If the devil were to repent, would God forgive him?

By CopticBot.ai (Coptic Space Inc.) · Last reviewed 2026-10-10

From the perspective of Coptic Orthodox theology, this is a hypothetical question that cannot exist in reality because of the nature of angelic beings. To understand why, we must look at the difference between the nature of a human being and the nature of a fallen angel.

1. The Fixed Will of Angels

According to the Church Fathers, the will of an angel is "fixed" once a choice is made. While humans live in time and change their minds frequently—moving from sin to repentance—angels exist in a different state. St. John of Damascus teaches that for the angels, the "fall" was their version of "death." Just as a human being cannot repent after they die and leave this world, an angel cannot repent after they have made their definitive choice to rebel against God. The devil’s choice was made with full knowledge and without the weakness of the flesh; therefore, he is eternally set in his malice.

2. The Definition of the Devil

The very identity of the devil is tied to his rebellion and his hatred of the Good. If the devil were to repent, he would no longer be "the devil." However, the Coptic tradition emphasizes that the devil is not just a "mistaken" being, but the "enemy of all righteousness" whose pride has completely consumed him. He does not possess the capacity for repentance/change of mind because his will is entirely and eternally turned away from God.

3. God's Mercy vs. The Devil's Rejection

God is indeed Merciful, and His love is infinite. However, forgiveness is a relational act that requires a receiver. In Coptic theology:

• Humanity fell through deception and the weakness of the body, leaving a door open for the grace of the Holy Spirit to lead us to repentance.
• The Devil fell through pure, spiritual pride and a desire to be God Himself, knowing exactly what he was doing.

As St. Gregory of Nyssa and others point out, Christ offered Himself as a ransom to rescue the devil's captives—humanity—not to rescue the devil himself. The devil’s destiny is the "eternal fire" (Matthew 25:41) because he is the author of sin and remains in a state of perpetual war against God’s creation.

4. Rejection of Origenism

The idea that the devil might one day repent and be saved is part of a heresy called apokatastasis, which the Coptic Orthodox Church, following the lead of the great Alexandrian fathers and the ecumenical councils, firmly rejects. We believe in the "everlasting punishment" for the devil, as stated in the Holy Scriptures, because he is a slanderer who refuses to seek God's face.

In short: The question "If he would repent..." is impossible because the devil’s nature is now defined by an eternal, unchanging "No" to God. God does not force His love on anyone, and the devil is the one who eternally refuses it.