Can anyone (no matter how evil) ask for forgiveness and accept Jesus on their deathbed and get into Heaven?

Question

(still looking for that loophole)

Answer 1

Yup... ain't religion grand? Those of us who don't believe in the existence of a God must make good choices in this life because we don't get a second chance, but any ole bad guy can make bad choices his entire life and then, as he is dying, he can ask for forgiveness from the unknown and live forever with all the other bad guys who had deathbed conversions.

I'll stick with those who make good choices because they WANT to and because it's the right thing to do, not because they are promised everlasting life or threatened with a burning afterlife, thank you.

Answer 2

Sure, you can ask whatever you want but even though the bible makes it seem as if it is that easy to receive forgiveness- it isn't. The bible states that a person will be judged by the works of their hands--it also states that just because a person calls upon the name of Jesus it doesn't mean they will be allowed into the kingdom of heaven- Jesus was a messenger-he felt sorry for mankind and the ignorance we portray- but when it boils down to who makes the final decision- it will no doubt be the CREATOR--Do you really believe that you can live your entire life doing evil and when your time comes to leave this world all you have to do is say-"Jesus, please forgive me for all the innocent people Ive killed- all the babies Ive molested-please forgive me for damning your name and your existence all my life-but now that I'm facing death-one of the greatest mysteries of this world-and I'm scared because I don't know what to expect so I now want to acknowledge you and your power-please save me from the punishment I deserve?"--You think that its that simple?-I THINK NOT..

Answer 3

Yes - one of the thieves crucified with Jesus did just that (although it wasn't exactly a death bed).
Obviously, the repentance has got to be genuine not just some sham (and God will know).
Also, there is a concept of reward in, and separate from, heaven itself, so I doubt if much of that would be earned.
In case you are relying on this for a last minute escape: how do you know you will be conscious and alert at the requisite time?

Answer 4

It is clear that there are no "time limits" and the "intent of the heart" is more important than the asking.

It is not clear on the "fine print".

Planning your life on "loopholes" is certainly not wise, especially if you consider how few people are actually conscious on their deathbed.

Answer 5

For those that have waited so late to accept Jesus and repented just before death. I really hope there was forgiveness and salvation for them. I can not speak from personal experience so I truly don't know for sure. I am grateful for my salvation now and blessings of a eternal promise of going to heaven after I die.

Answer 6

Yes not b/c of who that person is it doesn't matter if they were the sweetest, the most honest, the nicest either. The power is in the blood of Jesus. That's the same ressurection power that raised him from the dead. Death has no power over the name of Jesus. But God knows the heart and if its premeditated... God judges the heart man looks on the outer appearance. That is why God is on the throne gotta love him.

Answer 7

The sinner on the cross next to Jesus did, but he wasn't looking for a loophole.

Answer 8

I asked this very question and the answers were mixed. According to them you have to really be sorry and be true in your intentions.
I personally don’t think that if there is a God and an afterlife, he will allow people to do as they want and just repent on their deathbed.

Answer 9

If a person believes in G-d's existence and decides that he will continue to do evil throughout his life until the moment right before his death, than I'd have to say no.

It's like cheating on your wife until she finds out. You promise yourself you'll stop cheating the moment right before she finds out and, thus, you'll still have your marriage.

Plus, once you accept Christ into your life, it's very, VERY difficult to continue evil/bad/sinful pursuits. Not that some of us quit cold turkey, just that your heart really changes once Jesus is welcomed into it and it hurts you to act ungodly.

Answer 10

Are they truly remorseful or just scared of the consequences of a lifetime of evil? I would like to think that people can change, but one's deathbed seems like too little too late.