Since you understand that justification is a gift why did you bring up good works? Is it possible for (can) a sinner (rapists, serial killer) to be saved at the last minute? You have yet to prove my response is incorrect. As to my rant, since when is quoting Scripture a rant?
As to repentance taking a lifetime that is simply your take on repentance. Anyone who is practicing a sin for which he/she has to continually repent then according to 1 John 3 they are not saved since true repentance indicates one has ceased to practice (in thought and deed) a sinful behavior.
Now unless you can refute the Scriptures I posted then you need to remember this:
Matthew 19:23-27
23 And Jesus said to His disciples, "Truly I say to you, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 "And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." 25 And when the disciples heard this, they were very astonished and said, "Then who can be saved?" 26 And looking upon them Jesus said to them, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
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Mark 9:23
23 And Jesus said to him, "'If You can!' All things are possible to him who believes."
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