[sheltonmac]

If, instead, the OT saints were saved through some level of adherence to those symbols and observances in the OT (in a Conditional Election sense) and not by grace (Unconditonal Election), then I can see Charles Fred Lincoln's point.

I think it would stand to reason that if the OT saints were indeed saved through an adherence to those observances, then there wouldn't have been a need for Christ's blood sacrifice.

[connectthedots]

I believe the OT saints were saved by their faith in God and the ritual sacrifices were a sign of obedience to God. Jesus replaced all the sacrifices of the OT and our obedience to him in our words and deeds are signs of our relationship with him.