Arminian "Hot Spot"

I have been debating the bible's teaching concerning "unconditional election" for a long time. I have regularly put Arminians in the proverbial "hot spot" concerning their accusations against Calvinists, who they say, err in believing that God does not "give everyone a chance to be saved."

The Arminian says that the bible teaches that God equally loves all men and gives all men an equal opportunity for salvation or forgiveness, and says that the Calvinist doctrine of "unconditional election" contradicts that teaching. The Arminian says the doctrine of "unconditional election" makes God to act unjustly and unfairly, to falsely discriminate, to show partiality or "respect of persons." He believes that only Arminianism presents God as acting justly and fairly, for it is their firm belief that God gives all men a chance or opportunity to be saved or forgiven.

But, this is all mere "theory," and does not apply to the actual facts of the case. This is because the Arminian avers that salvation comes only through hearing the gospel. Yet, obviously, many millions, perhaps billions, have died without ever hearing the gospel! Such never had a chance or opportunity to be saved!

The Calvinist (except the Hardshells) sees this as evidence of election, of how God has "favored" some over others. The elect will all hear the gospel. Only non-elect people die in heathenism without hearing the gospel.

But, when the Arminian is called to consider this fact, he is in a "tight spot," or "hot spot," for he has affirmed that salvation is only by the gospel, and faith in it, and yet he also must affirm that millions have died without opportunity to be saved. So, his dilemma. Where then is the validity to the Arminian assertion that "God gives all a chance to be saved"? And, to his assertion that "one must hear the gospel to be saved"?

What do they do when in this "hot spot"? Many will begin to deny that one must hear the gospel to be saved!