Death and 2nd Chances

My dad, may his memory be a blessing, died years ago in the hospital from congestive heart failure. Two days before his death he told every visitor, with a smile on his face, “Hey, if I’m not here when you come back, you’ll know where I’ll be.” The day before his death my brother and I decided that dad needed to be let off the hook so we said our goodbyes. On the day of, we had his life support turned off. He took his last breaths and then he…smiled. It was a moment that I’ll never forget. I can’t remember ever being so thrilled and sad at the same time, but here I was crying with a huge smile on my face. 

This week I listened to an episode of the Mighty Pursuit podcast. The host interviewed author and hospice nurse, Julie McFadden.The stories she told of the last days of people’s lives was absolutely riveting. She told of many who saw and talked with a friend or family member who had died; each of them waiting with great anticipation for when he or she would join them. Some saw an angel or God Himself. Others were set free from all the burdens of this life. It was her privilege as well as honor to be there for each of her patients. And maybe, most importantly, she learned that death was not something to be feared.

But here is the most fascinating fact for me. It didn’t matter whether the person was a believer in Christ or not, what awaited them was pure joy. Those who got a glimpse ahead of their death could not wait for their last day on earth to come.

Which got me thinking. Where in the Bible does it say that you have to make a decision to give your life to Christ before you die; otherwise, hell awaits. Because, again, Christ followers and Christ ignorers experienced something wonderful at their death.

So I went looking. 

“I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.” John 5:24

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. Romans 8:38

There are more, but it was this last verse that snagged my attention and held on. Nothing can separate us from God’s love. Even death. Which makes me think, based on Julie’s stories and also stories from a book,“Imagine Heaven” by John Burke that everyone experiences God and his goodness when they meet him face to face. And another opportunity is offered - in all its goodness and glory - for them to believe in Jesus.

Our God is a God of second chances. Not just here on earth, but in heaven as well. I think. God knows what keeps people from believing in Him and His son while they’re on earth. He knows the pain and trauma, anger and hate, unforgiveness and mental unhealth and more that his children have and are living through. Is it any wonder that some are unable to break through that in order to believe. 

So here they stand, after their death, before God. And for the first time in their lives they are free. They are whole. They are able to love and be loved. They are looking into the eyes of love itself and cannot look away. And my guess is that they say “YES!” to God. “YES” to Jesus. “YES” to love.

Now, does this influence my prayers for those who have not accepted Jesus, thinking, well, their second chance is coming? Absolutely not! Because I want them to know Jesus now. To know that they are not in this life alone; they don’t have to battle and struggle alone. There is hope and joy and peace and forgiveness and freedom NOW! In this life there is trouble but God has made a way for us to live a life that’s full and filled with purpose. I’m desperate for friends and strangers to know God now. Even though they might get a second chance in heaven, why waste a life. Live it now in the knowledge and experience of a God who loves you so much that He gave his only son in order for you to be forgiven and have life abundant.

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9