In the mind of the eternal Lord, Christ was slain before the foundation of the earth
(Revelation 13:8). That makes the actual historical date of Christ's sacrifice less
significant than we might otherwise imagine.
Consider devout Jews living in remote Gentile countries at the time of Jesus' crucifixion.
Some would not have heard of Jesus until many years after his sacrifice. If they had been
saved by their faith prior to Jesus' death, would they have been suddenly cut off from God
from the moment of Christ's death until (if they were still living) they eventually heard the
Gospel? Weren't they under the Old Testament until they heard the New? The benefits of
the New Covenant can only reach those who have heard. It therefore seems logical to
conclude that those who have not heard are for all practical purposes in another
dispensation.