Is There Another Way?

Q

I have loved ones who are not saved. They are really wonderful loving people that have had a terrible experience with “religion” and are just confused. Plus you know how the enemy can cause people to have blinders. I pray for them every day and realize there is only so much I can do but it’s hard when I know we are so close to the rapture. Is there a possibility that God may allow those who were confused, under satanic attack, or for whatever reason (besides the known issues such as mentally unable or small children etc) another chance to repent?

A

Speaking of God, Moses said, “His works are perfect and all His ways are just. He is a faithful God who does no wrong” (Deut. 32:4). In Isaiah 45:21 God Himself said, “There is no other God besides Me, a just God and a Savior; there is none besides Me.”

Because of this, He cannot allow anyone to be unjustly condemned. That means everyone has to receive at least one unmistakably clear chance to be saved sometime during their lifetime, whether it comes through a friend or loved one, a total stranger, or even a visit from the Lord Himself. But Hebrews 9:27 warns that our chance to be saved expires at death.

Most of us have had some form of the “bad religion” experience you mentioned, but in Romans 1:18-20 Paul wrote that God has made Himself so obvious to us that men are without excuse. And Jesus promised that everyone who seeks Him will find Him (Matt. 7:7-8).

Your loved ones are not lost yet. If they are not believers when the rapture comes, your disappearance could be the event that changes everything for them. But even if it isn’t, God will make His existence so clear in the end times judgments that people will have to consciously choose to deny Him in spite of overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

Remember, God wants everyone to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth (1 Tim. 2:3-4, 2 Peter 3:9), so He’s going to do everything possible to help your loved ones make the right choice. Keep praying for them, it’s the most powerful thing you can do.