What does Acts 10 tell us about those who haven't heard?

In surfing around the web this week, I found this article on prejudice and the Christian life which has an interesting take on the question of "What about people in other cultures who don't know about God?"

On this particular day Cornelius was praying at the ninth hour (3:00-4:00 pm) when he saw, in a spiritual vision, an angel of God who came to him and called out his name. Cornelius stared at him in alarm. But note this soldier's response: "What is it, Lord?" The angel told him that God the Father had accepted his prayers and alms as a memorial before him. "God knows your name, and he knows your heart, that you are seeking him. He hears your prayers and sees your good works." The Lord God knew that this man hungered to know him. He knew he was a spiritual fetus, so to speak, having a form of life but still needing to be born again.

I am intrigued by what this passage shows us about how aware God is of all who fear him and of their need to be saved. This story of Cornelius and many more like it in the Scriptures should put to rest the question most people have thought of at least once in their lives: What happens to all the men and women in the world living in different cultures, under different governments, and in pagan religious systems who have never heard of Jesus? Will they go to hell when they die? The answer is found in Hebrews 11:6: "And without faith it is impossible to please [God], for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him." As this soldier was drawing near to God, God was drawing near to him (James 4:8). And the reward would be an introduction to his son Jesus and the offer of eternal life through him.

As we move through the book of Acts, we should keep in mind that we are not just learning history, but also answers to many of the questions that life brings before us.