I will talk about the concept of last-minute salvation, which is similar to last-minute holiday shopping. There are some advantages to engaging in last-minute holiday shopping. One advantage of last-minute shopping is the opportunity to find excellent deals and many discount choices. For example, you can find buy-one-get one deals or half off deals. A few years ago, Lisa and I went to Marshalls to enjoy last-minute holiday deals. I found a home theater projector for about $20. I thought it is a great deal. So, I bought it with great joy. However, when I got back home, that joy turned into disappointment because it looked brand new but was an old model that I couldn't hook up with my new computer. Now it is sitting in my storage. Another disadvantage is the limited selection available. As the days count down, popular items fly off the shelves, leaving only unpopular products behind for last-minute shoppers.
If you are only looking for cheaper options, last-minute shopping is not a bad choice. But if you want to buy the best item for yourself and fully enjoy it, last-minute shopping is not recommended.
A Last-Minute Salvation
There are some people waiting for last-minute salvation. I read a question that a person wrote on the Billy Graham ministry website. The question is this: “My cousin has always lived kind of a wild life, but he says he isn't worried because he plans to turn to God just before he dies, and he says God will forgive him and let him into Heaven. Is this right?”[1]That was the question… What do you think?
Today's Bible passages provide the answer. In the story there are two men who are about to be executed with Jesus Christ on a hilltop. They were criminals. Although there was no criminal record, the punishment for serious crimes was public execution. However, while they were hanging on their crosses, they met Jesus. Guess what happened? The one who asked for mercy from Jesus had a promise of paradise.
This represents a story of immediate Christian acceptance. Immediate reception means that when we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, God immediately adopts us as His children. The Bible says that through the grace of God, under the name of Jesus, there is no discrimination. God forgives people who turn to God in repentance. So, the answer to the question asked of Billy Graham is, “Yes”, his cousin would be saved if he confesses to God at the proper time.
Another significant theological point is that salvation is completed through the combination of human confession and Jesus' affirmation. It would not happen on only one party’s decision. Jesus Christ holds the final authority to say “Yes”. In this story, a man received his salvation right before he died by his sincere confession and Jesus’ permission.
Hidden Dangers for Last Minute Salvation
I would like to share with you several spiritual dangers concerning last-minute salvation. The first spiritual danger is some people could die with no warning. People never know when the time will come. If they have a sudden heart attack or car accident, they would not have time or opportunity to repent. One’s own death is out of our control.
The second risk involves regret or remorse for the pain caused by past mistakes. In verse 41, the good thief said, “We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” You can sense how he reflects on his life. The Bible does not mention his name, but in the Catholic tradition, he is recognized as Saint Dismas, the good thief.
Even though God's grace immediately saved him through Jesus Christ, he was always tagged with the label "the thief" alongside his real name throughout entire Christian history. It is so sad for him because he is remembered as saved thief with his criminal record. Most people do not know his real name but remember him as the last-minute saved thief. It is his reputation forever.
What kind of Christian do you want people to remember you as? What kind of Christian do you want Jesus to remember you as?
Theological meaning of Salvation
In Christian theology, salvation is not merely a trophy signifying our spiritual status with God; rather, it involves cultivating and maintaining a right relationship with Him to fully experience its benefits and truly enjoy it in our daily lives. The relationship brings believers a sense of joy, peace, and fulfillment as they experience the presence and love of God in their lives.
Story Behind the Prodigal Son
The story of the Prodigal Son is a great example from the Bible. Most sermons about the prodigal son typically focus on his return, repentance, and the father's loving and forgiving welcome, which seems like a happy ending. However, that's only half of the story. If you read the narrative carefully, you can also find the dark side of the son who lost his entire inheritance.
There was nothing left for him to receive from his father because he had already received it and wasted it. How do I know that? Read what the father said after the first son asked his father about his inheritance. In Luke 15:31-32, “My son”, the father said, “you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and it alive again; he was lost and is found.” The story concludes with the prodigal son receiving forgiveness but losing his inheritance.
Salvation Without Reward in Heaven
In the Bible, there is a distinction between salvation and reward. Christian salvation is the unmerited favor of God and freely given through the blood of Jesus Christ. However, reward in heaven is like a savings account where Christians store up their treasures in heaven. Believers can earn their reward in heaven after trusting Christ and fully following the word of God. 1 Corinthians 3:8 clearly said, “each will be rewarded according to his own labor.” Again, Apostle Paul said about reward. It is the prize in heaven in Philippians 3:14, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” This is the difference between Christian salvation and reward.
Conclusion
Can people be saved when they turn to God just before they die? The theological answer is 'Yes,' they can. However, there are many spiritual disadvantages and hardships associated with maintaining such a lifestyle. The greatest risk of final salvation is receiving no reward in heaven. There is no prize awaiting them in heaven. That is the biggest disadvantage of last-minute salvation.
Practical Applications
Christians can receive rewards through participating in worship and fellowship, and loving, serving others in the name of the Lord to glorify God. In Christian theology, salvation means more than just securing a place in heaven after death. It's about enjoying life in communion with God here and now and receiving rewards in heaven according to our holy labor.
[1] https://billygraham.org/answer/53044/
@ 03.24.24 Pastor Cloud Poy
@ Photo on Unsplash의Tamanna Rumee
