Sincere Repentance

St. Barsanouphius of Optina

Sincere repentance can save one, even without good works.

There once lived a robber who was noted for such savageness that he instilled terror in all the regions wherein he committed his crimes.

But suddenly he fell fatally ill. Sensing the approach of death, the robber came to himself. Although he had led a depraved life, he had not lost belief in God, in life after death, and in a just recompense beyond the grave. Fear fell upon the robber. Perhaps in a few hours his soul would have to descend to hell, to everlasting torment. He began to weep bitterly, imploring God for mercy. "O Lord," he said, "of course I am the most sinful of all people in the world and am not worthy to pronounce Thy holy name with my filthy lips. But hearken unto me, O Lord, in this terrible hour, and be merciful unto me for the sake of Thy mercy, and for the sake of the priceless virtues of my Savior."

The robber wept for a long, long time, so that his handkerchief became completely soggy. And the Lord forgave him. How the Lord rewarded him is unknown, but he was delivered from eternal torment. But it does not follow that one should hope in repentance before death. This is extremely dangerous, since one could die suddenly, and if the soul had mortal sins that had not been washed away by repentance, they would draw a man down to hell.

After committing sins, especially mortal ones, one must, without putting it off, bring forth repentance.