Sin & Salvation as it Pertains to Faustus's Contract

     So, as I read Doctor Faustus, I found myself wondering what exactly was meant by the act of selling one's soul to the Devil. What does this “transaction” so-to-speak precisely entail? For one thing, Faustus obviously deliberately turns away from God and essentially “does business” with the devil. But what do these satanic dealings mean in terms of his salvation in the long run? If continued without repentance, we assume he's guaranteed a spot in Hell. And according to the play, he is indeed eternally damned.  Moreover the “contract,” which is signed with blood, seemingly signifies a level of permanence. Yet doesn't every contract have its own set of loopholes? Furthermore, if this deal with the devil is permanent and Faustus's fate is sealed, why did we discuss mercy in class? And why are we asking ourselves when Faustus reaches the “point of no return” (where not even God will take him back) in this tale? All this leads me to believe that this “contract” is only as “good” as the parties involved make it.  So if one wanted out (eg: a repentant Faustus), it would have been nullified.  After all, we're led to believe God is all-merciful if we are penitent. . .right?

     

     With all this said and done, though, my burning question in terms of this text still remains: what is the difference between our idea of sin and Faustus's contract with the devil? We know that Faustus's contract with the devil is a sin (the act of turning away from God), but is not sin a sort of contract with the devil? Are they not one and the same? Is the contract not simply the state of being in sin? If it is, I would venture to argue that Faustus's soul was salvable up until his death should he have repented his sins – his dealings with the devil himself.   If God is a forgiving entity as He is indicated to be, why should Faustus's actions have been unforgivable. . . unless it was he who wasn't able to forgive himself.