Repenting after death

[Katzpur]

Because we are all capable of recognizing Truth and having faith.

Well, sort of... But let's say I genuinely believe that Mormonism is true and Catholicism is not. Let's say I live my life according to the tenets of the faith I truly believe, deep in my heart, to be true. If I were to die and then learn (prior to my judgment) that Catholicism is the true Christian faith, I would hope that God would be merciful and recognize that, because I just failed to understand certain things during my life, I made the wrong choice. I'll tell you this: If it turns out Catholicism (or any other religion) is true and I've screwed up, I'll be the first in line asking for God to please consider that I acted in ignorance and forgive me for my error. I would hope that every other sincere person in the world would feel the same way.

 

[Katzpur]

Where did people who died before Christ go? | Catholic Answers

But what about people who lived after Christ but never had the chance to accept His gospel? Wouldn't they be in essentially the same position as those who died before His ministry? (Example: a person living in China in the 4th century.)

 

[Katzpur]

She's not ranting at all. That post was actually really informative.

And you're welcome to think that. From all my dealings with her on the forum, I'm inclined to disagree.

And I'd wholeheartedly second that!

 

[Glaurung]

This is not a debate thread. I will address this once.

Do you know what the Bible's definition of a soul is?
It is a living, breathing creature. Never is a soul spoken of as disembodied.

I'm well aware that the Hebrews did not believe in the disembodied soul and thus it may not be explicitly mentioned.

The words "immortal" and "soul" do not appear side by side in one single passage of scripture.

I do not adhere to sola scriptura. Church tradition posits that every human being possesses an immortal soul that is disembodied immediately after death until the time comes in which we'll be united with our bodies.

That is a nice thought Tlaloc......but how does Matt 7:21-23 factor into those Catholic visions?

Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers

I'm not claiming that everyone will accept Christ, even face to face. This includes those whose Christianity was but a selfish pretension.

When Jesus spoke about the "sheep and the goats"' I did not see any "one last chance" scenario mentioned there.....do you?

For whatever reason, there will be those who reject Christ. They are the goats. Clearly living a life here on earth contrary to the will of Christ is a dangerous spiritual proposition, I stress the importance of becoming right with God in this life. But I also believe God will do everything possible to save a person short of infringing upon that person's free ability to reject salvation. Finally, I stressed the scenario only as a possibility, not as a point of faith.

 

[Katzpur]

Clearly living a life here on earth contrary to the will of Christ is a dangerous spiritual proposition, I stress the importance of becoming right with God in this life. But I also believe God will do everything possible to save a person short of infringing upon that person's free ability to reject salvation. Finally, I stressed the scenario only as a possibility, not as a point of faith.

Wow! Beautifully stated! :yes:

 

[Glaurung]

Wow! Beautifully stated! :yes:

Why thank you. I do my best

 

[Saint Frankenstein]

Well, sort of... But let's say I genuinely believe that Mormonism is true and Catholicism is not. Let's say I live my life according to the tenets of the faith I truly believe, deep in my heart, to be true. If I were to die and then learn (prior to my judgment) that Catholicism is the true Christian faith, I would hope that God would be merciful and recognize that, because I just failed to understand certain things during my life, I made the wrong choice. I'll tell you this: If it turns out Catholicism (or any other religion) is true and I've screwed up, I'll be the first in line asking for God to please consider that I acted in ignorance and forgive me for my error. I would hope that every other sincere person in the world would feel the same way.

But what about people who lived after Christ but never had the chance to accept His gospel? Wouldn't they be in essentially the same position as those who died before His ministry? (Example: a person living in China in the 4th century.)

I've always believed that God's mercy is more than His wrath. You clearly love Jesus Christ and recognize Him as essential for salvation, so I'm sure He'll keep that in mind.

As for people who never heard or witnessed the Gospel, Catholicism tends to think that they'll be judged on what they did know and did. If they pursued a righteous life with what knowledge they did have.