[stephanos]

Originally Posted by Luke

Gophgetter, you make a fundamental mistake

No Old Testament Saint had security because no Old Testament Saint was BOUGHT BY THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB.

It was not yet shed for them.

Old Testament Saints kept the Law. If they broke the Law, they sacrificed with a repentant heart(which was part of the Law). If they did not sacrifice, they had no covering for sin, and went to hell. If they did, and died covered by a sin COVERING, they died and went to Abraham's Bosom.

Then Jesus died on the cross, descended to the lower parts of the earth, and led captivity captive, and took paradise (Abraham's Bosom) up to Heaven.

No Old Testament Saint was washed in the blood of Jesus Christ until Jesus Christ died for them.

And the Israelites wanted this (Exodus 9 - They could have plead for continued grace that was given to Abraham, but instead, they said "We will do all that you command").

Man, this is good stuff here Luke. You know, I never understood this subject much. I've just read that it's also known as Harrowing of Hell. There is so much that goes on outside of our perception. However, I don't think sacrifice was required for their salvation. You'd have to show me explicitly with the Word where it is clear that this is so. I know that there are scriptures that state that the blood of sacrificial animals could never take away sins.

Hebrews 10:1-6 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.

I think it was faith that brought the OT saints into this place we call Abraham's Bosom. And it was their faith that God would redeem them that brought them there. Their obedience to Torah was just a result of that faith, since God was so very clear in his requirements, that it would truly take a reprobate mind to disregard the will of God for Israel in those times. I thank my God that He has raised his standards of those that fear Him (some people think we have an easy covenant, which indeed is true in regards to entering into that covenant, however the truth is that God has raised His standards for His people).

Anywho, thanks for giving me something to think about.

Much Love in Christ Jesus,
Stephen