“And he was saying, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom!” And He said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.” Luke 29:42-43
A few days ago the state executed a man who had been on death row for thirty-two years.
He had been found guilty of a heinous crime of the murder of a young girl.
He was said to have found Christ while in prison and was seen on his knees asking for forgiveness. Only God knows how sincere he was, but his last statement was Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
The point is that it is never too late nor a life too filled with sin to accept salvation. A major turning point in Christian history occurred when the Roman Emperor Constantine converted to Christianity. The result was the end of persecution of Christians and the beginning of Christendom.
Now I am not suggesting that one live a sinful life and then plan on a deathbed conversion. I am reminded of the old bumper sticker: “If your plan is to turn to God at the 11th hour, pray you don’t die at 10:30”
At the end of his life, blind and humbled, Samson finally realized his utter dependence upon God. He was blind, but now he could see. No matter how far you’ve fallen away from God, no matter how big you’ve failed, it’s never too late to humble yourself and depend on God. Ultimately, through his sacrificial death, Samson turned his miserable mistakes into victory. Let Samson’s example persuade you; it’s never too late to turn to God.
The most high-profile deathbed last-minute conversion to Christ in the Bible is the case of the criminal crucified alongside Jesus (Luke 24:39-43). Only moments before his own death, this criminal had been an unbelieving mocker of Christ. However, at the last moment the criminal repented and acknowledged Jesus as the heavenly King. The Lord gave him the blessed promise, “_Today you shall be with Me in Paradise_.”
Some people say they have sinned too long and too bad to ever be accepted by Christ. Don’t you believe it. Your sin is never too great and the hour is never too late, but why take a chance? Besides, living a Christian life on this side of heaven is a joyous experience that you don’t want to miss.
None of us can go back and make a brand new start, but anyone can start from where they are and make a brand new ending.
by John Grant
Used by Permission
John Grant is a former Florida State Senator and is a practicing attorney
FURTHER READING
• It’s Never Too Late – by Fab Batsakis
• Never Too Old – by M. Jantzen
• Better Late Than Never– by Terrie Todd
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