The concept of God's forgiveness and the fate of non-believers vary among different religious beliefs and philosophical perspectives. I'll provide a general overview of how some major religious traditions address these questions, but please note that interpretations and beliefs can differ significantly within each faith.
Christianity: In Christianity, forgiveness is considered a central aspect of God's nature. The belief is that God is willing to forgive anyone who genuinely repents for their sins, regardless of their belief status. This means that even non-believers can be forgiven if they seek repentance and turn towards God. However, some Christian denominations hold that accepting Jesus Christ as one's savior is necessary for salvation and eternal life in Heaven. Therefore, they believe that belief in Jesus does make a difference in the afterlife.
Islam: In Islam, Allah is seen as the All-Merciful and All-Forgiving. Muslims believe that Allah can forgive anyone who genuinely repents and seeks forgiveness, irrespective of their faith background. However, Islam emphasizes the importance of belief in the Oneness of Allah (Tawhid) and the prophethood of Muhammad. For Muslims, faith in Allah and righteous deeds are seen as essential for attaining Paradise in the afterlife.
Judaism: In Judaism, God's forgiveness is also emphasized, and repentance (teshuvah) plays a significant role. Jewish teachings state that God forgives those who sincerely repent for their sins and seek to make amends. Belief in God is central to Judaism, but the emphasis is more on actions and following God's commandments.
Other Religions: Different religions have their own beliefs regarding forgiveness and the afterlife. Many religious traditions stress the importance of living a moral and ethical life, and God's forgiveness may be extended to those who strive to lead virtuous lives.
Secular and Atheistic Perspectives: From a secular or atheistic perspective, the concept of God's forgiveness is not applicable, as it is rooted in religious beliefs. The afterlife, too, is seen differently, depending on one's philosophical outlook. Some atheists or agnostics may believe in an afterlife based on secular reasoning, while others may not.
Ultimately, the beliefs regarding God's forgiveness and the significance of belief in the afterlife vary widely among different religious traditions and individual perspectives. Each religion has its own theological doctrines and teachings, and followers within each tradition may interpret these beliefs differently.