IS IT POSSIBLE FOR A PERSON TO BE A SINNER ALL HIS LIFE AND GET FORGIVENESS ON HIS DEATH-BED?

 

IS IT POSSIBLE FOR A PERSON TO BE A SINNER ALL HIS LIFE AND GET FORGIVENESS ON HIS DEATH-BED?

by Garland M. Robinson

        Stories are told of many who have supposedly "turned to the Lord" at the last minute before they die. However, we must search what the Bible says, not what others claim. In spite of what many believe, there are certain things God demands a person do in order to be saved. Note these steps to salvation:

        FAITH. "...If ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins" (John 8:24). "Without faith it is impossible to please him..." (Hebrews 11:6). "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved" (Mark 16:16). Can one be saved on his deathbed and not believe? Not according to what Jesus said!

        REPENT. "...Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish" (Luke 13:3). "...Repent, and be baptized...for the remission of sins..." (Acts 2:38). "...But now commandeth all men every where to repent" (Acts 17:30). Can one be saved on his death-bed without repentance? Not according to these passages!

        CONFESS. "Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 10:32). "...If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation" (Romans 10:9-10). Can one be saved on his death-bed and not confess? Not according to these verses!

        BAPTIZED. "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved..." (Mark 16:16). "...Repent, and be baptized...for the remission of sins..." (Acts 2:38). "...Baptism doth also now save us..." (I Peter 3:21). "...Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins..." (Acts 22:16). Can one be saved on his death-bed and not be baptized? Not if you believe the Bible!

        Which of these steps can you leave out and still be saved? Not one! You can no more be saved on your death-bed if you do not believe, than you can if you are not baptized. One is no more or less important than the other. If, however, a person can do ALL these things sincerely, from the heart, even near death, he can be saved. Leave one out, and there's no way to be saved!

        Have you obeyed the Lord?