What was the condition of Gentile forefathers before Christ?

Before Christ, Gentile forefathers were without Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, strangers to the covenants of promise, and had no hope and were without God in this world. They were saturated in paganism, not seeking Israel’s God, and Scripture states that no one of the human race seeks God.

Les teaches that the Gentile forefathers at that time were in a horrible situation: without Christ, aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in this world (s324–s329). He contrasts this with the believer’s present position: no longer far off, but made nigh by the blood of Christ, not by coming into a covenant relationship or coming under Judaism (s332–s339). Les also notes the Gentiles were not seeking Israel’s God and were saturated in paganism (s354–s359), fulfilling Scripture’s rule that no one of the human race ever seeks God (s363–s366).

Ephesians 2:12

That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

What was the condition of the Gentiles before the gospel of grace came?

Before the gospel of grace came, Gentiles were strangers from the covenants of promise, aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, without hope, and without God in this world. That was their lot prior to grace, but now Jew and Gentile are on a level playing field, with neither having advantage.