Hebrews 11:35 breaks into a whole chapter listing Trophies of Grace: “..and others were tortured, not accepting their release in order that they might obtain a better resurrection; 36. and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment. 37. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated 38. (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground. 39. And all these, having gained approval through their faith...”
They were Old Testament Christians. Their faith was in the promises of the coming Redeemer, Jesus Christ, in the same way we are Christians looking back at Christ’s finished work at Calvary, His resurrection and ascension into Glory.
“That where I Am, you may be also.”
If you or your particular denomination wish to characterize folks as "Christians" who lived and died before Christ, I suppose that's your business.
Trying to impose your unconventional terminology on others, or berating them for not adopting it, just makes you look silly.
'nuff said.