LDS Apostle (later Prophet) Spencer W. Kimball wrote an inspired* book explaining The Miracle of Forgiveness. In this book, Kimball states God's saving power does not extend to one who merely wants to change his life, but He will forgive nearly any sin when a person's repentance is adequate (163, 359). However, Kimball says in agreement with D&C 82:7, "We can hardly be too forceful in reminding people that they cannot sin and be forgiven and then sin again and again and expect repeated forgiveness." (360)

Within the LDS belief system, how many times can someone seek and gain forgiveness for the same sin? What happens if that sin is repeated too often?

*According to Apostle Richard G. Scott in General Conference, October 2000

To fully understand the principal of forgiveness one must understand accountability, transgression, repentance, forgiveness, and grace to before you can fully answer this type of question.

As children of God we can compare it to our earthly existence to some extent. Once you have learned a concept you are responsible for the information and how you use it. If you tell your child to be home by 10:00pm and they understand it and they come home at 10:30pm it may be awhile before you let your child go out again. On a first offence you may explain to your child it is important to be on time. Second offence you may take privileges away for a week, third office maybe a month. Each time they disobey and have an understanding of the transgression the punishment may become greater. For those with a greater knowledge comes a greater responsibility. Each time the child willfully disobeys the parent the time it takes to recover takes longer.

Some people may think that the grace Jesus offers is unconditional. Grace is conditional on what we do as individuals. We must do all we can with our knowledge in order to be granted Jesus' grace. The same would apply to those who "want" to change their life but take no action to do so. The cliche "Actions speak louder than words" applies here. No matter how good the intention was of the spoken word it has no bearing unless action is taken to support it.

To address the question of how many times someone seek and gain forgiveness for the same sin. There isn't a set number; your limit is your lifetime. To repeat a sin to often means that you may not recover from your transgression within your lifetime. -ER (LDS)

i cant find anywhere a set amount of sins you commit and seek forgiveness on, but it appears to be not many. 1 john 1:9 if we confess our sins, he (GOD) is faithful and just to forgive our sins. matthew 18:21-35 jesus tells us to forgive daily 70 times 7, that is 490 times a day. that is what god through jesus does. that does not give license to sin, though. matthew 12:31 says the ONLY sin that will not be forgiven is blasphemy against the holy spirit, which i believe is the rejection of jesus christ. mormon doctrine pg 631 and the b.o.m (alma 34:31-35) says deathbed repentance is in vain. this contradicts the bible. luke 23:41-43 the thief on the cross was forgiven. 2 corinthians 6:2 says today is the day of your salvation, this includes deathbed repentance. D.N.C 82:7 says if we continue to sin then the former sins will return. what a burden that is. that contradicts 1 john 1:9. hebrews 8:12 says and their sins and iniquities will i (god) remember no more. proverbs 20:9 who can say, i have made my heart clean, i am pure from my sin. (no one can). but j smith taught otherwise: "presently impure people can perfect themselves and become pure." miracle of forgiveness pg 355. i don't believe miracle of forgiveness is inspired because it contradicts the bible, and if we are not assured of OUR forgiveness how then is it a miracle? alma 11:37 says ye cannot be saved in your sins and romans 3:23 says ALL have sinned. therefore, according to mormonism, who can be saved? this is a very heavy burden to bear. let jesus take this heavy burden. for further talks reach me at [email protected]. -RB (non-LDS)