It's an issue I have reflected on from time to time, over the years - were any of those among what the ignorant right off refer to as "savages" saved?
Romans 1:19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
Romans 2:11 For there is no respect of persons with God. 2:12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; 2:13 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.
Romans 2:14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: 2:15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another; ) 2:16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
Romans 2:26 Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?
How were such saved, not only before the Cross, but even after, when they were off in lands on the other side of the earth?
It appears evident that where such are concerned God was judging the secrets - the unkown hearts - of such, unknown but by Him ALONE - by a different standard of faith EXPRESSED AS FAITH but one that was also based on the merits of the Cross.
Sort of like the question often asked about that thief crucified next to the Lord who expressed his faith in his words to the Lord; but who may have not been water baptized before having had the opportunity to submit to Israel's then still in force; required water cleansing ritual as the EXPRESSION OF a good conscience toward God, Luke 7:29; 2 Peter 3:21.
Romans 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
And...
Matthew 12:42 The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.
