1 Minute Daily Devotions
June 19, 2009
No More Second Chances
"For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit; in which also He went and made proclamation to the spirits now in prison, who were once disobedient, when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water." - 1 Peter 3:18-20
I am often asked, do people get a second chance to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior after they die? My answer may surprise you at first. If they died before the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, yes. There was a second chance. It’s very clear from today’s scripture reference - 1 Peter 3:18-20 - that Christ went and preached to the captives of death. If you recite the Apostle’s Creed, you know it says that “Christ, dead and buried, descended into hell and rose again on the third day.” That’s very offensive to a lot of folks who aren’t used to reciting the Apostle’s Creed. But it’s very Biblical in understanding what Christ did between the time of His death on the cross and His resurrection.
So for the people who died before Christ, yes they had a second chance. But if they died after the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and rejected Jesus Christ, there’s no indication Biblically of a second chance to receive salvation. Hebrews 9:27 says, “Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.”
But the Good News is that salvation and eternal life are available to all who come to Christ in repentant faith. 1 John 5:12 tells us, “He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” If you are not sure you have it, trust Christ alone for salvation and eternal life. If you have Christ, you have sureness of eternal life!
Comments on this Devotion
From Austin on Jun 19th:
I don't understand verse 20 - what is all this stuff about Noah and the arc?
From RickY on Jun 19th:
The bottom line for me as far as second chances is that I can trust in the judgement and mercy of God. He knows our hearts. He knows our weaknesses and sin. But, he also whether we truly desire to be with him and whether we turn our minds and our lives in that direction.
Austin: That was an odd place to end that verse. Verse 21 compares the water in the flood to baptism. God waited patiently for people in those days, but only eight were saved. He went and preached to those of that time ("to the spirits in prison"). He is patient with us today, and we are cleansed by baptism through our change of heart and the resurrection of Christ, "who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand--with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him"
From Jim on Jun 19th:
This is a very interesting subject and very appropriate. I agree that I have never seen a passage that indicates a "second chance" but is there a passage which indicates that the first chance ends at death? God is God of the living so we continue to live after an eathly death. It does say that "every knee shall bow" and that Jesus died for the sins of all. It also says that everyone shall be judged and that those who are found wicked or evil shall be thrown into the pit. I have always wondered if wicked and evil meant one sin or a majority of sin (we have all fallen short). If it is cut and dry why wait to judge if someone has fallen short on earth unless there was an additional time to choose differently. Because of my conservative upbringing, I fear that death is the last chance but I hope that its not. I hope that God continues to reach out to his creatures after earthly death, for the sake of those who have not worshiped him while on earth. Oh, I have just rememebered that in Revelations doesn't it indicates that followers of Christ will reign on the new earth. Well, if that is so, who would we reign over if others were not there. Sorry such a long comment.
From Grant on Jun 19th:
The Bible is clear. There is no second chance for us. We have the incredible offer of grace, forgivness, and eternal life. We must, however, confess our sins, repent, be baptised and experience the new birth. This might happen when you are 15 or 80. But, Jesus repeatedly warns against waiting; for the last day will come suddenly, unexpectedly, like a thief in the night.
Yes, Christ will reign over a new heaven and a new earth. We won't reign, we will enjoy him and worship him in perfect communion forever. I won't get into the "Millenium" part of that order, since there is so much debate on that issue.
So, rejoice in your faith and share the good news with everyone who will listen, and be confident of your eternal security.