Forget the cliches and sound bites for a moment. Take one large step back from the theological table. Allow me to humbly submit to you an idea. Don't dismiss it out of hand but consider it for a moment, then do with it what you will.

Perhaps Jesus when He died for the world's sins actually did just that, that he is in fact our path to God, regardless of our imperfect knowledge. That those who love God, love righteousness, and desired to be in His presence, are saved by Jesus death and resurrection weather they have ever heard of Jesus or not. That our salvation does not depend on us getting it right, but rather on Him getting it right. That God not only desires to be with those that love Him and want to be with Him, but will for eternity be with them, even and especially if they are ignorant of Gift of Jesus.

Do I require my son to get everything correct and in order before I show him love? If he jumps in my arms and tries to hug me, kiss me, and tell me he loves me, do I push him away because he believes he can be Iron Man or The Hulk when he grows up? No, his ignorance does not affect my acceptance of him. The only way my son can not have my love is if he rejects it. If he is indifferent to it. If he chooses not to receive it. I suspect that God will accept the love of anyone, and everyone ,their ignorance notwithstanding. Because of Jesus, not because of correct information.

One question. If one has to acknowledge and repent to Jesus, (some sort of sinners prayer) what happened to all the people who died seconds, minutes, hours, years after the moment of Jesus resurrection? At what point did the old covenant pass away and faith in Jesus alone become the only path? Are all of those who have not heard, or heard correctly, rejected?