Salvation is mentioned 109 times in the OT and only 49 times in the NT. Where did OT Saints go at death? This is the abode of the righteous dead in Christ, including the Old Testament saints. Question: Did Abraham and other Old Testament saints go to heaven, or since they lived before the sacrifice of Christ, will they be given a second chance during the Tribulation? This was because Jesus had not yet died for their sins. It’s amazing to think that our souls will be transported up above the heavens of our atmosphere and outer space, and beyond that to the Heaven of heavens in which God the Father and Jesus the Son dwell. If only that were the case. These words are interpreted to mean that all those in the Old Testament, whether believer or unbeliever, went to what may be described as a holding place, which was neither heaven nor hell. If God comes back for the second time for us, are we going to meet this people, or are they no more existing? 20:4-6). While people in the Old Testament were saved by the grace of God when they trusted in Him (saving faith), their sins were not yet washed away (atoned for) by the blood of Jesus. Please support Reasons for Hope* Jesus with a donation of $5, $10, $20, or more. This idea arose in the Middle Ages. And, it had to be pure, sinless blood. (2 Corinthians 5:8) at the time of death. Did the Old Testament saints go to heaven? A donation of any amount is needed and greatly appreciated. This is the resurrection of the dead saints. As defined: The priest shall burn [the sacrifice] upon the altar for a sweet savor unto Jehovah; and the priest shall make atonement for him, and he shall be forgiven. Dr. Philpot says obviously something unique happens in the New Testament when Jesus is raised from the dead and ascends to the Father. All of the Old Testament saints mentioned in Hebrews 11 also looked forward to this city and are there with Him now (Hebrews 11:16). However, the blood of an animal could never fully atone for the sins of man, and the works of man (including sacrificial works) could never fully satisfy God. Why? By and large, the Old Testament is silent about the issue of heaven. Did the Old Testament saints go to Heaven to be with God? I can only imagine what my eyes will see. It is our view that Old Testament believers will be joined to their resurrected bodies at the end of the tribulation period when Jesus returns to earth to set up His millennial kingdom (Isaiah 26:19; Hosea 13:14). Paradise is heaven. …he crowns the humble with salvation (Psalm 149:4). by Shari Abbott, Reasons for Hope* Jesus | May 11, 2015, The full question we received was, “Before Jesus died on the cross and opened the gates of Heaven, where did people go when they died? When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive and He bestowed gifts on men. Old Testament saints went to a place called Abraham’s bosom, which apparently refers to a paradise for Old Testament believers at the time of their death (cf. These early believers listened closely to the words of God as they were revealed by the prophets and the Scripture. Browse more videos. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin (Psalm 32:1-. Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. If true, then the idea of Paradise in hell has absolutely to basis. And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. Why Did the Terrorists Choose 9/11 to Attack? In 2 Corinthians 12:2-4, Paul states that Paradise and Heaven are the same. The Old Testament saints went to paradise or heaven. Saints) relationship with Israel as organic, likening it to tree branches being grafted in but having the same root. Why Old Testament saints didn't go to heaven. Forgiveness and salvation existed before Christ, and are based on what Christ was about to accomplish. © All content on this site is copyrighted. His work, alone, opened the way to the Father in Heaven. Some argue they went directly to Heaven based on Psa. Before the cross, every soul went to the underworld, either hell fire or paradise. So, where did the souls of people forgiven Old Testament saints go when they died?