Old Testament Salvation

For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteous (Romans 4:3).

As an older child, I often wondered how people in the Old Testament were able to go to heaven since Jesus hadn't yet come to earth and died on the cross. Genesis 15:6 gives us a clue in talking about Abraham. "And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness." Some have interpreted this to mean Abraham's great faith got him into heaven. This is only partially true.

Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness (Galatians 3:6).

There is nothing that Abraham could have done to earn his salvation or get himself into heaven. This is why it was necessary for Jesus to die on the cross for our sins. No matter how good we tried to be, we were unable to meet God's perfect standards. However, God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. God bestowed His grace on men of faith like Abraham, took favor with them, and allowed their faith to count as righteous. It wasn't that their faith was enough but that God's grace was. Just like today, salvation was a free gift from God and there's nothing we can do to earn it.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: It is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast (Ephesians 2:8-9).

However, this is the greatest gift you'll ever receive, and all you have to do is ask Christ into your life and believe. But this has to be heartfelt and sincere. When you belong to Christ, He will change your life, and you must let Him - want Him to.

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