Recently I have become aware of a concept that may be dangerous. I may have heard a preacher warn about it many, many years ago but it is one embraced by many. This is the validity of deathbed confessions.
Now I know beyond the shadow of a doubt some have made deathbed confessions who went on to be with the LORD. If this is the case why am I raising the alarm?
In the past two years I became aware of two people who were on their deathbed, or so they thought. One came to the LORD through the intervention of the wife's pastor; the other made confessions of wrong doing in the past. Well....they did not die but instead recovered - quite nicely.
The reason I am questioning the validity of these confessions is that one sees little change in lifestyle since health returned. Where is the repentance? Is repentance not proof of redemption and forgiveness by the LORD Jesus?
I know when a person dies unexpectedly loved ones will hold out the hope that at the last moment confession was made, and in their mind it would be genuine. I know it would be grievous to think of a loved one in hell for all eternity. So the hope is there but one that cannot be proven.
We cannot judge others in this regard who have made deathbed confessions and then died but am concerned about the living who are waiting, hoping God will grant this reprieve to them before they die. Am also concerned about our speech on this issue - do we give any validity to it? and thus encourage the concept?
Just wanted to share my concern...
Sandra