When we read the Scripture, it is always a good practice to look for parallels and patterns. I am not talking about end time dates or clues within the Bible but rather looking at who God is and His nature.
One of the things that stands out in Scripture is that any sinner who repents even at the last moment is never too late for redemption. This is the God we worship – most holy but most benevolent and forgiving.
Remember Samson the strongest man alive. He was set apart as Nazarine from birth but disobeyed God because of his pride and adultery. At the end of his life, his very last words before destroying a temple full of Philistines:
Judges 16:28 (ESV)
28 Then Samson called to the Lord and said, “O Lord God, please REMEMBER ME and please strengthen me only this once, O God, that I may be avenged on the Philistines for my two eyes.”
In the New Testament, the thief that was with Jesus on the cross, who have sinned greatly that the Roman justice system had him nailed on the cross, said almost the same thing:
Luke 23:42-43 (ESV)
42 And he said, “Jesus, REMEMBER ME when you come into your kingdom.” 43 And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
Both men sinned against a holy God. Both men at the end of their life had nothing to show off to the Lord – not any good works they have done recently or any achievements worthy to be considered for sainthood. But one thing both did – they humbled themselves before the Lord and asked for a second chance in life. And both got what they prayed for.
You might be reading this and saying, I might not be forgiven by God because of the sins I have committed. I have great news for you – you are redeemable. No one is beyond God’s love, grace, forgiveness and redemption. You can start a new life in Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.[a] The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.