TC, let me put this as simple as I can, so even you might be able to comprehend it. 😆 I do not like the word Protestant. I don't even really like the word "Christian" I believe it was a perjorative term applied to them by their enemies, not their friends. I prefer the word "believer" but people seem to prefer "Christian," so I use it, but I prefer the other word. Old Testament "believers" were saved by "FAITH" in God, that a redeemer was coming. New Testament "believers" are saved by "FAITH" in God, that the redeemer has already come (Jesus)
The key word is "FAITH" Old Testament believers are saved with the same "FAITH" that New Testament believers are. What you call them, I.E. Christians, believers, or whatever term you use, is not important.
Now, your definition of faith, and my definition of faith, are probably LIGHT YEARS apart, and I care not to discuss it, because I think it would be pointless to do so. We will differ on the plan of salvation, until the cows come home, and until we try to get past St Peter at the Pearly Gates.
Good luck with that bro. You might need it. Sad, but only people who have "FAITH" will go to Heaven, plus, more than likely, babies too. No one else will be there. Maybe you think God is an inane thinker for saying that, but that's on you bro. Not everyone in the world has "FAITH" I know I do. I am not sure about you. 😞🙃
Mark obviously cares for you, and I join him in praying you allow the Holy Spirit to illuminate your heart and mind and receive Jesus as you savior ... by faith only .... 'cause that's not on all that's necessary .... that's all there is
I am going to gently call you an this one, my dear bro and Friend. This "St Peter at the Gates" is a pernicious, ubiquitous false picture of peter admitting or denying suppliants to heaven through capricious use of what people have been taught to think of as literal "keys" to the Kingdom of Heaven.
Of course it absolutely requires that one cannot know what his eternal destination is, until after physical death.
Please, my brother, please don't use this illustration, even jokingly, as it lends support to "earning your way to heaven" and denies salvation by faith alone, to be known excepted, experienced, and lived in this world.
Respectfully . . .