Do those who die in mortal sin get a second chance to repent?
The short answer
Repentance may be possible at the very last moment, but some people die too suddenly to have that moment. Whoever dies as God's enemy, which is what mortal sin makes us, goes to hell by his own choice.
It may be possible to repent at the last moment, but some die so quickly that no such moment comes.
To be in mortal sin is to be God's enemy. A person who dies in that state goes to hell by his own choice. Most of us have been given a whole lifetime to choose God.
Continue exploring
- Does a soul that dies in mortal sin go straight to hell, or does God offer mercy one last time?Q&A
- What happens when we die?Q&A
- Are people who die while excommunicated damned?Q&A
- Are there different levels of heaven and hell?Q&A
- Can Catholics be cremated?Q&A
- Can a soul be delivered from hell through our prayers?Q&A