Originally posted by Chairboy
At the risk of igniting something, I would like to understand one aspect of christianity better. It is my understanding that someone can murder another and lead a life of horrific violence, but if they repent, and I mean truly repent at their deathbed and 'take jesus into their heart' then die before they sin again, they can jump on the L-Train to Heaven?
It seems as if the religion creates an environment where you can rationalize doing the most awful things in your life because you can get a 'Get out of hell free' card at the end.
To be clear, I'm not talking about a mass murdered just SAYING he repents and all the other stuff, but a mass murderer who actually truly believes with all his heart right as he dies.
You're talking about two different situations.
1. Mass murderer who, on his deathbed, realizes all his past mistakes and begs God for forgiveness. Repents for all his past evils and makes a true and honest change. Sure, in God's eyes all sins are equal. And when I say that, I mean that the smallest sin will keep you from Heaven. "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.".
2. Someone who decides to raise hell/sin/murder or whatever all his life with the plan in mind to have a "conversion" on his deathbed. I don't believe that this is a true conversion. He's using salvation in just the way you mention, as a get out of jail free card. No dice.
However, in either case, the validity of his conversion is between that person and God. What I think is of little consequence in the end. But, in these examples, this is what I believe.
PS. This is the Protestant version. You may get different milage with the Catholic one.
