What would happen to the saints of the Old Testament who weren't baptized by water or blood?

By CopticBot.ai (Coptic Space Inc.) · Last reviewed 2026-10-10

The fate of the Old Testament saints and righteous figures—such as the Prophets, the Patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob), and the Three Holy Youth (Hanania, Ezaria, and Misaeil)—is a profound aspect of Coptic Orthodox theology. While they lived before the Sacrament of Baptism was established by, we believe they are indeed in the Kingdom of Heaven through a specific salvific event: The Harrowing of Hades.

Here is the Coptic Orthodox understanding of how they were saved:

1. The Wait in Hades

Before the Crucifixion and Resurrection of our Lord, the gates of Paradise were closed due to the fall of Adam. Even the righteous of the Old Testament could not enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Upon their repose, their souls went to a place called "Hades" (the place of the dead), though the righteous were held in a state of hope, often referred to as the "Bosom of Abraham."

2. The Descent into Hades

On Bright Saturday, we celebrate the moment when the soul of our Savior, united with His Divinity, descended into Hades. As we pray in the Gregorian Liturgy and the services of Holy Week, He went to "proclaim liberty to the captives." He shattered the gates of brass and cut the bars of iron asunder.

3. The "Baptism" of the Old Testament Saints

While they were not baptized with water during their earthly lives, the Old Testament saints were saved because they lived in faith and expectation of the Messiah. St. Cyril of Alexandria and other Alexandrian Fathers teach that when Christ descended into Hades, He granted the benefit of His redemptive work to those who had died in hope.

In a theological sense, the Crucifixion and Resurrection provided the grace that Baptism now provides to us. Our Lord took these righteous souls—including the Three Holy Youth (who had already survived the fiery furnace by the presence of a "Fourth Man" who was the Son of God)—and led them from the darkness of Hades into the light of Paradise.

4. Types and Shadows of Baptism

While they lacked the Sacrament itself, many Old Testament saints participated in "types" or "figures" of Baptism which the Church recognizes:

• The Crossing of the Red Sea: St. Paul identifies this as a form of baptism (1 Corinthians 10:1-2).
• The Flood of Noah: St. Peter explains that the water of the flood symbolized the baptism that now saves us (1 Peter 3:20-21).
• Circumcision: This was the Old Testament "seal" that served as a precursor to the Sacrament of Baptism.

5. Their Presence in the Church Today

We know they are in Heaven because the Coptic Church honors them as Saints. We mention them in the Intercessions of the Liturgy and the Veneration (Doxologies). We celebrate the "Three Holy Youth" in every Midnight Praises (Tasbeha) through the Third Canticle (Hoos), acknowledging their victory and their presence before the throne of God.

In summary: The Old Testament saints were saved because personally delivered them from Hades and brought them into Paradise, applying His salvation to them retrospectively because of their faith and righteousness under the Old Covenant.