For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
Vin Smith
...I would like to add some thoughts here. Salvation comes from God through faith--and faith alone--in Jesus Christ who died for us, as a substitute for mankind's transgressions.
That sacrifice works across the board--for ALL MANKIND, and for the individual man, woman and child. His death on the cross, some two Millennia back, is what saved those who lived before his incarnation, and those--including us--who have lived after.
So, He not only died for us all collectively... Jesus died for each one of us INDIVIDUALLY. Only the triune God knows the condition of the heart! Whether or not any person has accepted His invitation for salvation. Death bed conversions? You better believe it happens!
In piecing together the last two days of my father's life, I have come to a startling conclusion. My sibling is quite the legalist. She feels our father died without Jesus. Is that not judgmental? It very well could be--in that much sorrow has been expressed by some family members that Dad died without finally accepting salvation.
I had a long telephone conversation with my father on his 86th birthday. He was very ill. He died two days later. From that conversation, I do believe it is very possible that Dad might well have surrendered to Jesus! The fact that he did not accept my sibling's legalistic church (they believe they are saved by faith AND by works) is no conclusive indication that he did not accept Jesus in his last days.
It is extremely dangerous to one's spiritual health to step into the shoes of judgment! Only our Father, which art in heaven--can make that pronouncement. Hold out hope that your loved one, in a moment of clarity, said YES to our Lord and Savior!
Paul Bayne
One must remember that a tree is known by its fruit. If that person is producing fruit of the Holy Spirit, then chances are he is a Christian. If that person is engrossed in the world, living like the world does and ones sees no changes in his life, then chances are he is not saved. This is why we use 1st John as a test for so called believers.
When a person who is unsaved (my parents, my in laws...), eventually dies, it is a sad day all around. But we must also understand that as Michael quoted above ("Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right" (Genesis 18:25)?), God is holy and when He judges a man to hell, He will be glorified in that decision. One really cannot comfort someone who has lost a loved one to hell, but he can take advantage of the opportunity and use it to witness.
Tamara Kaye
One can take comfort in Jesus words to the thief on the cross who had no chance to live a sanctified life. He recognized his sin and Christ's righteousness.
Danny Hickman
I believe we sometimes take for granted we know who is or isn't with the Lord after their departure from this life... Just imagine how surprised the relatives of the thief who was on a cross beside Jesus will be if they weren't there when he got saved when they see him in glory. Think about it... God is full of grace and mercy. Rest in it.
Vin Smith
....I believe you are correct, Danny. When a youth, the pastor's wife once told me, "...you know Vin, when we get to Heaven, there will be two surprises--among countless others--for each individual there. The first is not seeing some people we thought would be with us. The second--even greater surprise--seeing those we had no idea would be saved."
I believe that is true.