Finally, repentance should result in an actual change of direction in the life of the penitent, as he endeavors to perform good deeds and eschew his former transgressions. The passages in this section cover these dimensions of repentance. First are texts setting forth repentance as a remedy for sin. Next we have several typical prayers of repentance. Third are texts enjoining the penitent to confess his sins to others, holding nothing back.
Several texts are critical of delaying such confessions till the time of death.
Fourth are texts which recommend acts of penance and restitution. Finally, we have gathered texts evaluating the firmness of repentance, chiefly by whether or not the penitent slides back to repeating the behavior for which he had repented, and whether his mind and spirit are truly renewed. Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Truly, God loves those who repent, and He loves those who cleanse them- selves. The urge to blamelessness depends on remorse.