People who lived before Jesus died as sacrifice for our continual sin, only went to Heaven if they followed all of the law listed in the New Testament of the Holy Bible. If a person were to commit sin or break God's law, they had to complete the appropriate sacrifice ritual to atone for their sin. This was very tedious and nearly impossible for many people, so God sent his one and only begotten son to fufill the Old Testament prophesy by being born of a virgin and walk the Earth without sin. He was crusified and died. Then three days later, he rose from the tomb and walked the Earth. Without a professed belief in him today, and confession of your sins, it is impossible for anyone to go to heaven and be in God's presence.