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I would tend to agree with @Daeus and @Mark-Kamibaya, though again I’ll disqualify myself by confessing I really haven’t given this much thought. It does seem to be a question of belief in God’s sovereignty though.
There is also this verse—
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse…
Romans 1:18-20
… and I could be wrong, but that seems to be saying that even without specific news or preaching, all created things (including and especially humans) should realize the existence, and acknowledge the sovereignty of their Creator.
@His-instrument a Dispensationalist is someone who believes in dispensations. (Forgive me for pointing out the obvious, but sometimes it helps.) “A dispensation is the way in which God accomplishes His purposes in the affairs of mankind for His glory, and includes new revelation from God concerning man’s responsibilities.” (That’s from our catechism. I think I got most of the wording right — it’s been a while since I’ve reviewed that question.) At the points in history when God has made covenants or personally interacted with people, that’s when dispensations end and begin. So, for example, from the Mosaic covenant to the coming of Christ was a dispensation; then on Pentecost after the Ascension, the Church age began (though the Church didn’t replace Israel), and that was a new dispensation. It will also be the last, because after the Church nothing happens until the Second Coming, which messes up the state of the world a bit. The ones I mentioned aren’t the only dispensations, but they’re obvious examples.
Dispensationalism is a way of viewing the world that makes sense. It isn’t necessary for salvation, but it does help prevent some inconsistencies (and since I’m speaking to writers, I think it’s safe to assume we agree inconsistencies are a problem). Imagine it like a cookie cutter that you can put over a pile of things, and it separates them out into shapes, so you can see the divisions. Or maybe it’s more like graph paper keeping your blueprints from getting wonky proportions.
You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation. (Isaiah 12:3)
@his-instrument I know that sometimes, the Lord Jesus will appear to people who have never heard the gospel before as they are dying, and tell them Himself. I’ve especially heard of that happening in Africa and the Muslim Middle East, but I’m sure it’s happened other places. God is just, and I believe He gives every single person a fair chance. So….I hope that wasn’t too far off topic. 🙂
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