Brief Answer

In biblical terms, a “heathen” generally refers to someone who does not worship the true God of the Bible, often describing people who practice idolatry or follow pagan religions. In the Old Testament, it was used to distinguish Israel, God’s covenant people, from the surrounding nations. However, the New Testament reveals that the message of salvation is for all, regardless of background, and calls believers to share God’s love with everyone.

Understanding “Heathen” from a Biblical Perspective

The term “heathen” is commonly used in older translations of Scripture to describe Gentile nations or individuals outside of God’s covenant family. While the Israelites were chosen as God’s people, they were never called to despise others but to remain distinct in their worship of Yahweh.

• Old Testament Usage: In passages such as Psalm 2:8, the term “heathen” refers to nations outside of Israel: “Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance.”
• New Testament Shift: The New Testament emphasizes that God’s redemptive plan includes both Jews and Gentiles (Romans 10:12-13).

The gospel is for all people, breaking down barriers between nations and inviting everyone to become part of God’s family through faith in Jesus Christ.

Historical Context

In biblical times, the Israelites were surrounded by nations that practiced idol worship, often involving immoral and destructive rituals. God commanded His people to remain separate in their worship (Deuteronomy 12:29-31), not as an act of hatred, but to maintain their purity and devotion.

• Gentiles and Pagans: The term “heathen” was often used synonymously with Gentiles, who were seen as outsiders to God’s covenant (Ephesians 2:11-12).
• Evangelism in the Early Church: After Jesus’ resurrection, the early church broke cultural and religious barriers by spreading the gospel to Gentile “heathens” like Cornelius, a Roman centurion who became the first recorded Gentile convert (Acts 10).

Practical Implications

Understanding the concept of a “heathen” in the biblical sense has practical lessons for believers today:

• Avoid Self-Righteousness: The term “heathen” should not be used to judge others but as a reminder of God’s grace in our lives.
• Extend Grace and Truth: As Paul exemplified in Acts 17 when speaking to the Greeks, Christians are called to share the gospel with love, humility, and respect.
• Missionary Call: The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) invites believers to make disciples of all nations, emphasizing that no one is beyond the reach of God’s love.

Theological Depth and Insight

The biblical use of “heathen” points to several important theological truths:

• God’s Sovereignty Over All Nations: God is the Creator and King over all people, not just Israel (Psalm 24:1).
• Human Sinfulness: Both Jews and Gentiles have sinned and fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23).
• Universal Redemption in Christ: Jesus’ sacrifice opened the way for all people to be reconciled to God, fulfilling the promise made to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through his lineage (Galatians 3:8).

Broader Biblical Themes

Several biblical themes connect to the concept of a “heathen”:

• God’s Global Plan: From the beginning, God’s heart was for all nations to know Him. Jonah was sent to the pagan city of Nineveh, and the people repented (Jonah 3:10).
• God’s Mercy and Judgment: While heathen nations were often judged for their sin, God’s mercy was extended to those who repented.
• Inclusion of the Gentiles: The inclusion of Gentiles into the Church reflects the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan (Ephesians 2:14-18).

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit empowers believers to share the gospel with everyone, including those who might seem far from God:

• Conviction of Sin: The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin and points people to Jesus (John 16:8).
• Empowerment for Evangelism: The Spirit equips believers to be witnesses, as seen at Pentecost when people from many nations heard the gospel in their own languages (Acts 2:5-12).
• Breaking Barriers: The Holy Spirit led Peter to share the gospel with Cornelius, breaking cultural and religious barriers (Acts 10:44-45).

Relevance for Today’s Christian

The term “heathen” reminds modern believers to approach others with compassion and to remember that salvation is a gift for everyone:

• Rejecting Prejudice: Christians must reject any attitudes of superiority and see all people as image-bearers of God.
• Living as Witnesses: We are called to be lights in a dark world (Matthew 5:16), not to isolate ourselves from those who do not know Christ.
• Global Missions: The Church continues to carry out the call to reach unreached nations and people groups.

Connection to Jesus Christ and God’s Love

Jesus’ ministry reflected God’s heart for all people:

• Healing and Teaching Gentiles: Jesus healed the servant of a Roman centurion and praised his faith (Matthew 8:5-10).
• The Samaritan Woman: Jesus spoke to the Samaritan woman at the well, breaking cultural barriers and revealing that God’s grace was for all (John 4:7-26).
• The Cross: Jesus’ sacrifice was for the world (John 3:16), demonstrating that God’s love extends to all, regardless of background.

Bible Characters

• Jonah: Sent to preach repentance to Nineveh, a pagan city (Jonah 1-4).
• Ruth: A Moabite woman who embraced the God of Israel and became part of God’s redemptive story (Ruth 1:16).
• Paul: A missionary to the Gentiles who proclaimed that salvation through Christ was for all (Acts 9:15).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does knowing that God’s love extends to all people shape how you view others?
2. In what ways can you be a witness to those who may seem far from God?
3. How does the story of Jonah challenge your view of God’s mercy and forgiveness?
4. What role does the Holy Spirit play in guiding your interactions with non-believers?
5. How can the Church reflect God’s inclusive love while standing firm in biblical truth?

The term “heathen” reminds us that, apart from Christ, all humanity is lost. Yet the good news of the gospel is that God’s grace is available to everyone who calls upon Him. As believers, we are called to share this grace with humility and love, reflecting the heart of Christ who came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10).