How Were People Saved Before Jesus
Today we will talk about how people were saved before Jesus. Many Christians do not know what this means. It’s not only a fascinating topic of study, but it also reveals the heart of God throughout history. Understanding how God interacted with humanity before Christ can help us appreciate the grace we experience today. Be in a mode of meditation as we read through God’s Word and allow it to illuminate our understanding of salvation in different biblical contexts.
Faith as the Basis for Salvation
From the earliest days of mankind, faith has been the key to salvation. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Before the coming of Jesus, individuals were saved through their faith in God’s promises. For example, Abraham’s faith was credited to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:6, Romans 4:3). The Hebrew word for faith, “Emunah,” conveys a sense of trust and reliability. It signifies a firm loyalty to God, which has roots in the character of God Himself.
Salvation before Christ was tied to the assurance of God’s covenant and His plan for humanity. The Old Testament reveals numerous instances where genuine faith led to redemption. Consider Noah, who found grace in God’s eyes (Genesis 6:8), or the Israelites during the Exodus, who were saved through the blood of the Passover lamb (Exodus 12:23). These acts demonstrate that people grasped the gravity of their relationship with God and responded with faith.
In the Old Testament, foretelling prophecies and promises of a coming Messiah (Isaiah 9:6, Micah 5:2) were pivotal for believers who placed their hope and faith in God’s redemptive plan. This hope was not mere wishful thinking but was anchored in the steadfast nature of God. In Romans 4:1-5, the Apostle Paul underscores that faith has always been the means of justification before God, signaling that His grace was being prepared long before Jesus walked the earth.
The Role of the Law
The law, presented through Moses, served as a crucial component in understanding salvation before Christ came. Galatians 3:24 tells us that the law acted as a guardian to lead us to Christ. In Hebrew, “Torah” refers to the commandments and teachings given to guide the people of Israel in their relationship with God. Though the Law could not impart life or righteousness, it made people aware of sin, as demonstrated in Romans 3:20, saying, “for by the law is the knowledge of sin.”
The sacrificial system established under the Law provided an avenue for atonement and forgiveness. Each sacrifice offered in the temple, whether a lamb, goat, or doves, represented the seriousness of sin and the need for reconciliation with God (Leviticus 17:11). This system pointed to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, whose death would fulfill all requirements of the law (Matthew 5:17). Even in these ancient practices, believers experienced a level of salvation through temporary atonement, serving as a foreshadowing of Christ’s redemptive work.
However, the Law was never intended to be the ultimate means of salvation. Psalm 14:2-3 emphasizes that no one is righteous, demonstrating our need for a Savior. Therefore, while the Law served its purpose, it also pointed toward Jesus, the fulfillment of God’s ultimate plan of salvation. The limitations of the Law highlighted the grace that would ultimately be provided through faith in Christ.
Covenantal Relationships
The concept of covenant stands central in God’s plan for salvation throughout history. A covenant is a solemn agreement that establishes a relationship between two parties, and God’s covenants with humanity reveal His desire for a close relationship. The Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 12:1-3) emphasizes faith and promise. God promises to bless Abraham and make him a great nation, showcasing the divine intention to save those who place their trust in Him.
In the Mosaic Covenant, God gives Israel laws and commands to establish righteousness (Exodus 19:5-6). The relationship was dependent on the people’s adherence to these commandments, illustrating the need for obedience in response to divine grace. Throughout Israel’s history, we see that when they remained faithful, they experienced God’s blessing (Deuteronomy 28:1-14), but when they turned away, they faced judgment (Deuteronomy 28:15-68). In this relationship, God provided opportunities for reconciliation whenever His people repented and returned to Him. The prophets continually called Israel back to faithfulness, offering hope of restoration (Jeremiah 31:31-34).
The New Covenant, prophesied in Jeremiah, foreshadowed the coming of Christ and the ultimate fulfillment of salvation (Luke 22:20). Through this covenant, God promised to write His laws on people’s hearts and offer forgiveness through Jesus, thereby replacing the need for animal sacrifices (Hebrews 10:14). Understanding these biblical covenants sheds light on God’s relentless pursuit of humanity and His plan for salvation throughout history.
The Influence of the Sacrificial System
The sacrificial system connected the Old Testament believers to their understanding of sin and redemption. The rituals performed in the tabernacle and later in the temple were not arbitrary; they were ways for individuals to approach a holy God while acknowledging their sinfulness. The symbolism embedded in sacrifices pointed to the seriousness of sin (Hebrews 9:22) and the ultimate sacrifice to come in Christ (1 Peter 1:18-19).
The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) was perhaps the most significant day in the Jewish calendar, where the high priest would offer a goat as a symbolic representation of the sins carried away from the people (Leviticus 16:10). This moment illustrated that while animal sacrifices could atone for sin temporarily, they were a preparatory shadow of what Christ would accomplish permanently through His death (Hebrews 10:1-4). The faith of the people rested on God’s promises that their sins could be covered, reflecting their hope in a future Messianic Redeemer. This sacrificial system established a framework for understanding the weight of sin and the necessity of a sacrifice, preparing God’s people for the fulfillment of His promise in Jesus.
The Impact of Prophecy
The prophetic messages throughout the Old Testament offered hope and direction for salvation long before the birth of Christ. Prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel articulated God’s plan for redemption (Isaiah 53; Jeremiah 31:31-34). In Hebrew, the word for prophet is “navi,” which conveys the idea of being a spokesperson for God, conveying His messages urgently and accurately to His people. Prophets foretold of the coming Messiah (Micah 5:2), who would save not only Israel but all humanity through a new covenant (Isaiah 61:1-3).
Believers of that time looked forward to these prophecies, underscoring that salvation was not confined to their immediate circumstances but pointed toward a broader hope. For instance, Isaiah’s prophecies about a suffering servant resonated deeply with those seeking understanding of their plight and future (Isaiah 53:5). They recognized that God had not abandoned them but was actively working out a plan that included the whole world in His grace. As Jesus later referred to the scriptures, He clarified how these prophecies were ultimately fulfilled in Him (Luke 24:27), linking the hope of salvation to His life and mission.
Testimonies of Belief
The Bible contains a wealth of examples of individuals who were saved because of their belief and faith in God throughout the Old Testament. For example, Rahab, a Canaanite harlot, believed in the God of Israel and was saved during the fall of Jericho (Joshua 2:9-13, Hebrews 11:31). Her faith resulted in not only her own salvation but the salvation of her family. Similar stories abound, showcasing that belief was essential to salvation long before Christ appeared on the scene. David, a man after God’s heart, teaches us in Psalms about repentance and seeking God’s mercy (Psalm 51:1-2). His faith and trust in God’s forgiveness illustrate that the need for salvation was understood and sought earnestly.
In Romans 10:9-10, Paul also emphasizes that if we confess with our mouth and believe in our heart, we will be saved. This remains an eternal truth, illustrating how faith transcends time. The stories of these faithful individuals demonstrate that the principle of believing in God for salvation recurs throughout biblical history. Through faith, ancient believers found redemption, which still serves as an encouragement for us today.
Final Thoughts
In looking at how people were saved before Jesus, we uncover a beautiful tapestry woven throughout Scripture that showcases God’s unchanging love and desire for relationship. It’s clear that faith has always been the cornerstone of salvation, with individuals responding to God’s promises long before the fulfillment found in Jesus. The Law set a standard, exposing sin, while pointing toward grace through a future Messiah. His sacrificial system prepared the way for ultimate atonement, and prophecy brought hope for redemption.
As we reflect on these truths, we see that through agreement in our lives with God’s design, we experience His grace. Our understanding of salvation deepens when we realize that those who lived before Christ were also sustained by faith in God’s redemptive plan. Our journey of faith links us to the ancient believers who also sought the heart of God, demonstrating that salvation is, and always has been, by grace through faith.
Let us rejoice in our salvation through Jesus Christ today, knowing that the foundation for our faith was laid long before, and be inspired by the examples of those who sought God earnestly. Our God is a God of salvation, and His story is one of love, grace, and redemption for all who choose to believe.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4