We must never forget the thief of the cross (Lk. 23:39-43). He is often used as an encouraging example of a deathbed conversion, but certainly much more is involved. Instead of seizing his last opportunity to be saved, perhaps it was his first opportunity! And think of the courage needed to confess Christ openly before that derisive mob. However one interprets the passage, one thing is clear: where there is life, there is hope. We never know what transpires between the soul and God as that soul is about to enter eternity (Warren Wiersbe and David Wiersbe).