It’s never too late to turn to God — and the reason is because He still loves us, no matter who we are or what we’ve done. And because He still loves us, He wants to welcome us home — and He will, if we’ll only repent of our sins and turn to Him for the forgiveness and new life we need. The Bible says, “He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).

But don’t misunderstand me, because there is another side to this. Yes, God stands ready to receive us, even at the last moment (as He did with the criminal who repented just as he was being put to death with Jesus — see Luke 23:39-43). But if we delay, our hearts can grow harder and more resistant toward God, until we no longer hear His voice calling us. The Bible warns, “A man (or woman) who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed — without remedy” (Proverbs 29:1).

Don’t let this happen to you, but by faith turn to Christ and receive Him into your life. Confess your sins to Him — especially your sin of ignoring Him all these years — and commit your life without reserve to Jesus Christ.

Then believe that He has forgiven you, as He promised. The Bible says, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12).