Is salvation possible after death? Is there a second chance for salvation? Can’t I just repent after I die?

TL;DR:

There are no second chances after death. God gives us plenty of time to turn to Him while on earth.

Many wonder if people will have another chance to repent and follow Christ after death. While the idea sounds appealing, the Bible expresses that this is not an option.

The most obvious example of this teaching is found in Luke 16 when Jesus speaks of the afterlife of a man named Lazarus. Here, Jesus clearly reveals that there is no option for changing our eternal destiny after death. Hebrews 9:27 also teaches that all people experience death once and then a judgment. Our eternal destiny is determined by what we do with Christ (John 3). After this life, the only options that exist are eternity with Christ or eternity apart from Him (Luke 16:22–23).

from the old testament

The Old Testament uses the word “sheol” to refer to “the place of the dead” or “the place of departed souls/spirits.” This includes both saved and unsaved spirits (Job 7:9; Psalm 16:10; 55:15; 86:13; Ecclesiastes 9:10; Hosea 13:14).
Job 19:25–27 reveals the afterlife and the hope of what will come because of his relationship with God: “For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another. My heart faints within me!”
Ecclesiastes 9:5 reveals that the dead have no further reward. There are no other options after death.
The afterlife is promised in the Old Testament with a difference between what happens to the righteous and unrighteous: “And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt” (Daniel 12:2).
Believers will experience good in the afterlife. Psalm 16:9–11 says: “Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

from the new testament

Everyone will live after death either in heaven or hell (John 3:16–18, 36; Revelation 20:11–15; 21:5–8).
Hell is permanent (Luke 16:19–31).
We lose everything when we die (Luke 12:20).
As the parable of the ten virgins shows us, if we are not ready, the door is shut (Matthew 25:10–12).
Luke 16:26 notes, "And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us." Here, the very words of Jesus clearly note there is no option for changing our eternal destiny after death.
Hebrews 9:27 says that people die only once and then face judgment. There are no second chances after death.

implications for today

God offers many chances to accept His mercy and salvation in this life (2 Peter 3:9). Our "second chance" is already here. Abraham told the rich man, "If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead" (Luke 16:31). We have both the Bible and the resurrection of Jesus. This is ample evidence to accept Christ's salvation in this life. Since no one knows how long he or she will live, it is vital to accept the Lord's salvation now (2 Corinthians 6:2).

Knowing that there are no second chances negates the ideas of both annihilation and purgatory. Annihilation is the idea that those who do not make it to heaven simply cease to exist. Purgatory is said to be a place of "limbo" or transition in which souls can dwell and later reach heaven. Neither idea finds biblical support.

Philippians 2:10–11 declares that at the end of time, "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." One day, even those who oppose Jesus in this life will recognize who He is, but not because they submit and surrender to Him. At this point, it will be too late to change their situation. After death, all that remains for the unbeliever is judgment (Revelation 20:14–15). Choosing our eternal destiny is not something to put off until later in life. Once this life is over, there will be no more second chances. Today is the day of salvation.

understand

There are no second chances after death. The only thing that determines salvation is how we respond to Christ’s death and resurrection during our lifetime.
Everyone will live in eternity. It’s just a matter of if they will be in heaven or hell.
We are not guaranteed tomorrow; we should not put off trusting in Jesus for the forgiveness of sins.

reflect

God is patient and not willing that any should suffer eternity in hell (2 Peter 3:9), but death is an expiration date of that patience.
Giving someone the consequences for their choices does not make God evil. He is fully just and good.
God does not send anyone to hell who did not choose to be there. Everyone has the opportunity to respond to Him and His gift of salvation.

engage

Other religions and some parts of Christianity teach that there will be a second chance for salvation after death. However, the Bible does not teach this. What values might be factored in for someone who desires a second chance after death?
What positive traits of God do we see in His justice and not allowing second chances after death?
What motivation do you receive from knowing that there are no second chances after death?