Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!usc!cs.utexas.edu!asuvax!ukma!seismo!dimacs.rutgers.edu!aramis.rutgers.edu!athos.rutgers.edu!christian From: tblake@bingvaxu.cc.binghamton.edu (Thomas Blake) Newsgroups: soc.religion.christian Subject: Re: at the last moment Message-ID: Date: 27 Mar 91 04:35:39 GMT Sender: hedrick@athos.rutgers.edu Organization: State University of New York at Binghamton Lines: 29 Approved: christian@aramis.rutgers.edu In article MAS139@psuvm.psu.edu writes: >I have always wondered about the passage concerning the robber >on the cross who was saved right before he died. If this is >possible, why should anyone be "saved" before the last moment? >What I mean is, what is the incentive to be true to the Word if >salvation can come at the last moment of life? Why not go for the gusto and then repent at the last minute, (right?) Well, it *might* work, but if you're going to try this approach, be sure and die a slow death, (crucifixion is ideal), so that you'll have time to repent. Death by explosion for instance would blow your plans all to H*** ;-). If you were the sort of person who made plans like this though I kind of doubt that your last moment conversion would be sincere. Your complaint is not new, (it even predates the robber on the cross). Check out the older son in "The Prodigal Son". Check out the workers in the vineyard who complained about the latecomers getting the same wage. "It just isn't fair!" we all cry! No, says God, you've got it wrong. None of you deserve Heaven, so don't be surprised if the "undeserving" get in with the "more deserving". We don't earn our way into God's love through good works. Our good works are a response to God's love for us. (Got it?) ;-) Tom Blake SUNY-Binghamton