Is it possible to repent after death in Catholicism?
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In the following quote from the Catechism, it seems to imply that you can repent of a mortal sin after death. How does that fit with the standard "Once damned always damned after death" view that the Catholic church teaches elsewhere?
> Suicide
>
> 2280 Everyone is responsible for his life before God who has given it
> to him. It is God who remains the sovereign Master of life. We are
> obliged to accept life gratefully and preserve it for his honor and
> the salvation of our souls. We are stewards, not owners, of the life
> God has entrusted to us. It is not ours to dispose of.
>
> 2281 Suicide contradicts the natural inclination of the human being to
> preserve and perpetuate his life. It is gravely contrary to the just
> love of self. It likewise offends love of neighbor because it unjustly
> breaks the ties of solidarity with family, nation, and other human
> societies to which we continue to have obligations. Suicide is
> contrary to love for the living God.
>
> 2282 If suicide is committed with the intention of setting an example,
> especially to the young, it also takes on the gravity of scandal.
> Voluntary co-operation in suicide is contrary to the moral law.
>
> Grave psychological disturbances, anguish, or grave fear of hardship,
> suffering, or torture can diminish the responsibility of the one
> committing suicide.
>
> **2283 We should not despair of the eternal salvation of persons who
> have taken their own lives. By ways known to him alone, God can
> provide the opportunity for salutary repentance. The Church prays for
> persons who have taken their own lives.**
I'm curious about the phrase "salutary repentance". Does this mean that someone in Hell can repent?
Asked by TheIronKnuckle
(2897 rep)
Feb 2, 2017, 05:50 AM
Last activity: Dec 2, 2023, 04:23 AM
Last activity: Dec 2, 2023, 04:23 AM