Can we repent in the next life?

Question

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.

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