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.
I did not know this either! I wonder what it was like? Did they still have sorrow and sin while in there before Jesus came and ushered them to heaven or were they even “awake” whole waiting. So so many questions on that
Wow, I learned this today, had never heard of Abraham’s bosom. Wonderful teaching!
☺️
There is always something new to learn when it comes to God’s Word. The closer we draw near to Him, the more He reveals.
I appreciate so much your Sunday messages. Thank you for sharing what God has revealed to you.
I’m glad you enjoy my Sunday posts.
I was today years old…… thank you for this post and your testimony! God is good!
It’s ironic you wrote about this today. Just last week, my husband, who pastors a small church, preached about that very thing. He called the sermon, “Jesus Went to Hell and Back for You.” It was a fairly new teaching to me too!
That is crazy!!!
Dear Tania…I WAS TODAYS YEAR OLD WHEN I HEARD THIS!!! Until today I had always wondered, too!! Thank you ever so much for your wonderful & insightful explanation!! Wow! I’m 80 years old & so thankful for your fashion posts & your Sunday blessings💖
I loved reading! Thank you for sharing!
amen
Beautiful message Tania! Thank you for blessing us on Sundays!
Thank you for this thought-provoking clip-I never really thought about your question today!❤️
🥰 thank you so much for your Sunday posts! I wait to read them and yes learned something new today. Something I don’t think I ever considered before! Have a blessed week. Keep doing what you do and being faithful ✝️
This was a great lesson. Thanks for sharing this. I’m so looking forward to meeting Jesus one day. Also to see those in my family who have gone before me. Have a blessed week Tania.
That will be a joyous day!
I love your Sunday messages, Tania! You make me think. Love you and Joe and your adorable dog.
I have wondered that very thing before……………..what happened to all those who died prior to Jesus?
Thank you
Like u never I thought much about before the Messiah came how interesting
Wow. Like u and hopefully many others reading your page r too (waiting for Gods return )
Thank you
Thank you for sharing this! It goes hand in hand with what we discussed this morning at church. God is good.
Thank you for sharing. I always look forward to reading your Sunday posts.
Believe it or not I have never heard that expression, so I WAS TODAY YEARS OLD WHEN I LEARNED IT🙂. I like all of your insight into fashion but I am always happy when people like you are never afraid to live their faith. You also come through with your promises to give away Amazon gift cards and I can attest to it because I am this weeks winner. Thank you Tania
Congratulations! I hope you find something fun to buy.
I was today’s years old when I learned this. Thanks for the inspiration to dig deeper.
Have a blessed week.
Thank you for sharing this private conversation with your sister. It was very interesting ❤️ God’s plan was always perfect!! Have a beautiful Sunday!!
I really enjoy your fashion tips but am especially thankful for your witness about our precious Lord!
I also love the Bible verses each.
Amen and Amen!!
I have so often dwelled on the believers before Jesus like David and all the patriarchs. This has always been my understanding. I love knowing that Jesus ascended to redeem the faithful who waited so long for their redemption!
WOW!
I never heard of this before!
Just beautiful! God is good!!
Thanks Tania!
A great message! I once heard a pastor say that Jesus also passed through hell dropping off all of our sins He had carried on the cross. He may been speaking figuratively, but I love that image! To God be the glory!! Have a blessed Sabbath 🙌
Thanks
wonderful prayer to start the week thank you for your Sunday messages!
Beautiful message today. You presented this so well. Your Sunday posts are such a blessing. Thank you Tania!
I’m glad you enjoy these posts.
I can hardly wait to see Him. The Savior of my soul.
Thank you for the reminder, Tania, and we give thanks to Our Lord Jesus for our salvation.
I had never considered this! Thank you for sharing today. Blessings to you, Tania!
My b-i-l and I have talked at length about the old church hymns and the modern worship music 🎶
I view the new music and praise as rehearsal for casting my hallelujah and my crown at his feet!
I am excited for His eminent return to take the rest of His believers home!
Thank you, Tania, for spreading the good Word!
So true! Once you start seeking the Lord, who knows where He will take you!
Solid teaching! 🙂 What an encouragement for this morning!
What a beautiful way to start
The day
You answered many questions
About Moses and his followers
Thank you
Have a blessed Sunday with your
Family
I’m glad you found the blog to be helpful.
I’ve also been studying this recently. I’ve been a Christian for many years and was never really taught this concept. You did a great job breaking it down.
Thank you, Kristin.
Thank you for this inspired message this morning. It answered the question I have had for a very long time. So I was today years old when I found out! Thanks be to God and His servants who follow His lead.
Hello! Thank you for this explanation and the scriptures where you found it! This was so helpful to me!
Thank you!
😀great message!
Thank you for that message today, I needed that! Have a blessed day!
Powerful lesson. Thank you!
I always look forward to your Sunday thoughts. Thank you. The older I get, the more I learn when I am “today years old”.
Thank you Tania love your Sunday messages! Have a blessed day.
Titus 2:13
That is a wonderful scripture.