In order to answer this question, we must first define repentance.

Repentance comes in two forms, attrition and contrition. 

Attrition is the turning away from sin or guilt motivated to merely escape punishment. Contrition on the other hand goes beyond the fear of punishment. It comes from a deep sense of awareness that a wrong has been committed, leading to a conscious decision to stop doing that wrong. The Bible describes contrition as true repentance.

The concept of attrition is best exemplified by the analogy of a child who does not feel guilty about stealing candy until he is caught with a bunch of candy in his pocket and his parents chase him with a stick. There is something suspicious about this kind of repentance motivated to avoid punishment (what we would call an escape ticket out of hell). 

Contrition can be seen in the text of scripture where David’s heart was broken before God, and he said, “O God, a broken and contrite heart you will not despise” (Psalms 51:17); here, David felt genuine Godly sorrow. David showed true repentance by realizing his error and turning from it.

Now getting to the meat of the question; 

Is there any hope for those who repent at the last minute of their lives? 

Yes, if their repentance is genuine, they will be saved. A good example of someone who found salvation at the very end of his life is the thief on the cross (Luke 23:39-43). 

There is a simple requirement for entering the kingdom of God: repent and believe in Christ as your Lord and Savior.

So, people can be justified by repenting, believing at the end of their lives. If their repentance is genuine, they will escape hell’s punishment and enter the kingdom.

Despite this encouraging truth, there must be a disclaimer because there are many false professions being made on deathbeds.

If a person rejects Christianity their entire life, but on their deathbed (decides to play it safe), and profess Jesus as their Savior and Lord, they would not be accepted into heaven due to their wrong motives. 

It is imperative to note that redemption does not come through a profession of faith but by having a possession of faith. 

People who have faith (that is sent from above) are called to profess it. However, merely professing faith does not guarantee anything. 

As discussed, salvation requires authentic repentance. Without repentance, a profession of faith would be invalid and inconsistent with Biblical principles.

In conclusion, there isn’t any wisdom in waiting until your deathbed to change your life because you can’t know when that time will come. Yet, at the same time, if you are on your deathbed or know someone who is, sharing the message of the gospel and calling for repentance is the best thing to do—then leave the saving in God’s hands. Salvation is ultimately a matter of the heart, and only God knows the sincerity of one’s repentance.