ANSWER: These, along with all others who lived and died during the one hundred and twenty years probationary period before the flood (Genesis 6:3), had been preached to by the Spirit of Christ through Noah (I Peter 3:19). All of these had opportunity to be saved spiritually at that time, but rejected spiritual salvation. Had those of this number who were yet alive at the time of the flood, been spiritually reconciled to God, they would also have been saved physically, as was Noah and his family. However, those who died physically, whether before or during the flood, without being saved spiritually, are said by Peter to be kept in “prison” (I Peter 3:19). So, the punishment reserved for those who reject and disobey God then, is not mere physical death, with the soul still being saved eternally. This blessing is to be the lot and destiny of only the righteous who accept and obey God. The disobedient of all the ages (including those who died in the flood) are to be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of God and the glory of His Power (II Thessalonians 1:7-9)! The disobedient souls of those who died in the flood then are, without doubt, being guarded in the prison of the Hadean world, reserved unto the great Judgment Day (Luke 16:22- 31; II Peter 2:4-5; Jude 6)!