Gramps,

I know I read somewhere that it is harder to go through the repentance process after we die than it is in this life.   I have not been able to find a scripture that supports this claim.  Can you help me?

Yvette

Answer

Yvette,

Repentance, in the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is not just a temporary fix or a “get out of jail free card” for sin—it is an eternal principle. In essence, repentance is the process by which individuals recognize behavior or thoughts that are not Godlike, and then change their hearts, minds, and actions to align more closely with God’s will. The fundamental principle of repentance is a change of behavior, as well as a change of heart and mind. The process of repentance will be the same in heaven as it is now. Repentance is a result of recognizing where our behavior is not Godlike, and then changing our mind, heart, and behavior in accordance with what is Godlike.

But does this process continue forever—even after we are resurrected and judged? The answer is nuanced. Repentance is indeed eternal as a principle, but as to whether it applies to us personally after this life, there are scripturally established limits.

As explained, repentance is an eternal principle for those striving to reach perfection. However, in the plan of salvation set forth by the Church, up until the final judgement, we can repent of our sins. After that, we are unable to make use of repentance. This is expressed in that whatever kingdom we attain after the judgment, we may rise to the highest level within that kingdom, but we cannot enter a higher kingdom. In other words, the chance to repent and change continues in the spirit world, up until the point of final judgment, after which our eternal state is fixed.

An effective analogy is that repentance is somewhat akin to training wheels. We can lean on them when we don’t know how to ride a bicycle, but once we do learn, they become unnecessary.

Latter-day Saint doctrine teaches that, after death, all people enter a continuum often referred to as the spirit world. This is not a completely foreign or mysterious place—it is a state of continued growth, learning, and agency. The process that we call death, by which we pass through the veil separating mortality from immortality, is like going through a door. It produces no great change in the mind or the mental processes. When we leave mortality and enter the spirit world, we will still be the same person that we have always been. We will have the same likes and dislikes; we will have the same passions and appetites.

Crucially, this means that the opportunity to repent is present, but meaningful change is still required. According to Doctrine and Covenants 138:29-32, Jesus Christ did not personally go among the wicked after His death and resurrection. Instead, He organized his forces and appointed messengers, clothed with power and authority, and commissioned them to go forth and carry the light of the gospel to them that were in darkness, even to all the spirits of men; and thus was the gospel preached to the dead. And the chosen messengers went forth to declare the acceptable day of the Lord and proclaim liberty to the captives who were bound, even unto all who would repent of their sins and receive the gospel.

Thus, in the spirit world:

– Messengers teach both the ignorant (those who did not have the opportunity to hear the gospel in life) and the unrepentant (those who rejected it or failed to keep its covenants).
– Repentance remains open to all who will genuinely change their hearts, minds, and behavior.
– Agency is preserved—people there are free to accept or reject the teachings, just as in mortality.

However, it is not a matter of simply waiting for death to take faith or repentance seriously. If you felt that you could live life as you please and then repent after you are dead, you would have a dreadful surprise waiting for you…” for that same spirit which doth possess your bodies at the time that ye go out of this life, that same spirit will have power to possess your body in that eternal world.” (Alma 34:32-35). Habits, desires, and inclinations—be they spiritual or carnal—tend to persist, sometimes making repentance much more difficult in the next life.

This is particularly significant with regard to addiction. If we are chained by physical habits, if our intellects are controlled by our physical selves, such as being under the compulsion to smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol, or take drugs, those physically generated demands will still be with us, but without a physical body, we will have no way to satisfy them. So it may be much more difficult to get over an addiction there than here.

So what about people who die without baptism or other necessary ordinances? The Church teaches that provision is made: for those who did not take that opportunity [in mortality] and who receive the gospel in the spirit world, provision is made for mortals to act as proxy for the repentant dead, and in the Lord’s holy temples to perform those saving ordinances vicariously for the deceased repentant sinner. This is unique to the faith practice of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, illustrating the seriousness of both God’s justice and mercy.

At the final judgment, each soul is assigned an eternal kingdom (Celestial, Terrestrial, or Telestial) based on their choices, desires, and repentance. After this judgment, repentance as a means to move to a higher kingdom is no longer available. Up until the final judgment, we can repent of our sins. After that, we are unable to make use of repentance. This is expressed in that whatever kingdom we attain after the judgment, we may rise to the highest level within that kingdom, but we cannot enter a higher kingdom.

This doctrine is crucial: repentance is available in this life, and extends substantively into the spirit world, but does not permit eternal procrastination or “working the system.” It is designed, rather, to give every individual a fully informed, fair opportunity to choose Christ and His gospel—whether in life or after death if that first opportunity was missed.

a) What about people who never hear of The Church in this life?

Such individuals will have the opportunity to hear and accept those eternal, saving principles during the period between death and the resurrection. As we gain new experiences and learn new truths, we will respond to them much as we would have if we had heard them in mortality. The essential principle is that God judges us based on what we would have done, given full knowledge and fair circumstances. If someone genuinely would have accepted Christ had they known of Him, their opportunity is preserved in the spirit world.

b) Can those who rejected the gospel or were excommunicated repent after death?

Yes, but it will take additional time for us to become perfected. Thus, repentance will still play a role in our lives until we fully reach perfection. Even members who died outside the Church due to excommunication or disaffection have the opportunity to repent and, through vicarious temple ordinances performed by the living, have their covenants and blessings restored if their repentance is genuine. The mercy of the Savior and the scope of His atonement extend to all.

c) Does death instantly remove all our weaknesses and bad habits?

No. When we leave mortality and enter the spirit world, we will still be the same person that we have always been. We will have the same likes and dislikes; we will have the same passions and appetites.. Overcoming deeply ingrained weaknesses may be more difficult without the body, especially when physical appetites can no longer be satisfied, but the desire remains. The process of sanctification and overcoming sin remains possible, but it requires earnest effort.

Gramps

Dear Gramps,

Are we supposed to repent frequently or infrequently?  I’ve heard recent prophets speak on the joys of daily repentance, but I’ve also read that Joseph Smith taught that repentance is too serious a thing to do regularly. I might think that Joseph meant we should try not to sin, so that we don’t have to repent regularly, but it’s not that simple, or we’d all be translated. (We’re all trying not to sin, after all.) How can I align these two instructions?

Thanks,

Rina

Answer

Rina,

A frequent misunderstanding—especially for those earnestly trying to follow the Savior—is that repentance is a rigid set of steps or a revolving door: sin, confess, forsake, repeat, and hope you are “in the green” when your time on earth is up. This perspective not only adds unnecessary pressure but also fails to capture the redeeming power of Christ’s Atonement.

According to responses drawn from the experience and doctrine of the Church, repentance is NOT confessing what you have done, although confession is a part of true repentance. Repentance is NOT refraining from doing something wrong. There is no cycle of repentance. Rather, “repentance is not confined to actions that we do or that we cease from doing, but it involves a change of heart, a change of character, so that we are not the same person that we were before.”

This shift is echoed by modern Church leaders and thinkers. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland has taught that “The past is to be learned from but not lived in. We look back to claim the embers from glowing experiences but not the ashes… faith is always pointed toward the future.” The aim is progress, not perfection, in this life.

C.S. Lewis compared our spiritual progress to a child learning to speak: A mother teaches her baby to talk by talking to it as if it understood long before it really does. We treat our dogs as if they were ‘almost human’: that is why they really become ‘almost human’ in the end. So it is with God’s expectations for us. He invites us to be more than we are by meeting us where we are.

Many wonder, “Must I remember and repent of every little wrong? What about sins forgotten or buried in the distant past?” The answer is beautifully simple and merciful. If it were true that every individual sin required repentance, Jesus would be the only child of our heavenly parents to reside in the Celestial kingdom… The reconciliation that takes place is not about erasing an event (the actual sin). It is about changing our rebellious hearts. Scripture repeatedly teaches that *repentance is turning to God, confessing and forsaking what we know is wrong*, and allowing Him to “make weak things become strong” (Ether 12:27).

The steps often cited (recognition, confession, forsaking, restitution, etc.) are helpful guides but should not be mistaken for a legalistic checklist. Elder Neal A. Maxwell urged, “Real repentance involves not a mechanical checklist, but a check reining [controlling] of the natural self.” God looks not for an itemized list but for a sincere, changed heart.

For sins forgotten, there is no need to be plagued by fear. Sound doctrine reassures us, “If you’ve forgotten something that you have done that is wrong, don’t worry about it. God does not keep a score sheet of all our actions, but he continually evaluates the condition of our hearts. If our heart is pure, it doesn’t make any difference what we have done in the past. We may think of it as something done by another person–the one we used to be but no longer are. God does not judge us the way we were, but the way we are.

Likewise, when someone struggles to overcome a repeated habit, feeling trapped in guilt, they are invited to evaluate: “Is this sorrow leading to repentance or despair?” If it is the former, then it is likely godly sorrow and part of the healing process. Improvement and effort matter. President Ezra Taft Benson taught, “We must remember that most repentance does not involve sensational or dramatic changes, but rather is a step-by-step, steady, and consistent movement toward godliness.”

Another frequent worry involves the need to confess to a bishop and feelings of apprehension, embarrassment, or fear of consequences. Within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, only serious sins that affect our membership in the Church (or privileges like partaking of the Sacrament) require confession to a bishop. Most personal failings, such as impatience, unkind thoughts, or private struggles, are dealt with personally—between the individual and God.

When confession to a bishop is appropriate, it should not be viewed as punitive but as an act of faith and humility, inviting support. A bishop not only points out the way but walks beside you to help you arrive safely. Considering that a Bishop represents the Savior, when you confess to the Bishop, it is as if you are confessing to the Savior, and He is offering to walk with you on your journey home.

It is impossible for any mortal to live entirely free from sin. Even the best of us repeatedly fall short. Terryl and Fiona Givens remind us,

“Hardly ever… is a choice made with perfect, uncompromised freedom of the will. That… is why repentance is possible in the first place… For us lesser mortals, who never attain such lofty heights of intellect and will, repentance and change continue as long as our striving does. God would not have commanded us to forgive each other seventy times seven, if He were not prepared to extend to us the same mathematical generosity.”

Far from being an allowance for casual sin, this doctrine reflects the reality that repentance is rooted in divine mercy, not human flawlessness. The Lord judges us the way we are, not the way we were! When we honestly repent—confessing, forsaking, making restitution where possible—those sins are not only forgiven but “remembered no more” (Doctrine and Covenants 58:42-43).

President Benson described repentance as something ongoing, something constant. He’s describing a lifestyle. He’s describing a process of becoming, not just doing. Repentance is more than praying for forgiveness every night… It’s a way of living that demonstrates a continuing change of heart. This outlook is profoundly optimistic: we can thrive spiritually while imperfect, trusting in Christ’s merits rather than our checklist of deeds.

Brad Wilcox captured this growth through analogy:

“When a young pianist hits a wrong note, we don’t say he is not worthy to keep practicing. We don’t expect him to be flawless. We just expect him to keep trying… Growth and development take time. Learning takes time. When we understand grace, we understand that God is long-suffering, that change is a process, and that repentance is a pattern in our lives.”

Gramps

Gramps,

I know I’m not perfect, but I do my best to live a righteous life and make good choices.  So when I hear that we’re supposed to repent daily, I’m not sure what that even means, and how to do this?

Jamie

Answer

Jamie,

Repentance is not merely a checklist of actions to be completed; it is a heartfelt change of mind and spirit. As President Ezra Taft Benson stated, “Repentance is a change of heart and mind,” This change is rooted in recognizing our shortcomings and turning our hearts back to God. It is a process that requires humility, faith, and a sincere desire to improve.

One of the key components of true repentance is experiencing godly sorrow. This type of sorrow is distinct from mere regret or self-pity. President Benson described godly sorrow as “a gift of the Spirit,” a deep realization that our actions have offended our Heavenly Father and caused suffering to our Savior, Jesus Christ. This awareness leads us to a genuine desire to change and seek forgiveness.

When we feel sorrow for our sins, we must ask ourselves: Is this sorrow leading me to repentance, or is it leading me to despair? If our sorrow motivates us to turn away from sin and seek God’s grace, it is likely godly sorrow. However, if it leads to hopelessness, we must remember that God’s love and mercy are always available to us.

Repentance is often described in several steps, which can vary in presentation but generally include recognition, remorse, confession, restitution, and forsaking the sin. Elder Neal A. Maxwell emphasized that true repentance involves not just a mechanical checklist but a genuine change of heart.

Recognition: The first step is recognizing that we have sinned. This requires self-reflection and honesty about our actions and their consequences.

Remorse: Feeling genuine sorrow for our actions is crucial. This sorrow should lead us to a desire to change.

Confession: Confessing our sins to God is essential. For serious sins, it may also involve confessing to a bishop, who acts as a representative of the Lord.

Restitution: Where possible, we should seek to make amends for the harm we have caused. This may involve apologizing to those we have wronged or taking steps to rectify our actions.

Forsaking the Sin: True repentance requires us to turn away from our sins entirely. This does not mean we will never struggle with them again, but it does mean we are committed to overcoming them.

At the heart of repentance is the Atonement of Jesus Christ. His sacrifice allows us to be forgiven and cleansed from our sins. As we strive to repent, we must remember that we are not alone in this journey. Christ stands ready to help us, offering His grace and strength to overcome our weaknesses.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland beautifully articulated this concept, stating, “However many chances you think you have missed, however many mistakes you feel you have made… you have not traveled beyond the reach of divine love.” This assurance is vital for anyone struggling with the weight of sin and the desire to repent.

Despite its importance, many misconceptions about repentance persist. Understanding these can help clarify the process and alleviate some of the burdens associated with it.

Myth 1: Repentance is a One-Time Event

Many people view repentance as a singular event that occurs only when they commit a significant sin. In reality, repentance is an ongoing process. President Benson emphasized that most repentance is a “step-by-step, steady, and consistent movement toward godliness.” It is a lifestyle of continual improvement and striving to align our lives with God’s will.

Myth 2: I Must Be Perfect Before I Can Repent

Some individuals believe they must achieve a certain level of perfection before they can approach God for forgiveness. This belief can lead to feelings of inadequacy and despair. However, the truth is that we come to Christ as we are, with all our imperfections. The Atonement is designed for those who recognize their need for help and are willing to change.

Myth 3: God Will Not Forgive Me for Repeated Sins

Another common misconception is that if we repeatedly commit the same sin, God will eventually stop forgiving us. However, the scriptures teach that as long as we sincerely repent and strive to improve, God’s grace is sufficient to cover our shortcomings. In Mosiah 26:30, we read, “Yea, and as often as my people repent will I forgive them their trespasses against me.” This promise is a testament to God’s infinite love and mercy.

Repentance is not merely about seeking forgiveness; it is about transformation. It is a process that allows us to become more like Christ and to develop a deeper relationship with our Heavenly Father. As we engage in sincere repentance, we can experience a mighty change of heart, leading us to a life filled with peace, joy, and purpose.

Incorporating repentance into our daily lives can help us maintain a close relationship with God. This practice allows us to reflect on our actions, seek forgiveness, and recommit to living according to His will. Daily repentance does not mean we are morally weak; rather, it demonstrates our humility and desire to grow spiritually.

One of the most comforting aspects of repentance is the assurance of forgiveness. When we sincerely repent, we can trust that God will remember our sins no more (Doctrine & Covenants 58:42-43). This promise allows us to move forward without the burden of guilt, enabling us to embrace the future with hope and faith.

Gramps

Gramps,

Why in Revelation does it describe all unbelievers as being punished immensely, despite many not being directly against God? It feels counter to the concept that we have free will and that God loves all of us if those who don’t listen, including those who are simply agnostic, are punished to the extent stated in Revelation.

Wesley

Answer

Wesley,

Revelation has so much imagery and symbolism that convey the final judgment and the establishment of God’s eternal kingdom. The text emphasizes the unwavering nature of God’s justice, especially toward those who have consistently rejected His message and persecuted His followers. In Revelation 16:1-21, the Seven Bowls of God’s Wrath are poured out upon the earth, representing a series of divine judgments against pervasive evil and unrepentance.

A recurring theme in Revelation is the portrayal of unbelievers who steadfastly refuse to repent, even in the face of undeniable judgment and punishment. Revelation 19:1-3 highlights the vindication of God’s people and the condemnation of those who betrayed and persecuted them. This steadfastness in rebellion against divine authority shows the severity of their judgment. The imagery is a stark reminder of the consequences of rejecting God despite witnessing His works and enduring His trials.

While Revelation emphasizes divine judgment, balancing this with the recurring biblical themes of God’s mercy and love is essential. The narrative acknowledges that God’s judgments are righteous and just, aimed not at arbitrary punishment but at restoring order and righteousness. The destruction depicted, such as the annihilation of Nephite and Lamanite cities in the Book of Mormon (3 Nephi 8-9), illustrates God’s response to persistent wickedness. Similarly, Jesus’ prophecy of Jerusalem’s destruction in the New Testament serves as a historical account of divine judgment against a society that had strayed from God’s commandments.

The severity of punishment for unbelievers in Revelation raises critical theological questions, particularly concerning those who have been deceived or lack exposure to the teachings of Jesus Christ. How does divine justice reconcile with the fate of billions who may have never heard the Gospel?

Christian theology often posits that God’s mercy extends to various circumstances, taking into account an individual’s knowledge, intent, and opportunities for redemption. The Apostle Paul addresses this in Romans 2:14-16, suggesting that even those without explicit knowledge of the law respond morally according to their conscience. This implies that divine judgment considers the nuances of each individual’s spiritual journey.

One of the central dilemmas in Christian theology is reconciling the justice of God with the fate of those who die without explicit knowledge of Christ. Revelation’s depiction can seem harsh when viewed through the lens of universal salvation or inclusivism, which suggests that God’s mercy extends beyond explicit belief. However, traditional interpretations often emphasize the responsibility of humanity to seek and accept salvation, pointing to the importance of personal choice and accountability.

From a theological standpoint, Revelation emphasizes the necessity of divine revelation in understanding and accepting God’s will. The intensity of punishment serves as a deterrent against perpetual unbelief and rebellion. It reinforces the seriousness with which God views the rejection of His plan for salvation. This perspective aligns with the broader biblical narrative, where revelation plays a crucial role in guiding humanity toward righteousness and away from destruction.

While Revelation paints a vivid picture of divine judgment, it is equally important to recognize the themes of redemption and hope that permeate the text. The ultimate message is not solely one of fear but also the triumphant victory of good over evil.

Revelation culminates in the establishment of a new heaven and a new earth, where God’s presence is fully realized and evil is eradicated. This vision embodies the fulfillment of divine promises and the restoration of creation to its intended glory. The immense punishment of unbelievers is portrayed as a necessary step in this redemptive process, ensuring that righteousness prevails and the faithful are rewarded.

Throughout Revelation, there is a persistent call for repentance and perseverance among believers. The descriptions of judgment serve as both warnings and motivators for faithfulness. The faithful are encouraged to remain steadfast in their obedience, promising rewards for those who endure. This dynamic interplay between warning and encouragement highlights the dual aspects of God’s character—justice tempered with mercy.

Some theological perspectives hold that God’s revelation is not confined to explicit evangelism but extends in ways beyond human comprehension. This belief fosters hope that those who have not heard the Gospel may still receive salvation through avenues unknown to humanity. This inclusive approach emphasizes the boundless nature of God’s grace and the mysteries of His redemptive plan.

Gramps

Gramps,

I once read in some LDS material written long ago by a general authority, that we will all have to pay or, make restitution for the sins we made while on earth, even if we repented of it while we were here. Could you address this, please?

Judy

Answer

Judy,

Repentance is not merely an acknowledgment of wrongdoing but a sincere commitment to change and realign one’s life with divine principles. In the context of the Church, it is essential for individuals to fully embrace repentance to harness the full power of the Atonement. Without genuine repentance, the Savior’s sacrifice does not achieve its intended transformative effect, leaving individuals subject to suffering for their own sins.

The Doctrine & Covenants 19:15-20 emphasizes this point:

“Therefore I command you to repent—repent, lest I smite you by the rod of my mouth, and by my wrath, and by my anger, and your sufferings be sore—how sore you know not, how exquisite you know not, yea, how hard to bear you know not.”

This scripture shows the urgency and necessity of repentance to avoid divine wrath and suffering. The Atonement requires not just acknowledgment of sins but a heartfelt transformation to fully access its redemptive power.

The Atonement embodies both divine justice and infinite mercy. Justice demands that sin be addressed and consequences are meted out appropriately. Mercy, on the other hand, offers forgiveness and a pathway to redemption through sincere repentance. When individuals choose to repent, they accept the Savior’s sacrifice, allowing His mercy to cover their sins. However, if one opts not to repent, justice remains uncompensated, and the person must face the natural consequences of their actions.

This balance ensures that the Atonement is not a free pass but a profound opportunity for individuals to reconcile with God and overcome their imperfections. The Savior’s sacrifice provides the means, but it is the individual’s sincere repentance that activates its full potential.

A common question arises: Do we have to make restitution for sins here on earth even if we repented for them? The answer intertwines repentance with making amends, a crucial aspect of true repentance. While repentance cleanses individuals spiritually, making restitution addresses the earthly consequences of one’s actions, thereby restoring harmony and trust within communities.

Making restitution involves acknowledging the harm caused, seeking forgiveness from those wronged, and taking steps to rectify the situation. This process not only aids in personal healing but also reinforces societal bonds, fostering a sense of responsibility and accountability. Even after repentance, restitution remains a vital component to fully reconciling one’s relationships and societal standing.

Repentance is not a one-time act but a continuous process integral to one’s spiritual journey. As stated in the provided answer, “Remember, that when we die, we are not yet as God is, perfect. As such, it will take additional time for us to become perfected. Thus repentance will still play a role in our lives until we fully reach perfection. This perspective aligns with the Church’s belief in eternal progression, where individuals strive towards divine perfection, continually refining themselves through repentance and personal growth.

Even in the afterlife, repentance remains significant as individuals work towards becoming more like God. This enduring role of repentance emphasizes its importance in achieving eternal happiness and alignment with divine will.

Embracing repentance involves several intentional steps:

1. Self-Examination: Reflect on actions and recognize areas of wrongdoing or misalignment with divine principles.
2. Confession: Acknowledge sins to God and, when necessary, in a safe and appropriate setting with Church leaders.
3. Sincere Remorse: Feel genuine sorrow for sins committed, understanding their impact on oneself and others.
4. Commitment to Change: Develop a sincere desire and plan to avoid repeating past mistakes.
5. Making Amends: Take concrete actions to rectify any harm caused, restoring relationships and trust.

These steps ensure that repentance is comprehensive, addressing both spiritual and temporal aspects of sin and fostering personal growth.

Repentance transcends temporal boundaries, holding eternal significance in the believer’s journey. It is a divine gift that allows individuals to overcome shortcomings and progress toward godliness. By embracing repentance, believers actively participate in the Atonement, enabling them to rise above their imperfections and move closer to their divine potential.

The continuous nature of repentance highlights its role in eternal progression, pointing out that spiritual growth is an ongoing process. This enduring practice fosters resilience, humility, and a deeper understanding of one’s relationship with God.

Gramps

Gramps,

Why is it longer and harder to repent in the Spirit world without a body? I understand the concept that you are addicted to something and do not have a body to crave. Why would it take longer without a body?

Paula

Answer

Paula,

The spirit world, according to LDS theology, is divided into two main areas: paradise and spirit prison. Upon death, individuals are judged based on their choices and actions during mortal life. Those who lived righteously and accepted the gospel enter paradise, experiencing peace and joy, while those who rejected it or failed to repent enter spirit prison, where they await the opportunity to hear the gospel and change (Doctrine and Covenants 138:29-32).

According to Doctrine and Covenants 138:30-34, Christ organized messengers to preach to those in the spirit world, providing them with the opportunity to accept the gospel and repent. However, the absence of a physical body presents unique obstacles that can complicate the repentance process, as spirits must confront their sins in a different capacity.

Agency, or the ability to choose, remains a crucial principle in LDS theology. This divine gift persists in the spirit world, allowing individuals to make choices regarding their acceptance of the gospel and their willingness to repent. As noted in Alma 34:32-35, this life is the time for preparation to meet God; this principle carries over into the spirit world, where spirits retain their dispositions and past choices. However, they face heightened awareness of the consequences of these choices.

In mortality, individuals often have access to resources and support systems that help them overcome addictions. In the spirit world, however, those who struggled with such issues may find themselves confronted with their past behaviors without the ability to engage in their former habits. Consequently, overcoming emotional and psychological burdens can be particularly challenging without a physical body to anchor them (Doctrine & Covenants 138:30-34).

Mortality is viewed as a critical time for learning and growth, as it provides unique opportunities for making and keeping covenants. The ability to repent and change one’s heart is emphasized in the LDS faith. According to Alma 42:27, this life is the time to prepare to meet God; thus, the doctrines of the Church underscore that while repentance is possible in the spirit world, it is far more effective when undertaken in mortality.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland has emphasized that repentance is not merely a one-time event but a continuous journey of growth and change. In mortality, individuals have the opportunity to learn from their mistakes and make meaningful changes in their lives. In the spirit world, while repentance is still possible, the lack of physical experiences and the presence of past temptations complicate the transformational change required.

Central to the process of repentance, both in mortality and in the spirit world, is the Atonement of Jesus Christ. As stated in Alma 34:15, it is through Christ’s Atonement that individuals can repent and find forgiveness. However, acknowledgment of the need for repentance and the active choice to change are necessary components of this process.

Repentance requires sincere acknowledgment of wrongdoing, a change of heart, and a commitment to forsake sin (Doctrine and Covenants 58:43). In the spirit world, while opportunities for learning and acceptance of the gospel exist, the transformation of character that repentance necessitates may take longer without the physical experiences that facilitate growth and understanding.

Gramps

Gramps,

I have recently been learning about the laws of mercy and justice, and am confused. On the one hand, we learn from both Alma and Samuel the Lamanite that we cannot procrastinate the day of our repentance. On the other hand, we learn that because we will all die imperfect, we can continue to repent and progress in the next life. Also, if everyone could repent in the next life, wouldn’t everyone be saved in the celestial kingdom? How do you reconcile these two realities?

Christian

Answer

Hi Christian.

Thank you for your question.

First, let me dispel the notion of that last sentence.  You said, “If everyone can repent in the next life…”  Who said that?  Have you ever heard that in General Conference?  In all of scripture and all the sermons we’ve heard from General Authorities, we hear:

For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors. – Alma 34:32

We never hear anyone of authority say:

…Eat, drink, and be merry; nevertheless, fear God—he will justify in committing a little sin; yea, lie a little, take the advantage of one because of his words, dig a pit for thy neighbor; there is no harm in this; and do all these things, for tomorrow we die; and if it so be that we are guilty, God will beat us with a few stripes, and at last we shall be saved in the kingdom of God. – 2 Ne 28:8 (quoting evil men who want to lead people astray).

The point is that people tend to misunderstand what it means to “repent”.

What is repentance?  It is the recognition that we messed up and we need to do better.  And all the while, we continue to yoke ourselves to the Savior.

So, “everyone can repent in the next life” is incorrect.

• Many people have no intention of repenting.  And they won’t in the next life either, because that’s who they are.  They’ll never recognize that they’ve done anything wrong because they don’t believe it now.
• Others think they can procrastinate repentance.  They will continue procrastinating repentance in the next life because that is who they are.  Is it conceivable that men will develop the habit of procrastinating repentance today, but they will all of a sudden shed of the trait of procrastination in the next life?
• Many religious people believe they have yoked themselves to Christ and then don’t have to worry about repentance.  Without realizing it, they believe that faith in Christ gives them license to sin.  Will they all of sudden realize that they DON’T have a license to sin?

People question how we can be perfect at the end of this life.  We don’t need to be perfect.  But we need to be on the road.

The problem here is that the question presupposes that we “earn” a kingdom by reaching a particular level of development.  Well, kinda-not-really.

You don’t get into heaven by having the physique of Dwayne Johnson.  You get there by being the person who stays yoked to Christ all the way to the gym every day.  You need to have that commitment and dedication to be working on it throughout your life.  Keep in mind that you DO NEED TO GO TO THE GYM every day.  And if you endure to the end, that same attitude and commitment will carry you to the Celestial Kingdom in the next.

We endure by following the covenant path.  We endure by repenting every time we sin. It means always admitting our weakness before Christ.  And most importantly, we know that repentance is real because there will always be some tiny amount of progress we make every time we sin.  It doesn’t mean we won’t ever backslide.  Heaven knows that we all do that.  But we get up each time we fall.  And when we get up, we turn to face the Savior each time.

We need to be facing the right direction.  We either face the Savior or we face sin.  We can’t do both.

Sow a thought and you reap an action;
Sow an act and you reap a habit;
Sow a habit and you reap a character;
Sow a character and you reap (an eternal) destiny.”

― Ralph Waldo Emerson (altered by E.D. Boardman April 1962 Conference).

It’s usually not all at once. It is a growth and development throughout our lives, and even throughout all of eternity. As a personal interpretation, I do not believe that being received into the Celestial Kingdom necessarily means that we will be fully exalted immediately. But we are allowed to progress as long as we have that attitude of repentance throughout eternity.

People want a reward that others have. But they’re not willing to do the things required to achieve that reward. It is one thing to say “I wanna have all the wealth of Elon Musk.” It is another thing to be willing to go through years of hell with virtually no one on your side just to save a major corporation from ruin with no promise, and a narrow hope of payback.

We want the Glory of God, but we aren’t willing to be yoked to the Lord for all of eternity. It is irreconcilable to believe that we don’t make any effort in that vein in mortality and somehow believe that we’ll have different habits and motivations in eternity.

Gramps

Gramps,

If someone commits a “grievous” sin, and repents, are they still turned over to the buffetings of Satan? Is it true that after that buffeting they will come forth in the next resurrection and still be able to inherit celestial glory – or will it be the first resurrection?  I believe that you taught at one time from Joseph Fielding Smith that even after repentance there is a punishment attached. I’m sealed (but not currently married) to someone who has committed adultery more than once.

Gloria

Answer

Gloria,

In our scriptures, we can read the following from our Lord in multiple versus of scripture:

1) Isaiah 1:18, “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”

2) Doctrine and Covenants 45:3-5, “Listen to him who is the advocate with the Father, who is pleading your cause before him— Saying: Father, behold the sufferings and death of him who did no sin, in whom thou wast well pleased; behold the blood of thy Son which was shed, the blood of him whom thou gavest that thyself might be glorified; Wherefore, Father, spare these my brethren that believe on my name, that they may come unto me and have everlasting life.

3) Doctrine and Covenants 58:12-13, “Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more. By this ye may know if a man repenteth of his sins—behold, he will confess them and forsake them.”

I think these scriptures are sufficient to give evidence to those that repent (which means to forsake) are covered in and through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, our Savior. This means they will be partakers of the “first resurrection.” This means they will not have to endure the space of time where they will suffer for their own sins, and thus be partakers of what you describe as the “next” or second resurrection, but if they have not sufficiently repented then there will be a space and time where they will need to repent, suffer for their own sins, and then be partakers of the resurrection after the first.

I’m not sure what article you are referring to regarding Joseph Fielding Smith specifying a punishment attached; however, if people have not repented then yes they will receive punishment as described above. If a person has repented (confessed and forsaken) of their sins, then we can safely assume they will be part of the first resurrection.

As to your ex-husband, this isn’t anything I could make a judgment regarding, except with what is already specified and shared in scripture. I would recommend reading or listening to the following talks provided by President Dallin H. Oaks in the last two general conferences:

1) The Teaching of Jesus Christ

2) Kingdoms of Glory

Gramps

Dear Gramps,

Thru my eyes I was a mean mother and daughter with addictions.  I can never make this up to those I have injured. I selfishly took from everyone. I am an old woman now, and for 25 years I have tried to be the best mother and grandmother I can be. Still l I cry almost daily for the pain I caused everyone.  I can’t let it go.  President Nelson said, “Counting blessings is far better than recounting our problems.” Do you think he meant our past also?  Thank you Angels with Gramps.

Marie

Answer

Marie,

The easy answer to your question is an emphatic yes. If we look to the Book of Mormon we can confirm this answer through the lament of Nephi, 2 Nephi 4:17-19,

“Nevertheless, notwithstanding the great goodness of the Lord, in showing me his great and marvelous works, my heart exclaimeth: O wretched man that I am! Yea, my heart sorroweth because of my flesh; my soul grieveth because of mine iniquities.

 

“I am encompassed about, because of the temptations and the sins which do so easily beset me.

 

“And when I desire to rejoice, my heart groaneth because of my sins; nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted.”

A principle to ponder, remember, that every sin we have committed is in the “past.” The Lord’s atonement is infinite and eternal, and as such it covers the sins of our past, and the sins we will yet commit. Now, you might be thinking, “Well, yes, I understand what Nephi is saying but I didn’t live a life like Nephi. I am not as good as he was.” If so, remember Nephi was teaching a principle that the Lord wanted everyone who reads the Book of Mormon to understand. And that principle of truth is to “know in whom [we] trust.” We trust, in the Lord’s grace. His bounteous tender mercies and love that he can only offer us.

Let’s move past Nephi and lets discuss for a moment the life of Saul. Saul was a honest seeker of truth. He desired to do what was right before the Lord according to the knowledge he had. In accordance with that knowledge, although with “good” intention (he thought he was doing God’s will), he persecuted the Saints of his God. Not only did he persecute them, he helped the leaders of that time hunt them down and kill the Lord’s servants. Now, think for a moment, when Saul was visited by the Lord and asked, “Why persecutest though me?” What do you think might have been his first thoughts when he realized the magnitude of his decisions? Saul killed, help kill, his Lord’s servants. As a consequence, he was made blind, and thus began his repentance process.

Now, take a moment, when we think of past sins that might cause someone to say, “O wretched man that I am,” surely assisting with killing the Lord’s servants would be in the top ten. This and other decisions Paul made before he was converted may be the reason why Paul felt he was “less than the least” of his brethren, “Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,” ( Ephesians 3:8  ). As with you, he did all he could — his best — to repent and to move forward despite the decisions of his past.

As I share this, the Spirit brings back to my memory President James E. Faust conference talk, “The Weightier Matters of the Law,” when he shared the shame he felt because he did not help his grandmother out when he was young. Here are his words,

“When the wood box next to the stove became empty, Grandmother would silently pick up the box, go out to refill it from the pile of cedar wood outside, and bring the heavily laden box back into the house. I was so insensitive and interested in the conversation in the kitchen, I sat there and let my beloved grandmother refill the kitchen wood box. I feel ashamed of myself and have regretted my omission for all of my life. I hope someday to ask for her forgiveness.”

As we return back to Paul, I am sure he shed many tears for his past decisions, but something Paul said I hope will bring you comfort. In Philippians 3:13,

“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before.”

My dear beloved sister, please move beyond the past, trust fully in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and continue to reach forth unto that which is before us. I hope this next verse of scripture brings peace to your heart ( Source )

“Listen to him who is the advocate with the Father, who is pleading your cause before him—

 

“Saying: Father, behold the sufferings and death of him who did no sin, in whom thou wast well pleased; behold the blood of thy Son which was shed, the blood of him whom thou gavest that thyself might be glorified;

 

“Wherefore, Father, spare these my brethren that believe on my name, that they may come unto me and have everlasting life.”

Remember, in whom we trust.

Gramps

Gramps,

D&C 19:15-20 states that we must suffer if we do not repent.  My question is why must we all be forced to suffer exquisitely if we do not repent? Christ suffered for our sins so that we don’t have to. I am grateful for this. But if we choose not to repent why must we be forced to suffer? By saying you can either (1) repent, or (2) I’m going to make you suffer then you really don’t have a choice in the matter. You must repent or suffer. That’s not fair. There is no other option you can take. Thoughts?

Michael

Answer

Michael,

You fundamentally misunderstand what God is telling us in D&C 19:15-20.

15 Therefore I command you to repent—repent, lest I smite you by the rod of my mouth, and by my wrath, and by my anger, and your sufferings be sore—how sore you know not, how exquisite you know not, yea, how hard to bear you know not.

 

16 For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent;

 

17 But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I;

 

18 Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink—

 

19 Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men.

 

20 Wherefore, I command you again to repent, lest I humble you with my almighty power; and that you confess your sins, lest you suffer these punishments of which I have spoken, of which in the smallest, yea, even in the least degree you have tasted at the time I withdrew my Spirit.

When he tells us that we must suffer if we do not repent is like saying, “If you walk off the edge of a cliff you must fall” or “If you do not climb up the ladder you must remain in the pit”, or “if you do not turn on the light you must sit in darkness”

In none of these cases are you being acted on by someone else because of what you did or did not do.  It is simply the consequences of what we chose to do or not do.  Being like God is being on the path of peace and happiness, any deviation leads to suffering.  This is a simple consequence.  Our Heavenly Father knows this.  He also knows we will fall short and sin.  This is why he sent Jesus Christ.  This is why Christ suffered for our sins.  This would be like God warning us away from the edge of the cliff, or providing a ladder, or telling us about the light switch.

Sadly too many people walk off of the cliff, sit in the pit, or dwell in darkness… and then blame God for their suffering.  They ignore the simple fact their own choices are what is making them suffer.  You will sin, so you will suffer, this is a natural consequence. Calling it not fair is the tantrum of a child, it simply is.  In his mercy God has provided a way out it requires us to choose to use it, to choose repentance, but the choice is ours.

Gramps

Hi Gramps!

My name is Alli. A year ago I was in a relationship that stopped me from going to church. I broke the Law of Chastity. I broke up with the guy a few months later and have since turned my life around. I have prayed and asked for forgiveness and I feel like I have been forgiven. I know I need to go to the Bishop but I am terrified of what he is going to have me do (taking away my membership, etc.) I want more than anything to be worthy of the temple again but I can’t get past my fears.

Alli

Answer

Hi Alli!

First off, I want to commend you for your email to us. It must have taken great courage to write this and I’m proud of you. Speaking of being proud, I’m even more proud of you for realizing that the relationship you were in wasn’t really the best one for you spiritually and that you broke it off. Our relationships should be pleasing to our Heavenly Father and if they lead us into temptation, we should do our best to modify or end them. Temptations, of course, can take multiple forms. Some of us are tempted by sexual matters, some of us might be tempted to drink alcohol, steal from someone, or watch inappropriate media.

Elder C. Scott Grow can answer your question far better than I ever could. When asked if a bishop will condemn or admonish you, Grow said;

“I promise you he will not condemn you. As a servant of the Lord, he will be kind and understanding as he listens to you. He will then help you through the repentance process. He is the Lord’s messenger of mercy to help you become clean through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.”   Why and What do I Need to Confess to my Bishop?

Those words provide me with great comfort. The bishop is there to help you, and everybody, through the repentance process. I can assure you Alli, that he has heard it all before. We like to think that other members in our church don’t suffer from the same problems and sins that we do, but that’s not the case. We are all human. Sometimes, these men have heard confessions in state prisons. I want to tell you one more time that nothing you  tell him will make him think less of you. In fact, instead he’ll admire your courage.

Since I’m not a bishop and never was, I’m not sure what he’ll say or do to help you with the repentance process. Could there be a time when he asks you to take refrain from taking the sacrament? Sure. Could he request other things of you? Yes he could, and that’s part of the repentance process. Simply put, I don’t know what he’s going to suggest to you. What I do know, is that you are going to feel so much better after you go through this process. Your sins will truly be “washed away” and our Heavenly Father will rejoice. You will be able to enter the temple again with a clean conscience, and that, Alli, could be the greatest blessing of them all.

You are in our prayers!

Gramps

Gramps,

If I have repented for my sins and I am still tempted am I still guilty?  I have not given in but I’m constantly reminded of my past.  Sometimes I feel the shame so strong I flinch.  Will I ever feel clean or will I suffer because of my past till I die?

David

Answer

Dear David,

I truly appreciate this question not only because I can sense this has troubled you for awhile, but because I know that you are not the only one who feels like this and I am certain there will be many more who’d benefit from this answer.

I hope that my words bring you hope and inspiration to do your best and move forward knowing you are a literal son of Heavenly Parents, who love and cherish you with the kind of love we’ve yet to fully understand.

You see, they have spent many, many days lovingly and patiently preparing a plan by which we could learn and grow to love them. In that plan, they have given us one of life’s greatest gifts: Moral Agency!

Being able to choose our actions, is by far, one of the most important aspects of the Plan of Salvation. Lucifer, who is the devil, wants nothing more than to have us bound by our choices, our wrong choices. He instills shame in our hearts and thus, makes us feel less than what we are, or whom we can become.

I know I have shared the following talk, on previous answers but, I think it is imperative to remind ourselves of the miracle that is forgiveness.

In a devotional given on January 13th 2009,  Elder Jeffrey R. Holland gave one of the most powerful talks in our time. So, I will be using his talk to answer your question addressing each section, in delicate detail.

You said:

If I have repented for my sins and I am still tempted am I still guilty?

In Elder Holland’s talk, he mentioned this:

“One of the purposes of history is to teach us the lessons of life. George Santayana, who should be more widely read than he is on a college campus, is best known for saying, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it” (Reason in Common Sense, vol. 1 of The Life of Reason [1905–1906]).”

Repenting of our past acts is important: we are given the ability to remember just enough to ensure we do not repeat it. Sometimes, we remember too much and dwell on the past where it becomes as ball and chain which is attached to our ankle weighing ever so heavily giving us the feeling of shame (you describe it as guilt). Shame is a destructive feeling that Satan uses to snare us in a potentially eternal spiral down to the everlasting despair.

The Lord in Doctrine and Covenants 58:42 has stated: “Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more.”

So, it is important to remember our past acts but not to dwell on them to the point of dragging us down. And to answer the last part of your question, no, you are not guilty IF you have truly repented.

You continued:

I have not given in, but I’m constantly reminded of my past.

I completely applaud the fact that you have not given in. I am proud of you and I am certain that God is even more grateful you are striving to keep His commandments.

Elder Holland’s talk, which it’s titled “Remember Lot’s Wife”  and as you know, Lot’s wife was not exactly obedient as she ended up being turned into a pillar of salt for “looking back”. Elder Holland stated the following:

“It is possible that Lot’s wife looked back with resentment toward the Lord for what He was asking her to leave behind. We certainly know that Laman and Lemuel were resentful when Lehi and his family were commanded to leave Jerusalem. So it isn’t just that she looked back; she looked back longingly. In short, her attachment to the past outweighed her confidence in the future. That, apparently, was at least part of her sin…”

 

“At this point, let me pause and add a lesson that applies both in your own life and also in the lives of others. There is something in us, at least in too many of us, that particularly fails to forgive and forget earlier mistakes in life—either mistakes we ourselves have made or the mistakes of others. That is not good. It is not Christian. It stands in terrible opposition to the grandeur and majesty of the Atonement of Christ. To be tied to earlier mistakes—our own or other people’s—is the worst kind of wallowing in the past from which we are called to cease and desist.”

Dear David, I say to you, cease and desist!

Continuing:

Some times I feel the shame so strong I flinch.

You are not any different than any other person whom has fallen. Not feeling inadequate is surely something we could all strive for and as president Holland has pointed out, it is important to stop dwelling on past mistakes. Do not give up. Do not fall but if you do, get up again and keep moving forward. Eventually, the great power of the atonement will carry you to pass through the threshold into eternal life.

Now, the end, the part that makes my heart hurt a little for you:

Will I ever feel clean,or will I suffer because of my past till I die.

As being someone who at one point or another has felt like you, I know from personal experience that you WILL feel clean and will not suffer the effects from previous wrong choices. You see! Jesus Christ has suffered all of our sins for us and He has promised that IF we follow him and accept him as OUR Savior, he will pay the price and eventually, we’ll be free from our guilt and pains of past acts.

I will end by sharing with you another favorite talk of mine, this one given by then, Acting President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, President Boyd K. Packer:

‘Satan is the deceiver, the destroyer, but his is a temporary victory.

 

The angels of the devil convince some that they are born to a life from which they cannot escape and are compelled to live in sin. The most wicked of lies is that they cannot change and repent and that they will not be forgiven. That cannot be true. They have forgotten the Atonement of Christ.

 

“For, behold, the Lord your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh; wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him” (D&C 18:11).

 

Christ is the Creator, the Healer. What He made, He can fix. The gospel of Jesus Christ is the gospel of repentance and forgiveness (see 2 Ne. 1:13; 2 Ne. 9:45; Jacob 3:11; Alma 26:13–14; Moro. 7:17–19).

 

“Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God” (D&C 18:10).’

David, I hope you have felt the love our Heavenly Father has for you and how much He longs for you to feel worthy of such love. He wants you to see yourself as He sees you: an amazing son. I share with you that IF you continue being faithful and continue to strive to live the Gospel, I promise you that you will see Him again some day. These are desperate times and Satan is ramping up his attacks but the work of Heaven is even more excited to see people like you go forward. I pray that you find the strength to know you are worth it.

With Love,

Gramps