“I know people who have not obeyed the Gospel. But they have the Spirit as shown by His fruit in their lives. Are they saved?” The answer must reflect James 4:12, “There is only one Lawgiver and Judge.” We are not God! We are not the Judge to determine final outcomes. Equally, nor are we the Lawgiver to change His clearest teachings. The Lawgiver and Judge already decrees judgment against “those who do not obey the Gospel of our Lord Jesus” (2 Thessalonians 1:8 cf. 1 Peter 4:17).
As to “fruit,” Cornelius was devout, generous, prayerful and humble, but he still needed to be saved (Acts 11:14). Some “are not far from the kingdom” (Mark 12:34). Like sincere Apollos and others, they still need accurate teaching (Acts 18:24-26; 19:1-5). In all situations, we treat others as we would want to be treated (Matthew 7:12). But, in trying to improve relationships with the best good will, we do them no favors by changing the Gospel’s truths and its required responses. Temporarily, we may make them and ourselves feel more comfortable. But God’s decree still stands. And changing the Gospel always misleads, always divides, and always results in “anathema”— the curse of God (Galatians 1:8-9).