People before Christ from the Old Testament, are they saved?

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.

montana123

Well-known member
Oct 9, 2021
759
258
63
#21
People who died before the resurection, how will they be saved?
If their sins were covered by the blood of animals they are saved for when Christ shed His blood then their sins were completely washed away.

Moses and Elijah were with Jesus at the transfiguration so they are saved.
 

TMS

Senior Member
Mar 21, 2015
3,590
1,083
113
Australia
#22
People who died before the resurection, how will they be saved?
The same way that those after the resurrection. They looked forward by faith we look backward by faith. They may not have understood the gospel like us but their faith still saved them. You do not need to understand all the details to believe, to have faith or trust in an outcome. They trusted that God would save them.

1Co 15:55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? New testament
In the old testament they believed in a resurrection too.
Psa 49:15 But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah.
Dan 12:2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
Isa 26:19 Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.
 

Blik

Senior Member
Dec 6, 2016
7,312
2,424
113
#23
Never once in the OT does it speak of saints going to heaven, but usually they say they sleep.

In Matthew we are told that when the curtain split when Christ was crucified they woke and walked the streets of Jerusalem. Matthew 27:52-53.

The gospel of John tells us that Christ was from the beginning. In Lev. 17:11 it tells us that it is blood that makes atonement for the soul. We know that blood is Christ's, for no one has ever been saved except through Christ.

The sacrificial system is all about Christ, it is a prophecy of all Christ does for us. We need to study that system to better understand Christ.

In the first chapters of Isaiah it tells how God hates it if blood is shed to feed God as the heathens do for their idols. It is to be shed only for the forgiveness of sin. God then is true to his word, and saints with sin forgiven can live with Him in heaven.
 

Gideon300

Well-known member
Mar 18, 2021
4,951
2,876
113
#24
People who died before the resurection, how will they be saved?
Yes. Because Jesus tasted death for every man. How many people is "every"? Jesus was the Lamb of God before the foundation of the world. Psalm 69:28 refers to the book of life and the righteous. So salvation was available prior to the resurrection.

Salvation is by faith for the OT saints just as it is in the NT. Hebrews 11 makes that clear.
 

Gideon300

Well-known member
Mar 18, 2021
4,951
2,876
113
#25
The people of the old testament were covered under Levitical Law. There were sin offerings given to the Lord to cover their transgressions.

And although it was difficult to follow, I take Father God at His word that these people were made holy through their following of the Law.

I am so grateful that you and I are living on this side of Pentecost, where we are covered by the blood of Jesus Christ, instead. Aren't you?
Not really. Salvation is by faith for the OT saints as much as the NT. Hebrews 11 makes that clear. No one ever kept the Law to God's satisfaction. Only Jesus pleased God by His complete obedience.
 

Webers.Home

Well-known member
May 28, 2018
5,223
982
113
Oregon
cfbac.org
#26
.
I think that folks back in the Old Testament knew a lot more about "the way"
than we give them credit for.

1Pet 1:10-11 . . Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the
grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care,
trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in
them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories
that would follow.

Abel was a prophet (Luke 11:50-51) so I'm pretty sure he is included among
those whom Peter wrote about.

Abraham was a prophet too (Gen 20:7) and Jesus verified that Abraham
knew about him. (John 8:56)

Also, as has already been pointed out in post No.24, Jesus was scheduled to
die for the sins of the world even before the world began (1Pet 1:20) which
is likely why it's legit for Jesus' crucifixion to be retroactive.

Rom 3:25 . . Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in
his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past
_
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
12,759
5,141
113
#27
People who died before the resurection, how will they be saved?
Some of them heard the gospel believed in Jesus also . They heard of Jesus before he came , we hear of Jesus long after he came but it’s the word that was always preached about Jesus the at saves

700 years before Jesus was born they were already hearing about the atonement

“Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.

He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭53:4-6, 9-12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

God was writing his book always

“And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.”
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭13:8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

they were always preaching Christ in the ot in many forms and ways those who believed are saved the same way we are we’re being saved hundreds of years after the gospel because we heard of it and believed they were saved the same way they heard of the gospel and believed

but many were lost as many are now because they don’t believe the word
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
12,759
5,141
113
#29
That is repeated in the New Testament also :)

“And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭27:52-53‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?”
‭‭John‬ ‭11:25-26‬ ‭
 

Magenta

Senior Member
Jul 3, 2015
56,257
26,308
113
#30
“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet
shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.
Believest thou this?” ‭‭John‬ ‭11:25-26‬ ‭

John 11:25-26
:)
 

Lucy-Pevensie

Senior Member
Dec 20, 2017
9,265
5,624
113
#31
Jesus appeared in OT times. His blood works retroactively. Salvation is by faith.

Ephesians 1:4
For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love


Rev 13:8
All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast – all whose names have not been written in the Lamb’s book of life,
the Lamb who was slain from the creation of the world. [
b]

[b]Or written from the creation of the world in the book of life belonging to the Lamb who was slain
 

ResidentAlien

Well-known member
Apr 21, 2021
7,611
3,192
113
#32
People who died before the resurection, how will they be saved?
They're saved in the same way Christians today are—by faith. They will be judged by their faith in God based on the light that was available to them at the time.
 

Roar

Active member
Oct 14, 2021
165
46
28
#33
People who died before the resurection, how will they be saved?
Jesus went to Sheol (the place of the dead for three days before He was resurrected and preached to those there in the "Bosom of Abraham" which refers to the place of comfort in the biblical Sheol. Jesus tore off the gates and led captivity captive when He was resurrected on the third day.

Ephesians 4:8-10
New King James Version


8 Therefore He says:
“When He ascended on high,
He led captivity captive,
And gave gifts to men.”
9 (Now this, “He ascended”—what does it mean but that He also [a]first descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)
 

John146

Senior Member
Jan 13, 2016
16,687
3,545
113
#35
People who died before the resurection, how will they be saved?
A better question might be...

What did those OT saints have to do to make it to Abraham's bosom upon death?
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
12,759
5,141
113
#36
They're saved in the same way Christians today are—by faith. They will be judged by their faith in God based on the light that was available to them at the time.
Amen before and after the time of Moses law have the same light for salvstion through the prophets witnessing Jesus Christ whether New Testament prophets or old
 

brighthouse98

Senior Member
Apr 16, 2015
627
307
63
70
#37
Brother Rhern Do you remember when Jesus died people rose out of there graves?? ( Matt 27:52-53) Now how many?? We do not know, BUT!!! they were called saints!!! Verse52! Since God knows all things those who were lost at this time, meaning they did not believe in Jesus stayed in the ground it appears. We just do not know for sure,but this was interesting that at the moments of Jesus death many saints not only rose!!! But went into the City to show themselves!! Can you imagine a person who died comes up to you to pay you the debt he owns yea?? LOL The question I would ask is how long did they walk alive after they died?? Its wild to me,I wish the scripture would go into more detail about what the dead who came back to life did!! Good question bro!
 

Edify

Well-known member
Jan 27, 2021
1,362
538
113
#38
Matt 19:16And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? 17And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. 18He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, 19Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 20The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? 21Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. 22But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.

Pretty much covers it.
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
12,759
5,141
113
#39
A better question might be...

What did those OT saints have to do to make it to Abraham's bosom upon death?
or even what if Abraham’s fathers ?

like Noah , or even more interesting Enoch ?

“And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years: And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.”
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭5:23-24‬ ‭

By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11:5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

so Jesus explains his doctrine is from before Abraham’s bosom existed

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.

Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death.

Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself?

Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God: Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying.

Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham?

Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.”
‭‭John‬ ‭8:51-58‬ ‭KJV‬‬

where did Enoch go do you think ? it couldnt have been Abraham’s bosom abraham hasn’t been yet born

is it possible Enoch was the first evidence of being translated into Gods heavenly kingdom ?

“Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:”
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭1:13-14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2:6-7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

maybe Enoch was one of the first of these living and coherent folks in heaven

“After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.”
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭7:9-10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

maybe people are being gathered into Gods kingdom all along like Enoch , Noah , Abraham Isaac and Jacob …ect

“Now that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭20:37-38‬ ‭KJV‬‬


we die to , and among one another , but God is a spirit and so are we after our flesh dies to other people we die and part and cease to exist .

but we’re still present and alive before God even closer than ever before to him We can’t see faith with our eyes now but when we part the blinded flesh we will see in truth and know in full and be known fully
 

Blik

Senior Member
Dec 6, 2016
7,312
2,424
113
#40
A better question might be...

What did those OT saints have to do to make it to Abraham's bosom upon death?
God is eternal, what is true of God in the OT is true of God in the NT. Their sins had to be forgiven.

In the OT and in the NT, sins can only be forgiven through Christ. Through sacrifice that was a prophecy of Christ they were in "Abraham's bosom", it was made complete and perfect when Christ was crucified.

Now, they are to go to Christ. Before, the temple was most important for their forgiveness, when Christ came the temple was taken away from them, they are to go to Christ. Christ fulfilled the prophecy.