Before Jesus Came, How Could People Come to Know God?

Question of the week: How could people living in non-Jewish nations before Jesus came to Earth come into a true relationship with God?

My answer: Long before there was written Scripture, Job discerned God’s offer of redemption through his careful examination of nature. Job 7–19 describes Job’s discovery and acceptance of the gospel revealed through nature. In Job 19:25–27 Job declares his assurance of salvation. God has given us two books of his revelation: the book of nature and the book of Scripture. All humanity has been exposed to the book of nature. Hence, all will know and understand God’s offer of redemption if only they will humbly examine and accept what he has revealed. As Romans 1:20 declares, “Since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” For much more on this subject read chapter 14, Hidden Treasures in the Book of Job. Anyone can get a free chapter of this book and many of my other books at reasons.org/ross.