if in simple past

[Mr. X]

Hi,

Is this okay in simple past (although it is an if statement): His life was going to be fruitful if Jesus was to be its center.

Is this okay or would it be better to say 'was' instead of 'was to be'? Are there other ways to write it in simple past?

Thanks,
Mr. X

 

[Harry Smith]

Hi,

Is this okay in simple past (although it is an if statement): His life was going to be fruitful if Jesus was to be its center.

Is this okay or would it be better to say 'was' instead of 'was to be'? Are there other ways to write it in simple past?

Thanks,
Mr. X

"Was to " here is used as an equivalent of the modal verb 'must" in the simple past.