Whether you believe it or you do not believe it, the decision of God is irreversible: all men have trespassed Romans 3:23. To escape from the never-ending damnation that is the result of the decision, there is the need to cry to God for mercy, obtain mercy and carry on with the life of righteousness.
Some might say, I want to enjoy in my life the manner in which I consider fit; don't irritated me with your message of doom. May I further declare to you that there is a limited measure of time for you to cry to God for mercy because of your wrongdoings and be heard.
Your cry for mercy can be heard while you are as yet alive on the earth. You can only die once, and instantly after you die you will encounter God's judgment. Now you can no longer cry for mercy and be heard and there will be no additional opportunity.
Hence, the Lord is cautioning you today against asking for mercy belatedly. The parable on the rich man is an illustration of somebody who behind schedule cried for mercy. His cries came immediately after he had shut his eyes in death.
Oh well, it was past the point of no return. The rich man's cries might have been heard in the event that they had been expressed while he was as yet alive, yet he overlooked the admonitions of God sent through His messenger. Then again, the publican in Luke 18:9-14 is a good illustration of somebody who asked for mercy while he could still be heard.
The cry for mercy of the criminal next to Jesus on the cross likewise came simply at the last possible second, before he died. 2nd Corinthians 6:2 is something worth mulling over that I want you to consider. If you have never requested that God to forgive your wrongdoings, do it now for the salvation of your soul. If you ask for mercy in this present time, I can assure you that you will receive salvation but there can no longer be mercy after died because it will be too late.