Where were Old Testament saints held after death?
Old Testament saints were held in Hades, also called hell or Sheol, on the paradise side. They waited there for the atoning blood to be shed. After Christ's descent and ascension, paradise was moved to glory.
Les explains that those believing Old Testament saints were held in Hades, or hell, or Sheol on the paradise side, waiting for the atoning blood that had now been shed. In Ephesians 4, Paul puts the capstone on it: before Christ ascended to glory, He descended first into the lower parts of the earth, into paradise, and took those who were captive. Then He ascended far above all heavens. Coming back to II Corinthians chapter 5, Paul confirms that paradise is no longer down as it was, but now it is in glory. That has been the lot of the present-day believer when they die ever since Christ ascended.