Sermon notes
Sunday, September 13, 2026
Deathbed Salvation
A full handout for following the message, reflecting on grace, and responding to Jesus today.
Service date: Sunday, September 13, 2026
Key Scriptures: Matthew 7:21–23; Luke 23:39–43 (NLT)
By Pastor Parker Darnell
Last updated
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Why this matters
Can someone come to Jesus in the final moments of life and still be saved? Yes: if repentance is genuine.
The thief on the cross proves that God’s grace can reach a person at the very end. But no one is promised a final moment like the thief had. This message gives hope to anyone who truly turns to Jesus, while calling us to surrender today.
Main point 01
Can Someone Be Saved at the Very End?
- God’s grace can reach a person at the very end when repentance is genuine.
- The thief had no time to repair his past or serve in a ministry, but he recognized his sin, acknowledged Jesus’ innocence, and turned to Him in faith.
- Even with only a few moments left, real faith produced fruit: he feared God, admitted his guilt, defended Jesus, and trusted Christ as King.
Can someone come to Jesus in the final moments of life and still be saved?
Yes: if repentance is genuine.
The thief on the cross proves that God’s grace can reach a person at the very end. He had no time to repair his past, serve in a ministry, or live out years of faithful obedience. But he recognized his sin, acknowledged that Jesus was innocent, and turned to Him in faith.
Luke 23:42, NLT
“Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”
Jesus answered him:
Luke 23:43, NLT
“I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
That is the power of grace. The thief’s salvation was immediate because his faith was real. And even with only a few moments left, his faith produced fruit. He feared God. He admitted his guilt. He defended Jesus. He trusted Christ as King.
“Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” Jesus answered him: “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Main point 02
Do Not Presume on Later
- The thief’s story gives hope to anyone who truly turns to Jesus, but it is not permission to delay surrender.
- Later is not promised; we may run out of time or lose the desire to receive mercy.
- Genuine faith turns toward Jesus now, not only when death is near.
The thief’s story gives hope to anyone who truly turns to Jesus: even late in life. But it is not permission to delay surrender.
Many people say, “I’ll get right with God later.” They plan to have a deathbed conversion. But later is not promised.
Jesus told the story of a rich man who planned for many years ahead. God said to him:
Luke 12:20, NLT
“You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?”
The danger is not that God will run out of mercy. The danger is that you will run out of time or lose the desire to receive it.
Every delayed yes makes the next yes harder. A heart can become comfortable resisting God. We should never presume that we will have another opportunity, another conversation, or another breath.
Jesus also warned:
Matthew 7:21, NLT
“Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.”
Saying the right words is not the same as surrendering your heart. Genuine faith turns toward Jesus: not just when death is near, but now.
“You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?”
“Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.”
Each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment.
Main point 03
Give Jesus Your Life Today
- No one is promised a final moment like the thief had.
- Bring Jesus your sin, your questions, your fears, and your future.
- His grace is available now, and His invitation is personal.
God can save a person in their final moment. But no one is promised a final moment like the thief had.
So do not wait to give Jesus whatever is left. Give Him your life today. Bring Him your sin, your questions, your fears, and your future. His grace is available now, and His invitation is personal.
“At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.” Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation.
Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
God is faithful to forgive those who confess their sins, and salvation is a gift of grace—not a reward for good things we have done.
Respond today
Take it home
Use these prompts to move from hearing the message to responding to Jesus with a genuine, present-tense faith.
- 01Have I genuinely turned to Jesus, or am I only planning to respond later?
- 02What obedience, conversation, or surrender have I been delaying?
- 03What sin, question, fear, or part of my future do I need to bring to Jesus today?
- 04Who can I encourage with the hope of grace while also urging them not to presume on tomorrow?
Close in prayer
Prayer
Jesus, I surrender my life to You today. Forgive my sin and lead me in Your ways. Help me not to delay obedience or presume on tomorrow. Give me a heart that truly knows You and a faith that produces fruit. Thank You for Your mercy and for the promise that everyone who genuinely turns to You will be saved. Amen.
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Approved source: Pastor’s Devotion, “Deathbed Salvation?”, September 14, 2026.