After we die, does God give us a second chance?

By Billy Graham, Tribune Content Agency on Oct 26, 2017

Q: After we die, does God give us a second chance to believe in Him and be saved? I hope so, because I'm having too much fun to bother with God right now, but I sure don't want to go to Hell. -- G.T.

A: Not one word in the Bible -- not even one -- gives us any reason to think that we will have an opportunity to turn to God and be saved after we die. The Bible says, "People are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment" (Hebrews 9:27).

This is a sobering truth, and I pray you will take it very seriously. After all, why gamble with your soul? Why hold on to a few so-called pleasures right now, only to risk spending all eternity separated from God in that place of absolute sorrow and despair the Bible calls Hell? Jesus called it a place "where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth" (Matthew 13:42). You're right: you sure don't want to go there.

But listen: God loves you, and He doesn't want you to be part of the devil's kingdom any longer. Right now you think you are free, but in reality you are a slave -- a slave to sin. And eventually you will pay a price for your determination to live your own way instead of God's way. The Bible warns, "There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death" (Proverbs 14:12).

My prayer is that you will turn to Jesus Christ and open your heart and life to Him. You need His forgiveness, and you also need the joy and peace that come from knowing God and living for Him. Don't be deceived any longer, but turn from sin and put your faith and hope in Christ.

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(Send your queries to "My Answer," c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; call 1-(877) 2-GRAHAM, or visit the Web site for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: www.billygraham.org.)