I think the Lord talks about innate knowledge that He gives men which covered them before the written word.
Not all have to believe in Jesus as savior to be saved. If you are enlightened to the Good News it seems you must acknowledge Christ as Savior and ask forgiveness of your sins. That is scripture.
Scripture does not say all who get to heaven have to be believers in Christ. Thats avmodern and incorrect assujption.
He said all who get to the Father do so through Christ.
Babies and kids who die before the age of accountability go to Heaven.They get there through Jesus Christ. He can do the same for those who died before the Good News.
He says all who do believe and call on His name and ask forgiveness and repent are saved. That doesnt mean it's the only way butbit is a certain guranteed way. He can still send souls to God from thousands of years ago.
That might be your gospel, small case "g", but I doubt many others would claim it. This is just confusing to many, I would believe, and primarily incorrect.
Of course, prior to the Lord's birth, people were saved by their faith. Just as they were after Jesus walked the earth: saved by Faith. Faith in the God of the Bible and Torah.
God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are One. Behold O'Israel the Lord thy God is One.
