The perennial question of the fate of those who have never heard the gospel is addressed by Robert Haldane.
While it is on all hands admitted that the knowledge of the gospel is highly beneficial, there are many who may hold that it is not indispensable to salvation. This opinion is opposed to the whole testimony of the Scriptures, whether they refer to the way of salvation, or to the condition of all who are strangers to the gospel. From every part of the word of God, it is obvious that salvation comes to none of the human race in any other way than through the knowledge, more or less clear, of the Messiah, before or after his advent. “Neither is there salvation in any other for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved.” [Acts 4:12] Multitudes, however, are unwilling to admit that salvation should be so limited in its extent as to be confined to those who have enjoyed the advantage of a revelation with respect to the Messiah. They have, therefore, endeavored to show that the benefits of Christ’s death may be available to those whom they term the virtuous in all nations, even although they have heard nothing of the revelation of mercy (emphasis mine).
From Exposition of Epistle to the Romans (1858), 670.
