1st Corinthians 15:56-57

Right until Jesus’ resurrection, God had established a way for Israel to receive forgiveness of their sins. That was through animal sacrifices. The blood covered their sins and allowed God to forgive and move forward.

Jesus came from Heaven to fulfill the law and become the once and for all sacrifice to forgive sin and defeat death. I’m honestly not 100% sure where people's souls went after they died BEFORE Jesus. Since then, if you have given your heart and life to Jesus, you go to Heaven when you die. So, while our body dies, your soul lives and goes to be with God. THAT is something to be thankful for!!!