The rich man of Luke who was tormented in the flames probably is ready for his bail out.
I've read so many real life experiences of those living opposed to God that were crying out in torment moments before leaving this life.
Others I know personally of that were mentally and emotionally broken and that died in such a state I wonder about. I'm not great or wise enough to judge.
To me the bottom line is that God is the only perfect judge. Because of severe self condemnation it's taken me forty years to really believe I'm forgiven, really forgiven. It was a hard hard ride. I know that there are many out there that are yet wrestling over "am I saved or not, going to heaven or not".
So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence,
work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.
Philippians 2:12-13 NASB
So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in You.
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Life is complicated by sin. As a consequence of our childhood experiences we never allowed our children to treat each other badly or call any names even in jest.
It shouldn't take a second chance. You'd all be in a heap of trouble were I God! And so would I if you were. Thankfully God doesn't call one pot to pass eternal judgment on the other imperfect vessels. Amen
I'm convinced God gives everyone a chance before and after Jesus' arrival on earth.
For when Gentiles who do not have the Law do instinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to themselves, in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them,
Romans 2:14-15 NASB
There are those that have no excuse now or... Later
Romans 1:20-21 KJVS
For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that
they are without excuse:
[21] Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
More than one "heathen" in the remote regions of the earth knew that there was a great spirit who made all things. .
Acts 7:50 KJVS
Hath not my hand made all these things?
Except for those who died broken of mind and spirit I don't believe in appeals after death. There is just no scripture to found it.
Sorry, RCC, no purgatory exists. You better get things right now.
WHAT ABOUT BOBBY?
May I tell you about Bobby my nephew? Bobby believed in the Lord but was broken by pressures he couldn't handle. His amoral wife ran off leaving him with a little girl to raise. His ex didn't want the child but didn't want him to have her. I sat in a court and listened to her lie straight faced. She was awarded the child. The ex convinced social services that the child had been abused by her father and so they came after him in an attempt to jail him. Other hard things were pressing also. Convinced that everything was his fault and that he must be evil he decided to get rid of his evil with fire. He doused himself with gasoline and set it afire.
In Arkansas Children's hospital I stood with his father three days later as they unplugged the life support systems. Bobby was 30 years old. His ex has made the choked just like herself. A deceitful liar. Things I saw in my family made me wish I'd been born to others. It just seemed like too much. But God gives more grace.
I'm not convinced broken people are sent to hell, those that are truly not responsible for their actions. I'm glad I'm not judge. Only God is able to judge in men's lives because He's the only one that has all the data on every man and every woman.
As our old pastor was wont to say about once saved always saved, "well, I believe I am"!
My prayers are that I haven't blown my first chance.
Standing before the face and eyes of Him who made us all is a prospect that should weaken the strongest knees.