| Question Title | Posted By | Question Date |
|---|---|---|
| a question about hell | deborah | Monday, July 16, 2007 |
Question: Dear Brother Ignatius, It specifically stated that most people go to hell due to sins of the flesh than any other reasons. My husband committed Adultery several years ago, we did not get divorced, we worked through it and have been married 21 years now. My husband went to confession, confessed his sins, has turned back to the church, receives communion and we both are active in our parish. I guess my question is, were they talking about someone who dies without repenting, and feeling sorry for what they did? (An unrepentent sinner). Or is this something that God just will not forgive? I have been doing a lot of reading about God's Divine Mercy, and I find it confusing. I mean is he a merciful God or a Vengeful God, or both? This program really scared me to death. If anything it makes you think about your life, the mistakes and sins one has committed and it leaves such frightful doubts about one's eternal salvation. Any thoughts on this would be very much appreciated. |
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| Question Answered by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OLSM
Dear Deborah: I praise God that your marriage was not ended. Adultery does not have to end a marriage; it can be worked out if both parties are willing to forgive and work on their relationship. I thank God you and your husband were able to do that. As for hell, the only people who go to hell are the unrepentant. If one dies with unrepentant mortal sin on their soul, they go to hell. There is frankly no excuse for going to hell. God has given us His Church and His Sacraments to help us to remain and to die in a state of Grace. God is not willing for anyone to perish, the Bible tells us. Thus, God bends over backwards, as it were, to give us 10s of thousands of opportunities to repent and to remain in His friendship. Those who go to hell have to want to go to hell, I guess, if not in a positive way (I wanna go to hell), then in a negative way (I refuse to serve God), because God gives us so many ways and opportunities to repent. It is true that the sins of the flesh are probably the most common, but it is only the unrepentant who go to hell. God can and does forgive any sin. The only sin that God cannot forgive is the sin of refusing to accept God's forgiveness (final impenitence). 1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." God Bless, Footer Notes: This forum is for general questions on the faith. See specific Topic Forums below: Spiritual Warfare, demons, the occult go to our Spiritul Warfare Q&S Forum. Liturgy Questions go to our Liturgy and Liturgical Law Q&A Forum Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) Questions go to our Divine Office Q&A Forum Defenfing the Faith Questions go to our Defending the Faith Q&A Forum Church History Questions go to our Church History Q&A Forum
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