JESUS changed all the rules.
However, prior to Jesus death, “righteousness was accounted unto them because of their FAITH”.
GOD has given to “every man a measure of faith”. Why did GOD do that ..?? So GOD could use that measure of faith to allow them to enter into Paradise (lower than Heaven) at death; if they had exercised their “faith” prior to death.
This was done because there was no other way of Salvation prior to Jesus death.
I always wondered if Joseph (Mary’s husband) was surprised when Jesus stepped into Paradise and released them all to go on into Heaven with HIM. Of course, Mary was already in Heaven, because she was born again after Jesus death.
And that statement didn't even get a rise out of anybody
(Maybe it didn't because it's true)