Saint Anne Orthodox Church

Today we will continue to learn from the teachings of St Nektarios of Aegina regarding the importance and the need of repentance and confession. Our concern for salvation must be without delay due to the impeding danger to our soul’s salvation.

He who is unconcerned about the salvation of his soul is it at risk of twofold danger: he may either be unexpectedly snatched by death or abandoned by the grace of God. In both cases the harm is immense, because the outcome is the death of his soul. This is why St John Chrysostom instructs us by saying:

“Do not delay returning to the Lord, nor wait from one day to the next, lest you are crushed as you wait. The time of death is unknown; and it is unknown for this reason: so that you may always be vigilant. This is why the day of the Lord comes in the same manner as a thief at night; not to steal but to make us more secure. For he who foresees the thief lives with vigilance and, having lit a lantern, is always awake. And so, similarly, you also having lit the light of faith and the proper way of life, hold on the candles cheerfully in continual wakefulness. Since we do not know when the Bridegroom comes, it is necessarily to be prepared always, so that when He comes, He may find us vigilant.”

St Gregory the Theologian also says:

“it is not necessary to wait for a specific time to correct yourself, because you know nothing for certain about tomorrow. Many, having planned many things, did not make it to tomorrow. If you are continually passing over today while waiting for tomorrow, by your little procrastination you will be robed by the evil one, as his manner is. Give me , he says the present and to God the future; give me your youth, and to God old age; give me pleasures , and to Him uselessness. How great is the danger that surrounds you! How many are the unexpected misfortunes”.

The grace of God abandons the unrepentant person because this person has disregarded the wealth of God’s kindness, tolerance, and forbearance. Behold what the Holy Apostle Paul says to the person who persists in sin:

“And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them who do such things, and doest the same, that thou shall escape the judgment of God? Or despisest thou the riches of His goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up upon thyself wrath against tha day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; Who will render to every man according to his deeds” (Romans 2: 3-6.)