Which biblical figures repented before dying?

The Bible shows that God's mercy is open even to a person in the final hours of life. However, true repentance means not merely a fear of death or sorrow over the consequences of sin, but a sincere turning of the heart to God with faith in His forgiveness.

The question of repentance before death is often linked to hope: can a person who lived far from God for a long time be accepted by Him at the end of life? The clearest biblical answer is the story of the thief crucified alongside Jesus. At the same time, Scripture also provides cautionary examples: one can acknowledge guilt yet fail to surrender oneself to God. Therefore, it is essential to distinguish between genuine repentance, mere regret, and despair.

The thief on the cross: repentance in the final hour

One of the criminals crucified near Christ likely joined in the insults at first. Yet, seeing Jesus’ attitude toward His enemies and His innocence, he experienced a profound inner transformation. The thief recognized the justice of his own punishment, confessed Christ's sinlessness, and turned to Him in faith as King.

“And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.” Luke 23:41–42

Jesus did not demand time from him to make amends for the past, good deeds, or religious merits. A man who could no longer do anything to compensate for his crimes was saved by grace through faith. Christ gave him a personal and certain promise.

“And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43

This story does not imply that salvation can be earned by a deathbed prayer. It proclaims that salvation is always God's gift. Sincere conversion, even at the very last moment, is never too late for Christ.

Samson: a return to dependence on God

Samson also turned to the Lord at the end of his life. Through his own compromises and sin, he had lost his strength, his freedom, and his sight. Standing in the temple of the Philistine god, humiliated and helpless, Samson acknowledged that he needed God’s strength. His prayer does not contain a full verbal confession, and the motive of revenge in it is evident. Therefore, it should not be presented as a perfect model of repentance. Nevertheless, it bears witness to his return to God and his trust in Him.

“And Samson called unto the Lord, and said, O Lord God, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me, I pray thee, only this once, O God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes.” Judg 16:28

The New Testament mentions Samson among the heroes of faith. This provides good reason to view his final appeal not merely as despair, but as an act of faith in the God who can lift up even a person broken by sin.

“And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets.” Heb 11:32

Saul and Judas: acknowledging guilt without hope

King Saul repeatedly admitted to David: “I have sinned.” One such confession took place in the final years of his life. Yet the biblical narrative shows that Saul was more concerned about his reputation and status than about restoring his relationship with God. His words did not lead to a lasting change of heart.

“Then said Saul, I have sinned: return, my son David: for I will no more do thee harm, because my soul was precious in thine eyes this day: behold, I have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly.” 1 Sam 26:21

Even more tragic is the story of Judas Iscariot. He confessed that he had betrayed innocent blood and tried to return the money. But his remorse did not bring him to Jesus, who could have forgiven even such a grievous sin. Judas chose despair instead of hope.

“Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood.” Matt 27:3–4

The apostle Paul explains the difference between godly sorrow and destructive regret. Godly sorrow leads a person to repentance and life; the sorrow of the world leaves them in guilt and hopelessness.

“For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.” 2 Cor 7:10

Do not delay your conversion

The thief on the cross offers hope to those praying for someone who is dying: as long as there is life, Christ can touch the heart. But this example is not a license to deliberately postpone obedience to God. No one knows when their final hour will come; moreover, continually rejecting God’s voice hardens the heart and makes it insensitive.

Ellen White noted that repentance signifies not merely sorrow for sin, but a turning away from sin and returning to God. Christ gladly receives everyone who comes to Him, but He calls us to come today.

“Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Cor 6:2

Conclusion and practical application

The most compelling biblical figure who genuinely repented before dying is the thief on the cross. Samson also turned to God in the final moments of his life, whereas Saul and Judas illustrate the danger of superficial confession without trust in God’s mercy. If you sense your guilt, do not run from Christ and do not wait for a “better time.” Confess your sin to God in prayer today, ask for forgiveness in the name of Jesus, receive His grace, and take a practical step of obedience and reconciliation with those you have wronged.