Bible Question:
Does the Bible apply to non-Christians?
Bible Answer:
The Bible refers to itself as the Scriptures, the Word of the Lord, the Word of God, the Word of Truth, the Word of Christ and the Word of Life, for example. 2 Peter 1:20-21 states that God the Holy Spirit wrote it. But who was it written for? Our question is, “Does the Bible apply to non-Christians?”
These Things Were Written
The answer to the question is, “Does the Bible apply to non-Christians?” is yes! For example, the gospel of John was written so that people would believe Jesus is the Christ. That is, Jesus is the future ruler and king over the entire world. He is also the one who died on a cross so that we could have our sins forgiven and gain eternal life. The gospel of John is for everyone. Here is the passage that tells us the gospel of John was written for everyone.
Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name. John 20:30-31 (NASB)
John 1:12; 3:16, 36 was written to everyone, that includes non-Christians, to inform them that they can have their sins forgiven.
But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:12-13 (NASB)
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16 (NASB)
He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him. John 3:16 (NASB)
Notice that we are told “But as many as received Him,” “that whoever believes in Him” and “He who believes in the Son has eternal life” are written for everyone, including non-Christians.
Faith Comes By The Word of God
Romans 10:14-17 is a beautiful passage that reveals people become Christians by hearing the Word of Christ, that is, the Bible.
How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, “HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!” However, they did not all heed the good news; for Isaiah says, “ LORD, WHO HAS BELIEVED OUR REPORT?” So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. Romans 10:14-17 (NASB)
In this passage Christians are encouraged to share the good news from the Bible about Jesus Christ to everyone because no one will believe in Christ unless someone tells them. We need to tell others what is written in the Bible about Jesus. We should notice that “How Beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things” is quoted from Isaiah 52:7. This means the principle of teaching non-believers and believers the Word of God exists in both the Old and New Testaments. The Bible was written for everyone and not just for Christians.
Acts 1:8 is another wonderful passage since it teaches us that God wants us to spread the good news about Jesus Christ, which is in the Bible, to the entire world.
. . . but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth. Acts 1:8 (NASB)
Here we learn that Jesus commanded the disciples to spread the good news in the city, county and state in which we live. We are told to also share the good news to people in nations near us and around the world.
In Matthew 28:19-20, it is very clear that Christians are to teach the Bible to everyone throughout the world.
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20 (NASB)
Finally, in the book of Jonah we discover that God loves the world. God commanded Jonah to preach to the city of Nineveh and urge them to repent. Eventually, Jonah went to the city and preached the message that God gave him. When he did so, the city repented.
Conclusion:
In the book of Revelation, we are told that during the future tribulation period, the angels of heaven will be preaching the gospel to the entire world.
And I saw another angel flying in midheaven, having an eternal gospel to preach to those who live on the earth, and to every nation and tribe and tongue and people; and he said with a loud voice, “ Fear God, and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come; worship Him who made the heaven and the earth and sea and springs of waters.” Revelation 14:6-7 (NASB)
Therefore, we conclude that the Bible is for everyone in the world. If they reject the Bible or refuse to hear it, then they will go to hell. They alone will be responsible for their eternal destiny.
Suggested Links:
How did we get the Bible?What Is The Bible? – Discipleship Series
Is the Bible the only source for Christian doctrines?
Why do we accept the Bible?
How can the Bible be the Word of God?
Presenting The Gospel & Israel’s Rejection
Book of Jonah
Angels 1-3: The Time For Decision