What happened to the people who died before Jesus died on the cross and forgave our sins? The first Messianic [Having to do with the Messiah] prophecy is recorded at Genesis 3:15. The moment Jehovah uttered that prophecy, however, the ransom price was as good as paid from his viewpoint, for nothing can prevent God from fulfilling what he purposes. So on the basis of the future sacrifice of Jesus Christ, Jehovah could forgive the sins of descendants of Adam who exercised faith in that promise. (Romans 3:24-25) "and it is as a free gift that they are being declared righteous by his undeserved kindness through the release by the ransom [paid] by Christ Jesus. 25 God set him forth as an offering for propitiation through faith in his blood. This was in order to exhibit his own righteousness, because he was forgiving the sins that occurred in the past while God was exercising forbearance" Here is what the bible answers-- When Job was suffering he prayed to die, this is what he said to God-- Job 14:13, Who will grant me this, that thou mayst protect me in (the grave)... and appoint me a time when thou wilt remember me? Among those who through faith and patience will inherit the promises is the God-fearing patriarch Abraham. (Hebrews 6:11,?12)Isaac and Jacob were heirs of the very same promise. However, in faith all these died, although they did not get the fulfillment of the promises. Accordingly, God has made a city