Would I Be Condemned For A Sin Committed

Just Before Death?

Some time ago David Martin, minister at the Solid Rock Baptist Church in Bartlett, TN, authored an article entitled “Common Sense Questions A ‘Church Of Christ’ Preacher Cannot Clearly Answer.” This article contains 13 questions that address subjects such as the necessity of baptism and instrumental music. Through much study and reading on these subjects I have formulated answers that cite “book, chapter, and verse” references showing what the Bible teaches regarding these questions. This article addresses Mr. Martin’s eighth question.

It is my prayer that anyone who reads this article will study the verses cited with an open mind to truly learn what God’s Word teaches. Obedience to God’s Word, nothing more and nothing less, is what will get us to Heaven. We all want to go, but we have to remember that those who reach Heaven will do so on God’s terms, not man’s.

QUESTION

If I committed some sin -whether in thought, word, or deed, one minute before a fatal car crash - would I go to hell if I did not have time to repent of it? And, please, don't just say that it's up to God without giving me a specific Bible reference.

BOOK CHAPTER AND VERSE ANSWER

This question is very similar to a few of the others and it will be answered in the same way as some of the others. The wording shows a misunderstanding of the grace of God. God has extended the offer of salvation, with conditions (Mark 16:16, Rev 2:10). We did nothing to earn it and we don’t “deserve” it but it is ours to either accept or reject. That is God’s grace. God does not angrily jerk our salvation away when we commit one sin. God is saddened when we commit a sin. We will look at the same two passages as we before to see this.

1Jo 1:7

(7) But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

If one is walking in the light as in I John 1:7, then he will not go to hell for committing one sin. Confession yields forgiveness. This is ongoing, on a daily basis.

1Jo 1:9

(9) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Confession is different than repentance. Confession is moving forward, though stumbling, and continuing to work to serve God to the very best of our abilities. I John tells us that this process keeps us cleansed and in a safe condition.

Repentance, on the other hand, is a realization that we have turned our back on God and then making the necessary changes in our life.

Heb 10:26

(26) For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

When we do things we know are wrong and continue to do them willfully we deny our access to the blood of Christ. We are no longer continually cleansed. Repentance is necessary to return to Christ. Once we do this, we then have access once again to the blood of Christ.