Deathbed conversion is a terminology invented by the early Catholics and Anglicans to describe the repentance of someone who has few moments to give up the ghost. Invitation of priests or pastors for such ministration is not usually done without a fat envelope for the minister.
The commercialization of this act made deathbed conversion beliefs acceptable in the Christian community. But the truth is that accepting the doctrine of a deathbed conversion can never make any soul enter the kingdom of God. Today’s message will give a scriptural explanation about the reality of accepting Jesus Christ as your Savior.
The Misconception of Scripture to justify Deathbed Conversion
It is not new that the false teachers always create misconceptions of Bible verses to justify their deceitful doctrines. The teaching about deathbed conversion was only justified by the story of the thief beside Jesus Christ on the cross. The false teachers lied that he repented from his sins and made confession to Jesus Christ, which led to his acceptance into heaven.
Luke chapter 23 verse 39 to 43 says:
“Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save yourself and us.””
“But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation?””
“And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.”
“Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.””
“And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.””
1. Verse 39 was the statement of the first thief crucified beside Jesus Christ. His statement reveals his usual arrogant way of getting things he wants from anyone. He desperately wants freedom but doesn’t believe in Jesus as the Messiah. Jesus Christ didn’t respond to him because He had suffered enough mockery for that day.
2. Verse 40 and 41 are the expressions of the second thief on the cross who acknowledged that Jesus Christ was not a criminal.
3. Verse 42 revealed that the second thief was also desperate, but his request was not arrogant like the first thief. He didn’t confess his sins but asked Jesus for an uncommon favor.
4. Jesus’ authoritative response to the second thief was shocking, unexpected, and truly controversial!
5. Jesus’ declaration to the second thief was personal and specific, and Jesus didn’t refer to it as a Christian doctrine.
6. The second thief never confessed his sins on the cross and never went through repentance, but he desperately asked for an uncommon favor, which was granted.
7. That the second thief will be with Jesus in Paradise was a specific conversation to him only and was never a message to be conveyed to the world to encourage deathbed conversion.
Biblical Perspective: Is Deathbed Conversion Realistic?
Don’t fall into the deceit of the devil by postponing your spiritual seriousness with the LORD to your old age or to a few minutes after your passing away!
The following biblical scriptures do not support the theological debate of deathbed conversion:
1. Matthew chapter 7 verse 21 to 23, in which Jesus states, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”
This verse underscores the necessity of genuine, consistent faith and suggests that mere verbal acknowledgment of Christ in one’s final moments may not be sufficient.
2. Hebrews chapter 6 verses 4 to 6, which speaks to the gravity and responsibilities of true faith. According to these verses, “It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance.”
This perspective underscores the difficulty of reconciling a sudden, deathbed conversion with the depth of ongoing spiritual commitment that characterizes genuine faith.
3. Luke chapter 13, verses 24 to 27, provides further insights. Here, Jesus warns, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able.
“When once the Master of the house has risen up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open for us,’ and He will answer and say to you, ‘I do not know you, where you are from,’ “then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets.’
“But He will say, ‘I tell you I do not know you, where you are from. Depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity.’””
This parable emphasizes the significant effort required for salvation and the inherent insincerity of last-minute pleas when they lack a lifelong commitment to faith.
Salvation is not merely an endpoint but a transformative journey that involves repentance, renewal, and an ongoing relationship with the Holy Spirit.
The juxtaposition of a hurried, deathbed conversion against the biblical call for genuine faith and spiritual relationship questions the authenticity and acceptability of such an eleventh-hour decision.
This subject matter is like the false teaching of “eternal security,” in which the false teachers tell you to just accept Jesus Christ as your savior and you will gain heaven despite any form of lifestyle you persist to live.
Hmm! Don’t be confused. It is not a matter of contradiction, but it is simply the manifestation of unquestionable authority by Jesus Christ, so never copy the act of the favored thief because it will blow you up.
“Do not be deceived; God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.” (Galatians 6:7-8)
