Where Did Old Testament Believers Go After Death?

Were You Today Years Old When You Found This Out?

How many times have you heard someone say, “I was today years old when I found out…”? Usually, it’s after learning a fun tip or trick. Once, I posted a video on how I cut an onion, and someone commented with that very phrase! It made me laugh because earlier, I said the same thing to my sister after a conversation that completely changed my perspective on something important.

This time, it wasn’t about onions or life hacks—it was about the Bible.

Faith Before Jesus: A Question I Had Never Asked

When I think about religious figures in the Bible, my mind immediately goes to people like Peter, Paul, and Mary Magdalene. They were fortunate enough to know Jesus personally, to walk with Him, learn from Him, and witness His miracles.

But what about the faithful who came before Jesus—like Abraham, Moses, and David? These heroes of faith believed in the coming Messiah without ever meeting Him face to face. They didn’t see His miracles or hear His sermons, yet they believed. So, where did Old Testament believers go after death?

We know that Jesus was sent by God as the ultimate sacrifice to save us from our sins. Through His death and resurrection, we now have the gift of salvation and the promise of eternal life in Heaven.

But what about the faithful people who died before Jesus’ sacrifice? Where did they go?

Abraham’s Bosom: A Place of Waiting

I had never really considered this before my sister and I talked. I always assumed the faithful were with God, but until Jesus’ work on the cross was complete, the path to Heaven wasn’t yet open.

This brings us to a fascinating passage in Luke:

Luke 16:19-23 (NIV)
¹⁹ “There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day. ²⁰ But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, ²¹ desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. ²² So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. ²³ And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

Here we see that Lazarus, the faithful beggar, was carried to Abraham’s bosom—a place of comfort and peace. Meanwhile, the rich man found himself in torment, separated by a great chasm that no one could cross.

Abraham’s bosom wasn’t Heaven itself, but it also wasn’t a place of suffering. It was a temporary holding place for believers—waiting for the Messiah to come.

The Beautiful Moment After the Cross

Here’s the part that truly amazed me: After Jesus’ death, He descended into the lower parts of the earth to set the captives free.

Ephesians 4:8-10 (NIV)
⁸ Therefore He says: ⁹ (Now this, “He ascended”—what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? ¹⁰ He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)

Biblical scholars explain that Jesus went to Abraham’s bosom, gathered those faithful believers who had been waiting, and ushered them into Heaven. Can you imagine the joy? Abraham, Moses, David, and countless others finally standing face-to-face with the Savior they had trusted in for so long.

Hope for Us Today

Were you today years old when you learned this too? You’re not alone if you were. It’s a beautiful reminder that God’s plan has always been perfect.

The Old Testament faithful looked forward to the coming of Christ. We get the blessing of looking back and knowing He came—and we also get to look forward again, because He’s coming back!

Lamentations 3:24 (NIV)
²⁴ I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;
    therefore I will wait for him.”

Are You Ready for His Return?

One day, we’ll sit beside those who waited and those who believed, all worshiping the same Savior. What a glorious day that will be!

To God Goes The Glory!

Have A Blessed Day!

Let’s End With a Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your perfect plan of salvation. Thank You for sending Your Son to rescue not just those who came after, but also those who trusted You long before the cross. Strengthen my faith to believe even when I cannot see. Help me to live with expectant hope, eagerly awaiting the day when I will see You face-to-face. Until then, may my life glorify You in everything I do.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.