D EAR BILLY GRAHAM: I admit I don’t believe like you do, but I figure that if I die and find out I’m wrong, then God ought to give me a second chance. Why wouldn’t he, if he’s a loving God like Christians claim he is? — W.D.

DEAR W.D.: Not one word in the Bible — not even one — supports the idea that God will give us a second chance after we die to repent of our sins and turn to Jesus Christ for our salvation.

In fact, the Bible teaches the opposite, telling us that the only opportunity we’ll ever have to receive God’s gift of salvation is right now, because death may snatch us away at any moment, and then it will be too late. Yes, God is a God of love, which is why he sent Jesus Christ into the world to save us. But God is also pure and holy, and at the end of time he will judge all sin. The Bible warns that “man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).

I can’t help but wonder, however, why you’ve turned your back on God, and have rejected the free gift of salvation he offers you in Jesus Christ. The reason, I suspect, is because you want to run your own life, and you don’t want God to interfere with the way you’re living.

But is this wise? No, of course not. Don’t gamble with your soul, but face your need of God’s forgiveness, and turn in repentance and faith to Jesus Christ. The Bible says, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

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