THOSE WHO HAVE DIED WITHOUT BAPTISM.
If this ordinance is so essential to salvation, it might be asked, what becomes of those good people who die without baptism, not knowing it is necessary? Will they be lost? It might also be asked, What will become of those good people who die without believing on the Lord Jesus Christ, never having heard of Him? Let the scriptures answer these questions:
"And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil." (John 3: 19).
"Where no law is, there is no transgression." (Romans 4: 15).
"For sin is the transgression of the law." (I John 3: 4).
"That servant which knew his Lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required." (Luke 12: 47, 48).
These passages of scripture are sufficient to make it clear that people are not condemned until they, after having the privilege of complying with the law of God, reject it. The Lord in His infinite mercy has provided means by which all who die without the privilege of hearing and obeying the Gospel may be saved by future compliance.[[1]]
But those who do hear it and refuse to obey its teachings simply because other good people before them who died without the opportunity did not comply with them in this life, will surely be under condemnation.