Hebrews 12:17 says of Esau, “For you know that even afterwards, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought for it with tears.” This verse is speaking in the context of :16, where it refers to how Esau “sold his own birthright for a single meal.” Once that had been done, it could not be reversed. :17 says that though “he sought for it with tears”, there was “no place for repentance.”
This verse is a sobering reminder that there are times when it is too late to reverse the damage done by our decisions.
Many people, having heard all their lives about the grace and mercy of God, take His grace for granted. They decide on courses and actions which they know are contrary to God’s will, but figure that “God will forgive me anyway” and plunge foolishly into their rebellious way. They assume there will be no lasting damage once they are forgiven.
These people exhibit the spirit of Esau — and unfortunately may well discover his end as well. For Hebrews tells us that when “later” came, and Esau wanted to repent of his actions, it was too late. “He found no place for repentance, though he sought for it with tears.” Once he had given his inheritance away, he could not regain it back, no matter how “sorry” he was, or how many tears he cried.
This sad story should be a warning to each of us, not to take for granted the grace of God, as well as to realize that there are irreversible decisions in life. Not all the damage you cause from some of your choices and actions can be reversed. It is possible to lose something that you can never regain, no matter how much you regret its loss. There are countless numbers of people who have lost their moral purity, their marriages, their families, the trust of others, their ministries — and more, because of their headstrong and foolish actions. They later discover that no matter how “sorry” they are, like Esau, “there is no place for repentance” — it is too late. It should be a sobering reminder to each of us to weigh our actions carefully, and not to presume upon the grace and forgiveness of God.
As devastating as the loss of such things on earth can be, the weightiest application here is that one day it will be too late for repentance of our sins and saving faith in Christ. As Hebrews 9:27 says, “It is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment.” When death comes, it will be too late for repentance. The Rich Man in Luke 16 discovered that too late. His destiny was now fixed, and like in Esau’s case “there was no place for repentance.” May each of us learn from him, and from Esau, and not wait until it is too late to consider the cost of our decisions and actions.
shawnethomas 
I have been enjoying these posts! Awesome! -Question on this post, was it too late for repentance after Esau sold the birthright to his brother, or was it too late for repentance after the blessing was given to the brother? Your post did not seem clear on this issue. If it is the former, then does that mean as soon as a Christian looses faith in God that then afterwords, no matter what he does, or whatever repentance he has, God will not accept it?
That’s a good question. The Biblical text seems to indicate that it was after the birthright but still too late later. Regardless, I would not make the assertion that there is a direct parallel between Esau’s experience and that of a New Testament Christian losing his salvation. I do not believe that a genuine Christian would ever lose his salvation, having been sealed with the Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:13) and having been given “eternal” life (John 3:16). The point of my post was that there are some decisions in life in which the consequences are irreversible, so we need to make sure we don’t lightly assume that forgiveness will “fix” every ill-effect of what we choose to do wrong.
I’m thankful that you have been enjoying the posts, Benjamen, and hope that you will keep reading!
I want to repent and return i missed my chance but I need another chance too do this marsha
If you want a second chance or third or fourth- you have it! It’s God who puts that desire in you to repent. So run to the Lord Jesus and He will surely catch you in His arms.
Ben is right, Marsha; if you want to repent and return, that is a sign that it is NOT too late. God is working in your life! But you need to be sure to respond to Him. Turn to Him now. Jesus said, “The one who comes to Me, I will certainly not cast out.” (John 6:37)
I’m trying to help a friend of mine and need some advice that I could give her. She got saved reborn again when she was a teen she’s 37 now. For year’s she was very close to Jesus tried to do all the right things prayed all the time and talked to Jesus all the time read the Bible every day. Well after the passing of her mom in 2009 she very slowly started to move away from Jesus out of hurt from the loss of her mother instead of moving closer to him. Every time she would try to return back to Jesus she would always fill a weight on her body like as if something or someone was holding her back she told me. She started falling so deep into sin because she felt that was too late to turn back because she has been away from Jesus for far too long. She repented of her sins and cried out to Jesus for help and she was doing good for a while. But then she said she started having these bad thoughts that were taking over her life. Voices of thoughts in her head that kept saying repeatedly that she wasn’t forgiven of her sins of getting tattoos. And the voice was saying that it’s no good to ask for forgiveness the damage is already done there’s no hope for you miles well keep sinning why stop now? And that voice has made her sin even more and then turn to smoking pot. She feels so stuck and so lost like a lost soul and hopeless and she can’t get out. Her thoughts are eating away at her she can’t sleep she can enjoy life because she has fear of God and that it’s too late for her to turn her life around because she feels why bother because too much damage has been done and she’s going to hell anyway when she does o what good Is it going to do her. These are the thought she having she feels that she’s being torment with these thoughts and she can’t escapeit. She wants to repent test again so bad and try to turn away from the sins but it’s the voices in her head and the bad thought that’s keeping her from trying to do this. She said she feels like a prisoner and doesn’t know how to escape. Is there anything any advice that I can give to her that might help her? She keeps letting the devil win because he is deceiving her with lies.
I am concerned cuz it said it was too late to repent and I believed it and then gave up but want to return
Let me make it clear: if you want to return to God, then it is a sign that it is not too late. Ask God to forgive your sins because of Jesus’ death on the cross, and commit yourself to Jesus as the Lord & Savior of your life. It was too late for Esau to get his birthright back, but it is not too late for you to turn to Jesus – especially if you have that desire in your heart. But do it right now! “Now is the acceptable time; today is the day of salvation.” II Cor. 6:2
No what it’s saying is that when we lose things on this earth because of bad choices then we repent of those bad choices we may still not get those things back like Esau couldn’t get his birthright back no matter how sorry he was and there is a time when it’s too late to repent of your sins so don’t wait repent now before its too late.
It seems there is a point of no return, but is possible if you still have the desire to repent….that its not to late…..never take a chance, seek forgiveness….Hebrews chapter 6 vs 4 and chapter 10:26 are real and mean buisness….no matter how bad you messed up… if you can repent then immediately….. this is not just your life….its your eternal place where you spend….dont play procrastinate, YOUR HEART MAY BECOME HARDENED TO THE POINT OF NO REPENTENCE IS POSSIBLE…….its easy to believe on Jesus but with actions and truth,,, we cant keep a perfect score of obedience with the law…but we can keep Jesus commands…if you sin…DONT GIVE UP …CONFESS YOUR SIN TO THE LORD JESUS AND LET HIM FORGIVE YOU…….((JAMES 5;19- BRETHEREN, IF ANY OF YOU DO ERR FROM THE TRUTH AND ONE CONVERT HIM, LET HIM KNOW THAT HE THAT TURNS A SINNER FROM THE ERROR OF HIS WAY SHALL SAVE A SOUL FROM DEATH AND COVER A MULTITUDE OF SINS……..
I made a profession at about 10 years old, but I’ve lived in sin for many years…Got convicted about it when I was about 19…depression and everything…so I prayed again for salvation. But then I went back to my sin, like a dog returning to his vomit. I carried on in my sin for years, feeling convicted, sure, praying again for salvation at times, but always going back to my habitual sin. And as time went on, the conviction seemed to grow less and less. Only recently, however, did my desire to repent and return make a real comeback. This is mainly due to the fact that I read some sermons about the possibility of stepping “over the line” with God…The point of no return, as it were.
So then my question is, if my desire to repent only seems to have come back when I began to fear that I COULDN’T, might that still count as a Holy Spirit given desire to repent? I’m honestly very concerned over this.
Sorry for the delay Ray; we’ve had a bad ice storm here in TX and have had no/spotty internet for several days. It is hard to do counseling over the internet (especially with the problems we are having here right now) and I would encourage you to visit with a local pastor with whom you can talk face to face — I’d recommend a Baptist or Evangelical pastor who believes the Bible is the word of God. But let me say that generally speaking, if you have a fear that you may have gone “over the line,” it is a good sign that you have NOT – that God’s Spirit is indeed working in you. And as one of the Puritans said, a conviction of sin can be one of the greatest signs of genuine conversion. So I definitely have hope for you. We all wrestle with sin – and often fail. Just keep bringing it to Jesus for forgiveness, and don’t stop wrestling with it. And DO attend a local, Bible- believing church and visit with a pastor who cares about you and with whom you can visit face to face. But I hope that helps! Saying a prayer for you now!
If God gave someone over to a reprobate mind, do you think they would even want to repent? My goodness how scary that a person could actually harden their heart to the point of not even wanting to repent.
Laurie Bernhardt I just want to warn young people if you get the chance to repent of your sins get right with Jesus while you can my mom brought me to church when I was 13 I was to proud and resisted God for years I thought that as long as I did the sinners prayer and stilled sinned sitting on the fence one foot in the world and one foot in the church I could always repent and God would forgive me . I abused Gods grace I’m 54 it’s to late for me my decisions to not obey Gods calling caused Jesus to cut me off from him .He turned me over to Satan I know it’s a done deal I’m cut off from God because of my disobedience don’t be foolish if Jesus is tugging at your heart to get right with him do it now or you’ll end up like me. Christians don’t even like me I notice the rejection even the worlds turned it’s back on me I have no love or kindness I have no feelings I’m empty maybe I was born this way I’m not sure don’t make decisions to rebel you may not ever recover from that God will turn your heart to stone .
I don’t believe it is too late for you. Turn to Him now and claim His word: “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.” “The blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from ALL sin.” Put whatever sin you may have had in that verse — He will forgive it if you ask Him. It is hard to counsel effectively over the internet. Find a pastor or counselor at a local, Bible-believing church to talk to and they will help you.
Thank you I’m am concerned about where I will spend eternity there is God and there is a devil it’s so obvious I’m gonna find a pastor christian counselor somewhere. Thanks again
I don’t know if you can help me with this I don’t know where to go in Massillon Ohio that actually does spiritual warfare .Do you have any ideas.i don’t want to get in the wrong hands I don’t need anymore curses spells hexes put on me seriously.
You are right, it is hard for me to recommend a church in an area I’m unfamiliar with. You might start by calling the First Baptist Church in Massillon, or the Anchor Baptist Church, and ask them for a minister to call and talk to you about a spiritual problem, and see if they can help you. But I will say again that the fact that you are actively trying at this point, makes me believe that you are not past a point of repentance.
Hi Laurie,
My name is Ray Nardi, (raynardi99@hotmail.com, if you felt comfortable reaching out directly…) and I just wanted to reach out to you because I feel like I am in a very similar spiritual state as you are, and my heart feels very heavy with regret and sorrow over it. I’ve begun to feel as if I’ve committed the unpardonable sin. I’ve also begun to feel lately, in fact, the temptation to do myself harm because of these things. I just was wondering how you were doing with your situation, and if anyone reading this reply might be able to advise me if there’s ever a point where a person should just stop asking God for mercy and forgiveness?
Hey Ray I just saw your reply to my reply or comment since you feel bad about thinking you committed the unpardonable sin you actually haven’t done that you have hope people that commit the unpardonable sin don’t care that they did it does not bother them.Please don’t harm yourself ok .Jesus loves you . I ll be praying for you .Hang in there ok it’s a battle man I’m battling voices in my mind recently I’m diagnosed with major depression but I’m not going to let Satan and his minions win ain’t no way this is the hardest battle I’ve ever had to fight. I’ve been listening to powerful battle songs by Natalie Grant and Nicole Mullins And We The Kingdom and King and Country.try them out for size listen to Natalie Grants song called My Weapon . And you will probably like Jimmy Crowder I think that his name Natalie Grant may seem to girly for a male but my weapon is for Christians period .Listen to the words carefully. Love you Ray Your Sister in Christ Jesus.
Hello Laurie Bernhardt I am in the same boat you said you were in could I talk with you I am so scared. I would like to talk over the phone if possible but first I’m at marge.mailbox@gmsil.com. I need someone who has a similar situation to talk to, sincerely Margaret
Hey Marge , what happened ? 😦
Good morning Shawn, I must confess,I became really scared and have been depressed and Sicky since I read your article, because I dont understand it. Sincerely am in a confused state, thinking whether its too late for God to forgive me and accept me back.Am 28 years old now,I come from a Christian family,so I have always known about God and his commandments,but I havent been doing all that pleases him, because I was involved in fornications and abortions,though I continually asked for forgiveness,but I didnt repent genuinely so I kept doing the wrong things and asking for forgiveness,until one day I started to reflect on my wrong deeds and I felt bad, knowing that I havent been behaving rightly,since then I have been feeling guilty inside of me,and I have been constantly begging God for forgiveness, promising that I wont go back to those sins again,but after reading your article I felt so scared, please explain to me sir,are you saying that its too late for me to repent?
Lauretta, I am not your judge, Jesus is, but I can tell you that one of the best signs that you are not beyond repentance is that you are concerned about it. If you are convicted of your sin and want to come to Jesus, you are not beyond repentance. Jesus said in John 6:37 “the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out.” So if you desire to come to Him, He will not cast you out! Go to Him and ask for forgiveness and the grace to turn from your sins. If you sincerely do that, He will not turn you away.
You might also read another of my messages that speaks about how deep His grace is: “Grace That Is Greater Than The Inexcusable” https://shawnethomas.com/2022/04/25/grace-that-is-greater-than-the-inexcusable-mark-1432-42-sermon-2/
God’s word shows us that His grace is bigger than ANY sin we have committed! God bless you, and may you find the forgiveness and peace you need in Jesus.
I have been struggling with this for many years. I walked away. Then I assumed that it was too late. But, again I asked for forgiveness. I was given a lot of signs when I asked that it was not too late. Here I am again. I am considering suicide sometimes and have a history of deep depression. I want to be saved. I want to stop sinning.
I am afraid it is too late. I have not gone back to that other stuff for over 20 years but am certainly guilty of other sins. I have asked for forgiveness again, and for help.
I know that feeling of sheer terror. I don’t know what do to.
Robert it is not too late. If you will confess your sins, Jesus is faithful and righteous and will forgive your sins. Believe God’s word and stand on it. And if you are having suicidal thoughts, you need to contact a local pastor or counselor immediately, someone who can talk to you. I am praying for you this morning.
Dear Mr. Thomas,
I appreciate your kind replay very much. May I tell you the whole story?
I had a crisis in 1987 and went to a church I saw on tv. I, and my mom, went for
a while. I stopped going. I returned to the sins. Looking back, I see how awful
I was.
In 1999 I had another crisis. I found a church down on the corner and started there.
I asked God IF I could come back. I believe he told me yes. I did not go back to those sins but there were temptations. I stopped going to that church out of pride I think due to something that occurred there.
I struggle with some sins now and want to stop. I feel guilty more and more.
Doesn’t Hebrews say you can’t return to the Lord?
Robert I believe that God is working in your life, and you should return to Him and His church. YES you can return to Him. Hebrews was written to Jewish believers who were considering giving up Jesus to go back to the Law, and the whole book was telling them how Jesus was better than the Old Testament priests, sacrifices, etc. – and that if they turned their back on Jesus there was no other hope for them. That is not your case. We all struggle with sin. God knows this and has provided Jesus for us. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness.” (I John 1:9) ALL. Claim that today. And then keep seeking God every day in prayer and in His word – and get back into a local church this Sunday. And as I said, if you ever have self-destructive thoughts you need to call a local pastor/church/hotline immediately. I am not always able to answer this blog at a moment’s notice; it is important for you to be able to talk to someone locally. I hope you will shoot me a note and let me know when you have found a local pastor to talk to/church you can attend.
Hi there,
I’m in a horrible state. I started to get scared I was beyond repentance last September after willfully abusing Gods grace and feeling like I was cut off. I then believed in my heart that I would be restored and I was. Then, I heard lies. Lies that I wasn’t loved by God, that I was too far, that I had to quit my job to be right with God, and a lie that I didn’t love people. When I let those thoughts reign in my soul I was in torment and my heart hardened towards God. I then was scared I was beyond hope. I heard a podcast staying if you harden yourself and cut yourself off from God then it could be the last time… I was afraid to fully believe thinking I didn’t. I then was overcome with feeling death in my soul and feeling my heart harden. I felt something cut off from my heart/chest. Then, I felt death in my soul. I was trying to come out of it and change my mind and I was doing okay for a bit but then I started to believe the lies again and lay down… I felt my heart harden and it feels like my soul is gone. I can’t really think and have apathy all the time. I can’t feel anything in my heart it’s like numb or I’ve felt it harden too many times. I remember God warning me in a dream “if it bears thorns and thistles it’s near to being cursed…” that was a couple months ago. I’ve struggling to have faith to get out but don’t feel the Lord speaking to me anymore and don’t even hear lies – constant death feeling. So many people have tried to encourage me but I’ve had lots of pride 😦 I want and need Jesus. I want to love people and obey his commands. Help? Am I beyond repentance? It’s feels like damage has been done so much.
Please seek deliverance from The Lord or from a deliverance minister. That dream could have been from the devil, or it could have been God warning you. But, the devil gives dreams too! You seem to be demonized. The demons can cause the issues you’re having. Sending prayers to you!! Don’t give up on your Faith and relationship with Jesus. Seek His face daily!! God Bless.
Hi my name is Brad.
I am very afraid that I am like Esau.
I watched pornography for 25 years. I’m seeing victory over it in my life. But, I’m afraid that the damage has been done. I also gave into fornication.
I’m desperate for some hope.
Please help!
Brad
Brad, I am grateful to hear that you have been seeing some victory over it; it is a wicked enemy that is ensnaring so many today. Yes, some damage may have been done, but God will forgive you — it is not the unforgivable sin — and He will continue to help you. Cleanse your mind by memorizing scriptures. God’s word can renew your mind. Memorize Psalms and other chapters of scripture that will help you. Psalm 101 is a good one: “I will set no worthless thing before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not fasten its grip on me” and other good verses. Write this Psalm out or copy it to your phone and carry it with you everywhere until you memorize it, and then move on to memorize another one. Let God’s word richly dwell in your life. And make sure you are in a vibrant, Bible teaching church. And build relationships with other men that you can be accountable to. All of these things will give you help and hope. I am praying for you.
If you are prone to addictions and obsessions and spend a crazy amount of time alone. You can easily waste your life and get distracted from serving GOD and having a close relationship with Jesus