God in His holy word declared that Jesus Christ would judge the whole world with righteousness. And thus mercifully warns and encourages all to repentance, so that they may avoid the terrible condemnation of deeds (Matt. 25).

IV. God promised the penitent not to remember their sins: all his sins, the wicked one who repented, which he had committed, would not be remembered (Ezekiel 33:16).

V. God confirmed His promise and by His oath, that we should not hesitate to come to Him in repentance. "As I live," says the Lord, "I do not desire the death of the sinner, but that he should be converted and live" (Ezekiel 33:11).

VI. The examples of those who have repented and the mercy of those who have received from God testify to this; also the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15) and the parable of the sheep lost and found, show the same mercy of God to sinners (Luke 15). Read the Menaion, and you will see satisfied examples of those who have repented.

VII. Christ also came into the world to save sinners: It is true and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners (1 Tim. 1:15). The Son of Man came to seek and save that which was lost.

VIII. The Heavenly Father rejoices with all the angels over the sinner who repents. Thus, I say to you, there is joy among the angels of God even over one sinner who repents, says Christ (Luke 15:10).

A Guide to Repentance

To show mercy to everyone; to forgive offenses to one's neighbor; to stand firm against sin and call upon Christ for help. (See this also in the discourse on sin).

XVII. The Christian Duty

Honor everyone, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the Tsar. Servants, with all fear obey your masters, not only good and meek, but also harsh (1 Pet. 2:17-18).

Show in your faith virtue, in virtue prudence, in prudence temperance, in temperance patience, in patience godliness, in godliness brotherly love, in brotherly love love (2 Pet. 5-7).

According to the grace given to us, we have various gifts, then if you have prophecy, prophesy according to the measure of faith: if you have service, continue in service; whether he is a teacher, in teaching; if you are a warner, exhort; if you dispense, distribute in simplicity; if you are a ruler, rule with diligence; if you are a benefactor, do good with cordiality. Let love be unfeigned; turn away from evil, cleave to good; be brotherly to one another with tenderness; warn one another in respect; do not faint in diligence; burn with the Spirit; Serve the Lord; be comforted in hope; be patient in tribulation, constant in prayer; take part in the needs of the saints; be zealous for the hospitality of strangers. Bless your persecutors; bless, not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of one mind with one another; do not be arrogant, but follow the humble; do not dream about yourself; Do not return evil for evil to anyone, but take care of what is good before all men. If possible on your part, be at peace with all people. Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to the wrath of God. For it is written: "Vengeance is mine, I will repay," says the Lord (Romans 12:6-19).