What does the bible say about last minute salvation? How can a man that sinned all his life be permitted into heaven at the last minute? References Please.
Answer
If one truly changes their mind and comes to God, what difference when it happens? Since one sin will as surely keep someone out of heaven as a lifetime of sins, God’s forgiveness is on his terms regardless of how many sins one has committed. Since we are not saved because of our own merits but because of God’s mercy, the number of sins we have committed or how long we have done so does not have any bearing on salvation. At least two passages apply.
“Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive. Because he considereth, ant turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.” (Ezekiel 18:27-28)
Read also Matthew 20:1-16. That is a parable about a man who decided to pay those that had worked for only one hour the same as he had contracted with those who worked all day. The conclusion is that if God chooses to save those who come to him at the last minute, that is God’s choice to make.
And what about someone who comes to God thinking they have many years yet to live, but dies the next day? Is that any different than one who, expecting to die soon, chooses to follow God? Would it be unfair for God to save that person? No more so than to save the person who waited until they thought they knew they would die.