Why wouldn’t I? If I were standing before Jesus, faced with undeniable proof, of course I would admit I was wrong. I’ve said before: that’s one of the fundamental differences I often see between believers and nonbelievers. Most nonbelievers are open to changing their views if presented with compelling evidence. Many believers, on the other hand, openly say no amount of evidence would ever change their minds, and they view that as a virtue.
You raise another important point: Why should salvation hinge on when someone believes in God, just before death vs. just after, especially if the ultimate goal is to seek and find God? If someone lives justly and honestly, open to truth, is the timing of belief really more important than the substance of a life?
Now let me flip your hypothetical (and yes, I realize both of ours are oversimplified). Imagine you die and find yourself at the feet of the devil — and every devout believer you know is there, too. The devil tells you the entire belief system you followed was a deception he constructed. Would you question your faith? And if you did, would that mean the moral life you lived was suddenly meaningless?
If I were in your shoes, I’d feel my faith was fundamentally mistaken, but if it led me to live an honest, compassionate life, I wouldn’t regret it. Just like in your scenario, good intent and a sincere search for truth still count.
