No Second Chance to Repent After Death
The scriptures don’t teach that people will have a second chance to repent of their sins and accept God’s offer of salvation after death. But rather it teaches judgment will follow death, “it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). Life is a probationary period to get to know God and decide if they wish to follow Him or not. The Lord says, “choose you this day whom ye will serve” (Joshua 24:15).
If people refuse to respond to God’s love and have a relationship with Him, how will they want to spend all eternity worshiping Him, serving Him, and thanking Him for His love. Living a godly life starts here on earth. Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand” (John 10:27,28).
People should not delay their commitment to the Lord and the opportunity to repent because no one knows when his life will end (Ecclesiastes 12:1). A sudden accident, disaster or sickness may snatch life without any warning. Therefore, people need to be ready at all times for the judgement (Matthew 24:42-43; Mark 13:33-37).
Paul encourages the believers for “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:16). That means to take advantage of every moment of time to know the truth and be perfected by it. Redeeming the time is more than simply not doing evil. Jesus, said everyone should be “about” his “Father’s business” (Luke 2:49), seeking opportunity to do good (Galatians 6:10).
In the parable of the Unjust Steward, Jesus pointed to the diligence and wisdom of the merchants of the world in conducting their affairs, as an example to the children of light (Luke 16:1–12). Here, Jesus teaches the discreet and diligent use of present opportunities and not waste time for time is a gift from God to know Him and make use this probationary period to get ready for heaven (Matthew 25:1-13; Luke 21:36).
Jesus said, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me” (Revelation 3:20). By His love, through His word, and through His Providences, Christ knocks at the door of human hearts. And He is waiting to bless His children with His presence (Matthew 24:33; Luke 12:36; James 5:9).
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
