If someone dies and goes to hell, can they still repent?
Maybe someone you love died without knowing Jesus, and you’re desperate for hope. Or maybe you’re putting off a decision, thinking there will be time later. This question matters more than almost any other.
No. The Bible teaches there is no second chance after death: “man is appointed to die once, and after that to face judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). In Jesus’ account of the rich man in Hades, Abraham told him, “a great chasm has been fixed between us and you, so that… no one can cross from there to us” (Luke 16:26). The rich man didn’t even ask for a second chance; he asked for someone to warn his brothers. That is why Scripture says, “Now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2).
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The rich man’s last request
From Hades, the rich man begged Abraham to send Lazarus back to warn his five brothers, “so they will not also end up in this place of torment.” Abraham answered that they had Moses and the Prophets, God’s Word, and that if they wouldn’t listen to it, they wouldn’t be convinced even if someone rose from the dead (Luke 16:27–31). The time to listen is now, while we’re alive.
Why there is no second chance
Death seals the direction of a life. A person who has refused God throughout their life doesn’t change their heart after death; they remain who they chose to be (Revelation 22:11). God gives every person their lifetime to respond to Him, and He is patient far beyond what we deserve (2 Peter 3:9).
If you are grieving someone
You can’t know everything that happened in a person’s heart in their last moments, and God is a perfect judge. Trust them to Him. Let your grief move you to share Jesus with the people still living.
If you are putting it off
No one is promised tomorrow (James 4:14). If you know you need to turn to God, do it today.
What the Bible says
- 01
Once to die, then judgment.
“Just as man is appointed to die once, and after that to face judgment,”
Hebrews 9:27 - 02
The great chasm.
“And besides all this, a great chasm has been fixed between us and you, so that even those who wish cannot cross from here to you, nor can anyone cross from there to us.’ ‘Then I beg you, father,’ he said, ‘send Lazarus to my father’s house, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also end up in this place of torment.’ But Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let your brothers listen to them.’ ‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone is sent to them from the dead, they will repent.’ Then Abraham said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.’””
Luke 16:26–31 - 03
Now is the day.
“For He says: “In the time of favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” Behold, now is the time of favor; now is the day of salvation!”
2 Corinthians 6:2 - 04
A mist that vanishes.
“You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”
James 4:14 - 05
God’s patience.
“The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.”
2 Peter 3:9 - 06
Believe and live.
“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life. Whoever rejects the Son will not see life. Instead, the wrath of God remains on him.””
John 3:36
Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.
Don’t wait. If you haven’t surrendered your life to Jesus, do it now. If you have, tell one person who hasn’t, this week.
Common questions
What about purgatory?
The Bible doesn’t teach a place where people pay for their sins after death. Jesus paid it all (Hebrews 10:14).
Can I pray for someone who already died?
Scripture doesn’t teach that our prayers change someone’s eternity after death. Pray for the living, and trust the dead to God’s perfect justice.
Can people be saved during the tribulation?
Yes, while they are alive. The open door closes at death, not before.
Take your first step with us.
If you prayed today, or you’re close, Become will walk with you: your first days with Jesus, step by step, with people praying for you.