Are Those Saved Yet So As Through Fire Like The Thief On The Cross?

Q: In 1 Corinthians 3:15, are those saved yet so as through fire like those who come to faith at the very end of life, like the thief on the cross?

A: Monica's question could include those for sure. I believe in the reality of deathbed conversions. Someone once said there’s one deathbed conversion in the Bible, and that’s the thief on the cross. There is one deathbed conversion so that no one would despair, but there’s only one so that no one would presume.

If you’re waiting for your deathbed to put your faith in Jesus Christ, what are you thinking? How do you even know that you’ll have a deathbed? Many people die without any warning. Don’t count on a deathbed conversion for yourself. Today is the day of salvation.

Are those saved as well? Yes, I think deathbed conversions represent that. However, I do believe that it’s possible to have a saved soul but a wasted life. The Bible says we will stand before the judgment seat of Christ, and people will receive different rewards based on their faithfulness to Jesus and usefulness for His kingdom during this life. So, there are some who will be barely saved. I think you could include deathbed conversion folks, but not limit it to that.

Jude refers to those who are saved as though by fire, meaning people who are saved but barely. We don’t want to come to heaven with no reward. If your mentality is, 'How little can I do and still get to heaven?' that is a danger sign. It’s a severe danger signal. You don’t want to think that way.