Will the humans born before Jesus be damned forever?

Question

Jesus came to earth and sacrificed himself for humans about 2000 years ago. What of the humans, the creatures that existed eons before he came to earth? Will they be damned forever in the fires of hell too, along with those who don't accept Jesus as a saviour?
There are great Biblical characters, Moses, Abraham, Solomon, David.... (I know that last two were kings, and in course of their kingly duties or for the safety of their thrones committed many a sin, inlcuding slaying a brother), will they also spend an eternity in hell?
There have been and are and will be so many good men who may not have been/not are/will not be Christians (Catholic? to be a little more precise), will they also burn forever in the fires of hell?
So does goodness have no value in the eyes of Jesus unless the do-gooder embraces him/his faith?
I don't wish to hurt, or antagonise anyone or any faith, it's just a Q, a thought like your own thoughts, a logical clarification anyone?

Answer 1

The aim of every religion is to make things easier for it's adherents, so that they live a peaceful and good life.

Religion is a way of life. Don't try and find holes in any religion. Respect all religions.

Try and understand the meaning behind it and then maybe things will be easier in life for all.

I am not a Christian.

Life's Lovely! Love & Live Life

Answer 2

The gates of Heaven were closed to mankind until the sacrificial lamb (Jesus Christ) was crucified. Scripture tells us tombs were opened up at that moment. This refers to those who had lived virtuous lives entered Heaven. Their souls remained in a state of Limbo. Not in Heaven, Hell, or Purgatory. In the physical world we have various levels in which life exists. Is it to hard to perceive and comprehend that the spiritual world has similar levels for the spiritual world?

The Catechism of the Catholic Church recognizes a person's knowledge and cultural upbringing influence his actions. God in his infinite knowledge knows a person's heart and level of sincerity. Even the pope goes to confession so, please realize the Catholic Church recognizes the humanity in everyone including Jesus who has two natures: human and divine.

Every person has an obligation to pursue the truth and knowledge of the Creator who made all creatures and creation. I can also demonstrate we are not just created in the image of God, but in the image of the Holy Trinity if this would help your understanding that Jesus Christ is man and God. Take care.

Answer 3

Clearly, the Jewish people are out of luck, because no one was without sin before Jesus (not that I blame the, because that Old Testament had some harsh laws to follow). I think your best bet would be if you were a pagan and you had never heard of God, because then you are judged seperately I think; unless, it being written on their hearts counts? Certainly, the Egyptians were totally screwed, because they had heard the Word, but they had not followed the law and to make it even worse, God whacked a lot of them personally.

I'll be honest. If you lived pre-Jesus, I think you are scr*wed. On the other hand, some of those old boys had a lot of fun from what I've read.

Answer 4

GOD gave the Old Testament to Man, then changed it to the New Testament.
Haven't read much about what HE did to Save those befor these Contracts for Salvation.
But GOD is Mercyful.
In Heaven we will Know and Understand a Whole Lot More.

Answer 5

Of course not. The OT sanctuary service was instituted in eden when an animal was slain to make clothing for Adam and Eve. Later Cain slew Abel because Cain's sacrifice of vegetables was not accepted by God and Abel's lamb was accepted. Those who lived in OT times looked forward in faith to the cross which was typified by the lamb without blemish that was slain during the sanctuary service. The lamb represented Christ, but as Hebrews states, the blood of goats and lambs could not take away sin. There needed to be a greater sacrifice, namely the blood of Jesus, the perfect lamb of God.

Now that the lamb of God has come, we look back to the cross with faith in the forgiveness of sins the same way as the sacrificial system caused those living in OT times to look forward to the cross for forgiveness of sins.

Daniel is told that he will stand in that day:

But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days. Daniel 12:13

So we can be confident that those in the OT will be justified in exactly the same way as we are justified, by the perfect blood of Jesus Christ in our stead.

Answer 6

In The Apostles Creed it says....He descended into Hell. On the third day he arose from the dead.

According to Catholic doctrine, during Jesus' three days in Hell, he redeemed the souls that were sent there and sent the up to heaven.

Answer 7

As Paul wrote of God’s grace, “This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.”

10For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. 2They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. 3They all ate the same spiritual food 4and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. (1 Cor 10)

And as Jesus said to those who claimed Abraham as their father...

"If you were Abraham’s children," said Jesus, "then you would 40do the things Abraham did. As it is, you are determined to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do such things.
41You are doing the things your own father does." "We are not illegitimate children," they protested. "The only Father we have is God himself."
42Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me.…
52…the Jews exclaimed, "Now we know that you are demon-possessed! Abraham died and so did the prophets, yet you say that if anyone keeps your word, he will never taste death. 53Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are?"
54Jesus replied, "If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me. 55Though you do not know him, I know him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and keep his word.
56Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad."
57"You are not yet fifty years old," the Jews said to him, "and you have seen Abraham!"
58"I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am!" (Jn 8)

And again..."45"But do not think I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, on whom your hopes are set. 46If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me. 47But since you do not believe what he wrote, how are you going to believe what I say?" (Jn 5)

Answer 8

Not according to islam