www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Faith & Theology Forgiveness, Judgement, and Salvation

I am confused. Can anyone help me understand the links between forgiveness of sins through confession and repentence, God's judgement (when we die and at the second coming), and how this relates to salvation? I have had some Protestant friends and may have gotten a little mixed up.

I understand we need to have "faith and works", not just faith.

If we are forgiven our sins, are we still judged on them? If so, what purpose for forgiveness serve in this case?

I am still confused, obviously.

The beauty of Confession is that we are pardoned for the sins we confess and not judged for them. It is when we sin and don't seek God's pardon that we are judged for our sins both now and at the Second Coming. Once the sin if forgiven it is wiped clean and God welcomes us back just as he did at our Baptism! Let us pray that we can confess our sins and live in repentance until the second coming and that by doing so we will have a "good defense before the dread judgement seat of Christ!"


If we truly have faith in Christ, which is a necessity for Salvation, we will naturally have good works. For as Saint James said, "A faith without good works is a dead faith." (May my patron Saint, James, pray for us) Good works can't save us, but if we claim to have faith and don't show any of the fruits of it i.e- fasting, prayer, confession, alms giving, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked- we really then don't have faith. Faith in Christ makes us hungry to proclaim his Love through our lives. Our actions, in humility and faith, are a great witness to the world!

pray for me, a poor sinner.

Thank you so much! I understand this. I did not have much guidance growing up in my church and have trouble understanding teachings sometimes. I appreciate this very much.

God bless.