Answer
While the idea of a second chance for salvation after death is appealing, the Bible says that death is the end of all chances. According to Hebrews 9:27, when we die, we then face judgment. So, as long as a person is alive, he has a “second chance” to accept Christ and be saved—and a third, fourth, fifth, etc., chance (see John 3:16; Romans 10:9–10; Acts 16:31). Once a person dies, however, there are no more chances.
Only faith in Christ can save us, and all who reject this salvation will go to eternal punishment. Revelation 20:11–15, which describes the final judgment, provides some insight into the finality of our decision to follow or reject Christ. At the great white throne, two books are opened. All whose names are not found in the Lamb’s book of life (Revelation 21:27) are condemned to the lake of fire. Those who are not in the book of life have rejected Christ’s offer of salvation and are judged according to their own deeds. Revelation 20:12 says that “the dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.”
No even a person’s “good” deeds and law-keeping will avail without faith in Christ, for “no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law” (Romans 3:20). Therefore, all who are judged according to their own works are condemned to hell. All have broken the law at some point—no one measures up to God’s standard of holiness. Believers in Christ, on the other hand, are not judged the same way because their names are written in the book of life. These are the ones who have believed on the Lord Jesus. Jesus paid the penalty for their sin and fulfilled the requirements of the law on their behalf, and they alone will be allowed to enter heaven.
Concerning those who die in a state of unbelief, wouldn’t they repent and believe if they were given a second chance in hell? The answer is “no,” they would not. The heart is not changed simply because a person dies. The heart and mind are still at enmity against God, even in hell. In the story of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19–31, the rich man is in torment in hell. But he does not repent. He does not ask for a second chance. He only asks that Abraham send Lazarus back to earth to warn his brothers so they wouldn’t have to suffer the same fate. There was no repentance in his heart, only regret for where he found himself. Abraham’s answer is notable: “If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead” (Luke 16:31). In other words, the witness of the Scriptures is sufficient for salvation for everyone alive, and no other revelation will bring salvation to those who refuse to hear.
No one goes to hell because he or she did not have enough chances to be saved. No one needs a “second chance” once he is in hell. We trust the goodness and wisdom of God, that He gives sufficient light to everyone to believe. Jesus is “the true light that gives light to everyone” (John 1:9). If a person fails to trust Christ before he dies, then he would not have come to Christ even if he had he lived longer. God knows exactly what we need—including how many chances we need to hear the gospel. In His mercy, God gives every person ample time and sufficient opportunity to be saved.
One day, everyone will bow before Jesus and recognize that He is the Lord and Savior (Philippians 2:10–11). At that point, though, it will be too late for salvation. After death, all that remains for the unbeliever is judgment (Revelation 20:14–15). For this reason we must trust in Jesus in this life. “I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2).
