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But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

And then the flip side to that passage is.....

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For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.

So we will need to make the distinctions between....

1) have not heard the gospel
2) have heard the gospel but do not have true faith
3) have heard and are regenerated

* I'm not sure but I believe there are rare examples of some who have not been formerly preached or taught the gospel message due to their circumstances but still have the law & the grace (& spirit of God) necessary for redemption written in their hearts and are saved....but this would be the exception and not the rule.

The mercy of God is necessary not only when a person repents, but even to lead him to repent, Augustine