison.

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous (this is the gospel), that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, in which he went and (proclaimed/preached) to the spirits in prison,  because they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. 1 Peter 3:18-20 NIV (emphasis mine)

The following verses explain clearly why the Gospel was preached to the dead, so they would be accountable, could believe or reject what they had heard. 

but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this is why the gospel (literally the good news) was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does. 1 Peter 4:5-6 ESV (emphasis mine)

Good News to the dead, is only good news if one can believe.

In the end, Jesus words judge humanity. God is just; one must hear to be accountable for their choice.

The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day. John 12:48 ESV

If you have heard the gospel, you are accountable. Don't worry, like those from Noah’s day, those who never hear will have the same chance you do.

Read the in-depth study on this topic HERE.

If You Believe You Have Been Saved

We Need Jesus for Righteousness, Not Happiness

What About Those Who Never Hear of Jesus or the Gospel

MORE: NEW COVENANT ARTICLE LINKS

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