what about moses or noah or joshua who were prophets of god and had no knowledge of jesus? did they go to hell because they didnt know about jesus? and if they did go to hell then what about all those other people around the world and through history who never knew jesus? not meant to be mean its just a question i really want to know.
2007-02-22 14:58:48 · 24 answers · asked by god_of_the_accursed 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Christianity did not come about until after the death of Jesus. Jesus set the rules for access into heaven. Before that God's words through the prophets gave access.
2007-02-22 15:03:49 · answer #1 · answered by PhosRik 3 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Everyone stands condemned because of sin, regardless of the age or the place we live in. The Gospel message is that God has chosen some from every nation, tribe, language, and people to demonstrate his mercy to through the hearing of the message and their faith in the worthiness of the sacrifice.
Regarding the Old Testament believers, they are saved the same way that believers are today, by grace through faith in God's mercy. They did not have the benefit that we have today of looking back on history and reading the eyewitness testimony; their faith was in a predicted, but unseen, future plan of redemption.
Now in this age, God is gathering the people from every nation, tribe, language, and people for the glory of Christ. For Christ to be the center of worship, the message must be clear about His sacrifice and victory over death.
The theology is deep and great thinkers have wrestled out volumes on the subject, but the Bible is clear. No one in the present age can escape the flames of hell without hearing the Gospel message and repenting of their sins and placing their faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
So the real question is... what are you going to do about your sin problem since you know that God has provided a way for you to receive His mercy?
2007-02-22 23:41:55 · answer #2 · answered by tj 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think you missed the most important patriarch, Abraham. And that his faith was credited to him as righteousness.
There are a lot of good answers here, but I want to add.
John 5:39-40.
"You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life."
The Old Testament Prophets testified to Jesus Christ. I think the Transfiguration is proof of that, Moses and Elijah obviously represent the Law and the Prophets.
The other verse I want to point out, is Habakkuk 2:4
"See, he is puffed up; his desires are not upright— but the righteous will live by his faith."
2007-02-23 11:44:16 · answer #3 · answered by Martin Chemnitz 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Inthe Judgment, we are told the Books will be opened and all will be judged according to those Books. Those who lived prior to the New Testament times will be judged from the Old Testament. GOD will send Jesus to be HIS JUDGE. HE will make the ultimate decision on each and every person that is to be judged. I do not have the answer to anything else other than we know that we have a fair and honest FATHER and HIS SON will be no different. HE came to earth, was tortured, and brutally murdered for our sins. HE was sinless even though HE was tempted by satan. Those who were unable to have an opportunity to read, study, learn about Jesus will likely be judged differently than those who refused to do so when they were afforded the opportunity to do so. Have a great weekend and a wonderful Lord's Day.
Eds
2007-02-22 23:11:19 · answer #4 · answered by Eds 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Your question is answered in Hebrews chapter 11. It list Noah, Moses, and the other prophets as be among those who are saved in going to heaven because they believed that Jesus was COMING.
Moses showed it in the Passover, the sin sacrifices, and other rituals he brought to the Jews. He all looked ahead to Jesus and were saved by that faith.
Noah built his ark in faith that God would provide salvation. He looked ahead to Jesus and was saved by that faith.
The prophets wrote about Jesus, giving hundreds of details about his life centuries before his birth. The Gospel of Matthew list 90 of them that Jesus fulfilled. More are listed in other NT books. They all looked ahead to Jesus, and were saved by that faith.
2007-02-22 23:09:06 · answer #5 · answered by dewcoons 7 · 3⤊ 2⤋
Whether New Testament or Old Testament the way of salvation is obtained through faith. We read that Abraham, Noah, David, Samson were all men who obtained the promise through faith.
Please read Hebrews 11.
Romans 3:28 "Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law."
Ephesians 2:8 "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,"
2007-02-22 23:13:38 · answer #6 · answered by Archangel 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Ask God. He knows.
Honestly, I've never been to Hell, and I haven't gotten to Heaven yet, so I can't tell you who ended up where, except that Jesus is seated at the right-hand of God in glory. Can you imagine that?
I don't think it's too important to focus on where people in history may have ended up.
What is important?
Where are you going when you die?
Where are your friends going when they die?
2007-02-22 23:08:32 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
All those in the Old Testament were under a different covenant, In the New Testament, Jesus is revealed as the saviour and we know that he is the only sacrafice for our sins.
The New Testament is for now and if we reject the sacrafice of Jesus on the cross for our sins then we are lost forever. It is either through Jesus or not at all.
I am the way, the truth and the life, no man comes to the father but by me.
2007-02-22 23:01:48 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 4⤋
People don't go to hell for not knowing Jesus. Many people and kids die before they have the chance. The problem arises when they do KNOW about Jesus, but still REJECT Him. I used to have the same question when I was little. I am not sure that this is the correct answer, as I have not sought it (shame on me), but at least this is what I believe so far. I also agree with the person who said that thos who do not know Him will be judged according to the life they led.
2007-02-22 23:05:25 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 4⤋
Prior to Jesus the Jews lived by Mosaic law and were saved under it, prior to the Mosaic law it was more of a personal awareness or direct following. But, now that Jesus has come there is but one way.
I also know of those that believe that Jesus blood flowed backwards and forwards to reach all those that believed. As for those that have never heard of the word. I believe they will be held accountable as God sees fit with what he revealed to them in Spirit.
2007-02-22 23:08:16 · answer #10 · answered by crimthann69 6 · 0⤊ 3⤋