Many Jews before Christ were counted worthy because of their faith. But after the Cross no one comes to the Father except by Christ. History tells us there were some really astute scholars who have been a blessing to the enrichment and enlightenment of the Jewish people in the last 2000 years. But no matter what, those Jews will not be allowed into the Kingdom without faith in Him will they?
When Jesus said, “No one comes to the father except through Me” (John 14:6) He wasn’t saying anything new. It had been this way right from the beginning. When God told the serpent that Eve’s offspring would crush him (Genesis 3:15), He was saying that Jesus, who was a descendant of Eve’s through Mary, would defeat Satan. Colossians 2:15 tells us this happened at the cross.
Therefore, faith in the promised Redeemer who would make atonement for the sins of the people was always central to God’s plan of redemption. In fact, the Lord’s name in Hebrew, Yeshua, appears 78 times through out the Hebrew Old Testament, mostly in connection with salvation.
Before the cross, their faith had to be evidenced by obedience to the Law, but without faith their obedience could not save them (Hebrews 11:6). Since the cross we are saved by faith alone, whether Jew or Gentile, but the basis for our redemption is the same as it has always been. We just know the Redeemer has already come to save us.
As for the Hebrew scholars from the last 2,000 years, only the One who knows their heart can tell whether they are saved or not. Personally I believe there have been many more of them saved by grace through their faith in Jesus than anyone knows.
“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).