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 death-bed 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?