his death on the cross opening up the path to heaven, how did people get to heaven prior to Jesus' existence on earth?
Was it by looking forward in time to his arrival? If so, would other religions that have the concept of a sacrificed child of God provide an avenue to heaven? What about Jews who did believe the son of God was coming, but weren't convinced it was Jesus - wouldn't this give an unfair advantage to Jews living prior to Christ?
Was it based on a different criteria? If so, could that criteria change again?
This is a sincere question. Thanks, and please no mean-spirited dialogue. I haven't had coffee yet today.
2007-09-27 06:14:27 · 21 answers · asked by Goldmind 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Your answers are fascinating. Thank you for taking the time to give me your thoughts on this!
2007-09-27 06:23:47 · update #1
I'm unqualified to judge the relative merit of these answers, so I'm using the vote feature. I've read each one. Thanks again.
2007-09-27 17:47:08 · update #2
Before Christ came, people were judged by the Law.
All those souls who were faithful to God through the Law were raised when Jesus Christ was raised.
We however, are saved by grace apart from the Law.
Thank God.........
2007-09-27 06:17:45 · answer #1 · answered by primoa1970 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
You just asked a deep question!!! I don't know that anybody knows for certain what the answer is but many may have opinions and assumptions. There are some who believe that dead people are in a "purgatory" where Christ was preached to the souls who chose to accept or not. Others believe they were judged based on other criteria (the LAW, their lives, etc). Still others think they have not yet been judged but will report on judgment day and will be accountable to whatever standard they had during their life. In the end, nobody will be able to provide you the REAL answer other than God. And even when you meet God you may not know. So I would argue that while it is good to discuss these things, it is much better to discuss what affects us today and that is our current relationship with God. Sorry this was probably more confusing then helpful... Be blessed.
2007-09-27 06:24:41 · answer #2 · answered by Cool Dad 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good question... important question...
I think the "criteria" as it were has never changed. It is just that when Jesus arrived, people had a human representative for God, a symbol of His Fatherly Love. Jesus actually brought the message "again" - the message from the 10 Commandments to Love God & Love your neighbor.
So, before Jesus, if you accepted God & lived according to those rules, then you go to "heaven".
Before written history? Who knows.
2007-09-27 06:23:59 · answer #3 · answered by CoronaGirl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jewish salvation will come eventually. For now it's stalled. Jews born and dead before Jesus would go to heaven, because like Abraham they believed in God on faith and lived under a different covenant. Like God promised Daniel that he would ressurect him, so too would the rest of the righteous Jews.
2007-09-27 06:19:29 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am sure you heard of the Law, you can read about it is deuteronomy and leviticus. The law had only one purpose, to prove that your heart was in the right place. If you obeyed God law than you could prove your heart was in the right place. After you died you went to a paradise where you waited for Jesus to die and wash away your sins before you could go to heaven. That doesn't happen anymore because Jesus died and washed away the sins of the believers.
2007-09-27 06:21:58 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jesus died for all sins past and present.
Though sins are atoned for to those who lived by faith. Hebrews 12 mentions several of those who lived by faith in the Old Testament.
If you are saved you are God's treasured possesion.
The way that you become God's treasured possession has changed. First it was through law. (s. Exd 19:5 & following) then it was through Christ. (s. Ephesians 2:11-14)
2007-09-27 06:22:23 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Before his death, "paradise" the holding place of the righteous dead....they were looking gor him, but to save them from Roman rule, so, it threw them when he came preaching good things and doing stuff with power...no..other religions have never had a "resurection of a sacrifice for sins" there were believing jews at the time, but, since they were the ones who crucified him, what opened up, was "salvation for the nations" (us) for salvation was only for the jews at the time. they had a "priesthood..set up by god, delivered by moses..OT..It really is good stuff...oh yea, i know a lot more too..would be glad to answer you also...really...hope this has helped..
2007-09-27 06:30:26 · answer #7 · answered by Mr. "Diamond" 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
To be stored Jesus could be your "Lord and Savior". Lord ability doing what he says, and he suggested obey his Father God. Phineas Parkhurst Quimby the mentor of Mary Baker Eddy the founding father of "Christian technology", ought to heal, yet did no longer have self assurance Jesus became the Son of God. once you're saying Jesus is your Lord you're able to intend it and tutor it by way of your movements.
2016-10-05 11:03:52 · answer #8 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
prior to YESHUA one sacrificed an animal/bird during
holy days for the redemption of sin.
when YESHUA was crucified that changed.( no other
laws changed). now we have YESHUA'S shed blood
for our redemption. and HE welcomed all people not
just the Jews. before then only Jews knew or followed
the true GOD/ADONAI.
Noah told people about ADONAI but they refused to
believe.
2007-09-27 06:24:49 · answer #9 · answered by Judy E. T 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't have a Bible handy right now but look for the verse where it says Jesus preached to the spirits in prison. It is basically believed that while Jesus' physical body was dead He went to the people who died before Him and who were basically in a holding place and preached to them. Those who accepted Him went to Heaven. Those who did not went to Hell.
2007-09-27 06:19:59 · answer #10 · answered by Bible warrior 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Ecc..12:7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.
2007-09-27 06:18:10 · answer #11 · answered by Royal Racer Hell=Grave © 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋