Abandonment and season for repentance

[NobleMaiden]

It’s a common claim that God doesn’t abandon people, but how much written evidence is there to support that, really, compared to otherwise? I take it the entire Bible paints a picture of His steadfast love through His repeated forgiveness and deliverance of the disobedient nation of Israel, up to the ultimate sacrifice. Even Samson wasn’t completely abandoned. Even Jesus says: “All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.” (John 6:37) People often say that as long as you’re alive, there is hope in salvation, but Proverbs 1:28 - for instance - seems to suggest otherwise. Is there a point in time when repentance is useless, even though God desires everyone’s salvation? Thanks in advance!

 

[0Scarlett_nidiyilii]

Is there a point in time when repentance is useless

God will always forgive a repentant sinner, so there is always hope for salvation.

If a nation repents and turns back to God, same things, but on a larger scale of souls saved.
Will He restore all the Eartly blessings they squandered away during their sinful time?
Not necessarily or right away.

 

[Vico]

… People often say that as long as you’re alive, there is hope in salvation, but Proverbs 1:28 - for instance - seems to suggest otherwise. Is there a point in time when repentance is useless, even though God desires everyone’s salvation? Thanks in advance!

God gives both grace and free will such that the meritorious works of the predestined are the partial cause of their eternal happiness.

Catechism of the Catholic Church

1821 We can therefore hope in the glory of heaven promised by God to those who love him and do his will.92 …

92 Cf. Rom 8:28-30; Mt 7:2

Romans 8

28 And we know that to them that love God, all things work together unto good, to such as, according to his purpose, are called to be saints. 29 For whom he foreknew, he also predestinated to be made conformable to the image of his Son; that he might be the firstborn amongst many brethren. 30 And whom he predestinated, them he also called. And whom he called, them he also justified. And whom he justified, them he also glorified.

Matthew 7

2 For with what judgment you judge, you shall be judged: and with what measure you mete, it shall be measured to you again.

 

[Genesis315]

Proverbs 1:28 - for instance - seems to suggest otherwise.

If you look at the context here, it is a false repentance. The foolish are calling out when they suffer the consequences of their foolishness, without turning away from the foolishness. In fact, this is what the Haydock commentary says:

Verse 28
Find me. Because their repentance was false, like that of Antiochus, 2 Machabees ix. 13., and Psalm xi. 4. (Calmet)

Certainly, a life of deliberate, obdurate sin can harden one’s heart to grace and cause spiritual blindness. This may make repentance much more difficult, but God never makes it impossible.