Destronicus

A Christian and an atheist have been friends their whole lives. They have lived their lives according to their own personal moral beliefs. Both of them have been law-abiding, kind to others, charitable, and hardworking contributing members of society.

One night they have a little too much to drink and they cheat on their wives. They're driving home from the sleazy hotel when they get in a car accident and die.

The next thing they know, they're standing before God with his book of judgement. The Christian begs forgiveness for cheating on his wife and is let in to heaven. The atheist, upon seeing God and heaven and the pearly gates and all that, immediately gets on his knees and begs forgiveness for not believing.

What happens to the atheist? He has now given his heart and soul completely to God. Will God send him to hell? Why or why not? Is there scriptural evidence that says you must believe in God while you are still alive? If I can "find God" while I'm in prison for murdering 17 people, why can't I "find God" while I'm in hell and subsequently go to heaven?