If a man knows his time is short?

[dgolvach]

Heres something to ponder. Say a man is facing the final stages of his life. He knows he is about to kick it. He then decides to repent from his fleshly little habits. The medication he is on makes it a bit easier to repent along with the knowledge of his soon demise. Does it really count? Will God accept this as a true turning away from sin? Especially when the guy really didn't have much of a choice. Any takers??

Dan

[followerofjesus]

I would say yes.

[gypc]

Luke 23: 39One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!"

40But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? 41We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong."

42Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.[f]"

43Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."

This guy knew he was done and the Lord had mercy on him.

[fenwar]

Without wanting to sound too morbid... In reality, everyone's time is short; we all know we're going to die at some point.

Those who have been told they don't have long to live simply have a clearer picture of reality than the rest of us. It may be easier to make a commitment if you know you've only a few days to live. But I'm pretty certain I won't be around in 100 years time; what's 100 years compared to eternal life?

It's only a question of scale really.

It's a bit like the parable of the shrewd servant who knew he was about to be fired, so made things as easy as possible for the future. He knew he had little to lose - and he gained a great deal.

[other one]

It certainly worked for the thief on the cross...... And was attested to by the Lord Himself.

[Kabowd]

Heres something to ponder. Say a man is facing the final stages of his life. He knows he is about to kick it. He then decides to repent from his fleshly little habits. The medication he is on makes it a bit easier to repent along with the knowledge of his soon demise. Does it really count? Will God accept this as a true turning away from sin? Especially when the guy really didn't have much of a choice. Any takers??

Dan

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I'd say yes, like the others have and the thief on the cross is a good example. But also remember that this person's situation is not a surprise to God. God alone has allowed this circumstance in the person's life and perhaps it is His way of offering them grace and strength to recognize their need to repent. Also remember, there are countless people who face death every day and STILL have hearts that are set against God. It's only by the move of the Holy Spirit that any of us ever repent in the first place. Whether we have 70 years or 7 days, a heart that desires to repent is a gift from God.

[Gerioke]

You can't fool God. He knows the true state of a man's heart.

[Iryssa]

You can't fool God. He knows the true state of a man's heart.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Amen! God could tell if the person is just paying Him lip-service...for someone to make a true, heart-felt conversion, though, why would life expectancy change its legitimacy?

[Trust & Obey]

Repentance is a gift from God.

2Ti 2:24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,

2Ti 2:25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

2Ti 2:26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

Now, we know that it is God's will that all be saved.

2Pe 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

So, I see it as God holding it out to man and man at that point having an opportunity to embrace it or reject it.

I do feel that there can come a time in a person's life where they have rejected God so many times and hardened their heart against the Lord to the point where they cannot be saved. God will in essence have turned His back on that person. Nobody knows when this is, but God's Spirit will not strive with man forever. (Gen 6:3)

Some people will recant on their deathbed and be forgiven, but others have hardened themselves so much that the last thing on their mind will be humility and repentance before God.

[jesussaves]

Heres something to ponder. Say a man is facing the final stages of his life. He knows he is about to kick it. He then decides to repent from his fleshly little habits. The medication he is on makes it a bit easier to repent along with the knowledge of his soon demise. Does it really count? Will God accept this as a true turning away from sin? Especially when the guy really didn't have much of a choice. Any takers??

Dan

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The Lord knows his heart.

There was a thief hanging on a cross next to Jesus. His words to the other thief were ,"Do you not yet fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward for our deeds: but this man has done nothing." Then he turned to Jesus and said, "Lord, remember me when you come into Your kingdom."

And Jesus said, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise."