God of Mercy and Judgement

I have recently been having this dialog with a genuine seeker. This is not an argument designed just for the sake of argument, but someone who is really struggling with this issue.

I am interested in anyone's perspective on the following:

God is a God of judgement and mercy.
He judges sin and some say that means he is the one then "sending" people to hell.
He provides redemption from sin through Christ on the cross.
But since He truly wants everyone to be saved (9 The Lord does not delay His promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9)
why is there the possibility that some may never hear and thus die condemned?

One example of these people might be people who lived somewhere else in the world at the time of the crucifixion. It seems logically impossible that the message of Jesus would reach them.


I have some thoughts about this, but was curious if others want to chime in...