Judgment for Old Testament people

Their souls went to heaven or hell. When a person’s life on earth comes to an end, the body and soul separate (Ecclesiastes 12:7) and judgment takes place (Hebrews 9:27). That has always been the case, without regard to the time of Jesus’ earthly life and ministry.

Recall that there were people in hell when Jesus descended into hell to proclaim his victory over sin, death and hell (1 Peter 3:18-20). Additionally, think of Elijah’s glorious entrance to heaven when his life on earth came to an end (2 Kings 2). Finally, Hebrews 11 describes the Old Testament “heroes of faith” as enjoying their heavenly home.