Q. I am studying the Bible with an excellent teacher. However, as I study, questions come to my mind. If it's through the Christ that we get to heaven, then how did Moses, Naomi, Jacob and all the prophets of the Old Testament get to heaven? They did not know that Jesus would be the Messiah. Moses' laws helped everyone, that I know. Is it only by Moses that they got to heaven? Is Moses a Savior? If so, what is the clear difference between the Christ and Moses? Is it because the Old Testament's prophets were prophets, that Moses could save them?

A. To begin, there is no scripture in the Bible that in any way indicates Moses, Naomi or Jacob as being in heaven. John 6:46 offers divine proof from Jesus Himself:

"Not that anyone has seen the Father, except He who is from God; He has seen the Father." (NKJV, throughout).

How about John 5:37 which was also voiced by Jesus :

"And the Father Himself, who sent Me, has testified of Me. You have neither heard His voice at anytime, nor seen His form."

Words from the very mouth of Christ solidly testify that neither Moses, nor Naomi, nor Jacob are in heaven. A few other scriptures will help clarify this point:

"Then Jesus said to them again, ' I am going away, and you will seek Me, and will die in your sin. Where I go, you cannot come.'" (John 8:21)

"No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared [him]. " (John 1:18, KJV)

"Men [and] brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.. . . For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand . . ." (Acts 2:29, 34, KJV).

Another one of your questions is "Is Moses a Savior?" No. The Apostle Paul answers this question for you:

"For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe." (1Timothy 4:10)

God the Father accomplishes this through Jesus His only begotten Son.

" . . . but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. " (2Tim. 2:8-10)

Other scriptures of many on this point are:

"I, [even] I, [am] the LORD; and beside me [there is] no savior" (Isaiah 43:11, KJV)

"Tell ye, and bring [them] near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? [who] hath told it from that time? [have] not I the LORD? and [there is] no God else beside me; a just God and a Savior; [there is] none beside me. " (Isaiah 45:21, KJV)

"But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Savior; " (Titus 1:3, KJV)

"Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ; " (Titus 2:13, KJV)

Another question you ask is "What is the clear difference between the Christ and Moses?" John 1:17 gives us a clear answer:

"For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. "

I wish you the best in your Bible studies. Let me make 2 final recommendations: Be careful in choosing a teacher and pray for guidance before you begin your studies.

Other Recommended Bible Study Resources:

• Will I know my loved ones in heaven?
• Are there different levels of Heaven?
• What Happens at the Moment of Death?

Answer Given By: Tommy West