How the Old Testament people were saved
Old Testament Faith
===
Just as Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness, so then, understand that those who believe are the sons of Abraham.
Galatians 3:6-7 (NET)
===
I hear this question from time to time:
How did people in the Old Testament get saved?
This verse gives us the answer.
In short, they had faith in God.
Which, if you’re paying attention, is exactly the same requirements that we have today. The difference is the moment in time in relation to the ultimate sacrifice that covers our sins.
They believed God before the cross, we believe God after.
While “believe” is an accurate translation, it doesn’t always convey the strength of this belief.
This is a sort of personal soap box, but often when the Bible is using the word we translate as believe in this context it’s really closer to the word faith.
Except in English faith is a noun, not a verb. We cannot “faith” in God, we believe in Him.
Yet this is a different belief than agreeing that He exists (which even the demons do but that cannot save them).
I wish we could translate this as “Abraham faithed God…”
Oh well, such is the limitations of our language.
Regardless, this is the basis for which people are saved: The Old Testament people believed God would eventually bring about means to cover their sin and trusted God in faith. Likewise, we believe God did bring about the means to cover our sin and trust God in faith.
It’s the same God, same means of salvation.
Which, of course, is Christ Jesus.
— Ricky Ketchum
Copyright © 2026 by Ricky Ketchum. All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication prohibited.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NET) are from the NET Bible® copyright ©1996, 2019 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from the ESV®Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (NKJV) are from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.