Your Deathbed Confession

by John Michalak

He said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” Jesus said to him, “Assuredly I tell you, today, you will be with me in Paradise.”

Luke 23:42-43

Perhaps you’ve heard stories of people who make a deathbed confession. They’ve kept something secret or held something in their whole lives. And then, when they know they have nothing else to lose, they’ll confess it. They’ll reveal a past sin. They’ll ask a family member or friend for forgiveness. With no time remaining, they can finally be at peace.

This man in Luke 23 wasn’t dying in the comfort of his bed. He was on a cross next to Jesus. But, he knew his time was short. Another man dying nearby used his remaining time to mock Jesus. But this man, knowing his time was short and with nothing else to lose, humbled himself before Him. He confessed his sin and in return, Jesus offered him an eternity with Him in Paradise.

Unlike this man, you don’t know the hour of your death. Some do, and make their deathbed confession. But all of us should live every day as if our time was short.

What are you holding inside? What sins haven’t you confessed to God or others? Have you humbled yourself before Jesus, confessing Him as Lord and Savior, asking for His mercy?

Don’t wait to make your deathbed confession. Because none of us is guaranteed our next breath.