Lesson 25

Some believe the immortal souls of the faithful who died before the crucifixion of Jesus, went to heaven as soon as their physical bodies died. They may cite the example of how Abraham’s faith was counted for righteousness by God.

Genesis 15:6 King James Version

6 And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.

Romans 4:9, 22. New King James Version. Abraham Justified Before Circumcision

9 Does this blessedness then come upon the circumcised only, or upon the uncircumcised also? For we say that faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness.

22 And therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness.”

Galatians 3:6 New King James Version

6 just as Abraham “believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.”

James 2:23 New King James Version

23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God.

We should see what the Bible has to tell us. The Bible describes faith and the faithful waiting. It tells how all the followers of God will receive the promised city and perfection at the same time, at the same climatic end time event. Does ‘accounted to him for righteousness’ mean his sins were forgiven, he gained immortality and went to heaven? Does salvation come solely through Jesus? Could salvation be gained before the sacrifice of Jesus? If so, why did Jesus have to be crucified?

Hebrews 11:1-40 New King James Version. By Faith We Understand.

1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 

2 For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.

3 By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible…

10 for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God…

16 But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them…

39 And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, 40 God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.