According to the text, who cannot be saved regardless of their good deeds?

• A. Those who do not belong to a specific religion
• B. Those who have never heard the gospel
• C. Those with insufficient faith
• D. Those who are self-righteous

Answer: (B)

The focus of the question is on the concept of salvation and the conditions that determine it according to the beliefs discussed in the text. The correct response highlights that individuals described as self-righteous cannot be saved irrespective of their good deeds. This stems from the understanding that self-righteousness denotes a reliance on one's own merits or deeds rather than on faith or the grace of a higher power. It reflects a mindset that one does not need redemption because they believe they are inherently good enough without divine assistance.

This theological perspective emphasizes the importance of humility and the recognition of one's need for grace, contrasting sharply with the idea of relying solely on personal achievements or morality to attain salvation. Such a view has significant implications for how one approaches faith and the notion of what is required for salvation. The other options involve circumstances like religious affiliation or awareness of the gospel, which are often debated among scholars, and they do not encapsulate the inherent risk of self-righteousness that could lead to spiritual forfeiture.