Augustus Hopkins Strong, Systematic Theology
A compendum Designed for the use of theological students, Three Volumes in One,
Valley Forge, Judson Press, 1907
The patriarchs, though they had no knowledge of a personal Christ, were saved by believing in God as far as God had revealed himself to them; and whoever among the heathen are saved, must in like manner be saved by casting themselves upon Gods plan of mercy, dimly shadowed forth in nature and providence. But such faith, even among the patriarchs and heathen, is implicitly [ie in actuality, although they are not consciously aware of it] a faith in Christ, and would become explicit and conscious trust and submission, whenever Christ were made known to them . . .
Since Christ is the Word of God and the Truth of God, he may be received even by those who have not heard of his manifestation in the flesh. . . . We have, therefore the hope that even among the heathen there may be some, like [the Greek philosopher] Socrates, [470?-399 BC] who, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit working through the truth of nature and conscience, have found the way of life and salvation.