What is Repentance | Hebrew Readers

What is Repentance?

Shepherd of Hermas Mandate 4

2:2 He answered and said unto me, "I," saith he, "preside over repentance, and I give understanding to all who repent. Nay, thinkest thou not," saith he, "that this very act of repentance is understanding? To repent is great understanding," saith he. "For the man that hath sinned understandeth that he hath done evil before the Lord, and the deed which he hath done entereth into his heart, and he repenteth, and doeth no more evil, but doeth good lavishly, and humbleth his own soul and putteth it to torture because it sinned. Thou seest then that repentance is great understanding." 3 "It is on this account therefore, Sir," say I, "that I enquire everything accurately of thee; first, because I am a sinner; secondly, because I know not what deeds I must do that I may live, for my sins are many and various."4 "Thou shalt live," saith he, "if thou keep my commandments and walk in them and whosoever shall hear these commandments and keep them, shall live unto Alahayim."

For edification on the angel of repentance commandments, visit the website tab “Cures for Overcoming Evil:” https://www.hebrewreaders.com/cures-for-overcoming-evil

3:1 "I will still proceed, Sir," say I, "to ask a further question." "Speak on," saith he. "I have heard, Sir," say I, "from certain teachers, that there is no other repentance, save that which took place when we went down into the water and obtained remission of our former sins." 2 He saith to me; "Thou hast well heard; for so it is. For he that hath received remission of sins ought no longer to sin, but to dwell in purity. 3 But, since thou enquirest all things accurately, I will declare unto thee this also, so as to give no excuse to those who shall hereafter believe or those who have already believed, on the Lord. For they that have already believed, or shall hereafter believe, have not repentance for sins, but have only remission of their former sins. 4 To those then that were called before these days the Lord has appointed repentance. For the Lordd, being a discerner of hearts and foreknowing all things, perceived the weakness of men and the manifold wiles of the devil, how that he will be doing some mischief to the servants of Alahayim, and will deal wickedly with them. 5 the Lord then, being very compassionate, had pity on His handiwork, and appointed this (opportunity of) repentance, and to me was given the authority over this repentance. 6 But I say unto you," saith he, "if after this great and holy calling any one, being tempted of the devil, shall commit sin, he hath only one (opportunity of) repentance. But if he sin off-hand and repent, repentance is unprofitable for such a man; for he shall live with difficulty."

If we continue in sin our repentance is of no worth. This was understood among the apostles as well.

Rom 3:31

Do we then make void the law through faith? Alahayim forbid: yea, we establish the law.

Rom 6:1-2, 15

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 Alahayim forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? 15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? Alahayim forbid.

1Pe 4:1-2
Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; 2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of Alahayim.
2 Timothy 2:19
Nevertheless the foundation of Alahayim standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

Shepard of Hermas Mandate 4

3:7 I say unto him, "I was quickened unto life again, when I heard these things from thee so precisely. For I know that, if I shall add no more to my sins, I shall be saved." "Thou shalt be saved," he saith, "thou and all, as many as shall do these things."

Being under grace, we have the opportunity to learn and grow out of our sins without being judged while we learn from our experiences along the way of overcoming sin to live according to the will of Alahayim in His law and ways of the fruits of the Spirit. During this time, we have the opportunity to establish the law by faith in Christ and that if we keep ourselves from all evil, we shall be saved knowing that those who call upon the name Yache Christ has to depart from iniquity. This understanding of true repentance to humble ourselves and overcome our sins and do good lavishly to receive the opportunity of repentance helps us know the truth and be encouraged to do the work to change knowing we have help from Alahayim, his angels, and his good spirits:

Shepherd of Hermas Parable 6

1:1 As I sat in my house, and glorified the Lord for all things that I had seen, and was considering concerning the commandments, how that they were beautiful and powerful and gladsome and glorious and able to save a man's soul, I said within myself; "Blessed shall I be, if I walk in these commandments; yea, and whosoever shall walk in them shall be blessed." 2 As I spake these things within myself, I see him suddenly seated by me, and saying as follows; "Why art thou of a doubtful mind concerning the commandments, which I commanded thee? They are beautiful. Doubt not at all; but clothe thyself in the faith of the Lord, and thou shalt walk in them. For I will strengthen thee in them. 3 These commandments are suitable for those who meditate repentance; for if they walk not in them, their repentance is in vain.

We have to put on faith, nothing doubting, that we may receive help from the angel Alahayim appointed to help us

1:4 Ye then that repent, cast away the evil doings of this world which crush you; and, by putting on every excellence of righteousness, ye shall be able to observe these commandments, and to add no more to your sins. If then ye add no further sin at all, ye will depart from your former sins. Walk then in these my commandments, and ye shall live unto Alahayim. These things have [all] been told you from me."

We have been given clear understanding on how to overcome our former sins is by adding no more sin to them by getting the insight to help us stop after we have experiences that reveal our secret faults which will eventually lead to not committing sin at all so that we can depart from our former sins and live unto Alahayim.
Please download the book, “The Shepherd of Hermas,” here on the website to learn the commandments and other edification to attain unto repentance and live unto Alahayim:https://www.hebrewreaders.com/other-records-and-books

Is Repentance for Everyone?

The Angel gave Hermas understanding through this Parable 8 and the interpretation that repentance is a great opportunity yet everyone will not choose it from the heart. This is because repentance is for those who are truly going to become pure in heart having put on the desire of righteousness and willingly goes through the process of humbling themselves to cease from sin and overcome their former sins. On the other hand, to those who don’t repent from the heart but do so in hypocrisy still desiring to continue in their sins by evidence of not taking the initiative to get the insight and apply the understanding and protocols necessary to change, they are not given repentance because Alahayim can see that they truly aren’t desiring to repent from the heart and become pure though both the sincere and hypocrite alike who believed on the gospel of Christ are given the same opportunity to bring forth the fruits of righteousness that come forth from observing the Law:

The Law of the Gospel of Christ

Shepherd of Hermas Parable 8

1[67]:1 He showed me a great willow, overshadowing plains and mountains, and under the shadow of the willow all have come who are called by the name of the Lord. 2 And by the willow there stood an angel of the Lord, glorious and very tall, having a great sickle, and he was lopping branches from the willow, and giving them to the people that sheltered beneath the willow; and he gave them little rods about a cubit long.

For a more complete edification on Parable 8, the rods of the law and their meanings, please check out the lesson, "The Fruitful Rods of the Law" to supplement the edification in this section:https://youtu.be/x20fJ3UadrY?si=7wllA5fKLkUi662q

3 And after all had taken the rods, the angel laid aside the sickle, and the tree was sound, just as I had seen it. 4 Then I marvelled within myself, saying, "How is the tree sound after so many branches have been lopped off?" The shepherd saith to me, "Marvel not that the tree remained sound, after so many branches were lopped off but wait until thou seest all things, and it shall be shown to thee what it is."5 The angel who gave the rods to the people demanded them back from them again, and according as they had received them, so also they were summoned to him, and each of them returned the several rods. But the angel of the Lord took
them, and examined them.

After receiving the Gospel of Yache, we are all being examined to see if we are upholding the Law given to us. [I Tim 4:12]

Shepherd of Hermas Parable 8

The Unrepentant

Shepherd of Hermas Parable 8

1:6 From some he received the rods withered and eaten as it were by grubs: the angel ordered those who gave up rods like these to stand apart.

These are the unrepentant renegades and traitors who will not come to repentance:

6:4 "Listen," saith he; "those whose rods were found withered and grub-eaten, these are the renegades and traitors to the Church, that blasphemed the Lord in their sins, and still further were ashamed of the Name of the Lord, which was invoked upon them. These then perished altogether unto Alahayim. But thou seest how not one of them repented, although they heard the words which thou spakest to them, which I commanded thee. From men of this kind life departed.

The Righteous

Let's continue and look at the persons who fulfill the calling of the name invoked upon them and are not ashamed of the name of the Lord.

Shepherd of Hermas Parable 8

1:14 And others came bringing their rods green, as they received them from the angel; and the most part of the multitude gave up their rods in this state; and the angel rejoiced exceedingly at these; these also stood apart. 15 And others gave up their rods green and with shoots, these also stood apart; and at these again the angel rejoiced exceedingly. 16 And others gave up their rods green and with shoots; and their shoots had, as it were, a kind of fruit. And those men were exceeding gladsome, whose rods were found in this state. And over them the angel exulted, and the shepherd was very gladsome over them.

The Green Rods w/shoots & some fruit: These are they who overcame the devil in their wrestling by suffering for the law. (They had white raiment. Also men given crowns by Michael and were sent into the Tower)
The Green Rods w/ shoots but no fruit: These are those that are persecuted for the law, but did not suffer yet nor deny their law. (They had white raiment. Also a seal was set upon them and they were sent into the Tower)
The Green Rods as they had received: These are sober and righteous men who walk altogether in a pure hearts and have kept the commandments of the Lord ( Michael rejoiced at them and gave them white robes, seals and sent them away to the Tower)

3:6 "Who then, Sir," say I, "are they that have been crowned and go into the tower?" ["As many," saith he, "as wrestled with the devil and overcame him in their wrestling, are crowned:] these are they that suffered for the law.3[69]:7 But the others, who likewise gave up their rods green and with shoots, though not with fruit, are they that were persecuted for the law, but did not suffer nor yet deny their law. 8 But they that gave them up green just as they received them, are sober and righteous men, who walked altogether in a pure heart and have kept the commandments of the Lord.

These faithful men gladden the angels and receive reward for their good works in performing acceptable faithfulness to keep the commandments:

2:1 And the angel of the Lord commanded crowns to be brought. And crowns were brought, made as it were of palm branches; and he crowned the men that had given up the rods which had the shoots and some fruit, and sent them away into the tower.

the tower is the Church where those who have put on the desire of righteousness to serve the spirit of Good Desire to eventually through practicing good works be strengthened by the seven Women, who support the Church, bear the garments of the 12 virgins, who are holy spirits, that they may be carried into the Church by those virgins.
For further edification on the Good Desire, the Seven Women who support the Church, and the Twelve Virgins, check out the website tab: "What are the Fruits of the Spirit?:" https://www.hebrewreaders.com/what-are-the-fruits-of-the-spirit

2:2 And the others also he sent into the tower, even those who had given up the rods green and with shoots, but the shoots were without fruit; and he set a seal upon them. 3 And all they that went into the tower had the same raiment, white as snow. 4 And those that had given up their rods green as they received them, he sent away, giving them a white robe, and seals.

Those w/ Hope of Repentance

Shepherd of Hermas Parable 8

2:5 After the angel had finished these things, he saith to the shepherd; "I go away; but these thou shalt send away to their places within the walls, according as each deserveth to dwell; but examine their rods carefully, and so send them away. But be careful in examining them. Take heed lest any escape thee," saith he. "Still if any escape thee, I will test them at the altar." When he had thus spoken to the shepherd, he departed.

Notice that nothing can escape Alahayim as even their angels inspect and examine us to ensure we are bringing forth good works worthy of the calling so coming sincerely and doing the work is beneficial to us so we may be given repentance from Alahayim.

2:6 And, after the angel had departed, the shepherd saith to me; "Let us take the rods of all and plant them, to see whether any of them shall be able to live." I say unto him, "Sir, these withered things, how can they live?" 7 He answered and said unto me; "This tree is a willow, and this class of trees clingeth to life. If then the rods shall be planted and get a little moisture, many of them will live. And afterwards let us try to pour some water also over them. If any of them shall be able to live, I will rejoice with it; but if it live not, I at least shall not be found neglectful." 8 So the shepherd bade me call them, just as each one of them was stationed. And they came row after row, and they delivered up the rods to the shepherd. And the shepherd took the rods, and planted them in rows, and after he had planted them, he poured much water over them, so that the rods could not be seen for the water. 9 And after he had watered the rods, he saith to me; "Let us go now. and after days let us return and inspect all the rods; for He Who created this tree willeth that all those who have received rods from this tree should live. And I myself hope that these little rods, after they have got moisture and been watered, will live the greater part of them."

3:1 I say to him; "Sir, inform me what this tree is. For I am perplexed herewith, because, though so many branches were cut off, the tree is sound, and nothing appears to have been cut from it; I am therefore perplexed thereat." 2 "Listen," saith he; "this great tree which overshadows plains and mountains and all the earth is the law of Alahayim which was given to the whole world; and this law is the Son of Alahayim preached unto the ends of the earth. But the people that are under the shadow are they that have heard the preaching, and believed on Him; 3 but the great and glorious angel is Michael, who hath the power over this people and is their captain. For this is he that putteth the law into the hearts of the believers; therefore he himself inspecteth them to whom he gave it, to see whether they have observed it. 4 But thou seest the rods of every one; for the rods are the law. Thou seest these many rods rendered useless, and thou shalt notice all those that have not observed the law, and shalt see the abode of each severally."5 I say unto him; "Sir, wherefore did he send away some into the tower, and leave others for thee?" "As many," saith he, "as transgressed the law which they received from him, these he left under my authority for repentance; but as many as already satisfied the law and have observed it, these he has under his own authority." 6 "Who then, Sir," say I, "are they that have been crowned and go into the tower?" "As many," saith he, "as wrestled with the devil and overcame him in their wrestling, are crowned: these are they that suffered for the law. 7 But the others, who likewise gave up their rods green and with shoots, though not with fruit, are they that were persecuted for the law, but did not suffer nor yet deny their law. 8 But they that gave them up green just as they received them, are sober and righteous men, who walked altogether in a pure heart and have kept the commandments of the Lord. But all else thou shalt know, when I have examined these rods that have been planted and watered."

4:1 And after a few days we came to the place, and the shepherd sat down in the place of the angel, while I stood by him. And he saith to me; "Gird thyself with a garment of raw flax, and minister to me." So I girded myself with a clean garment of raw flax made of coarse material. 2 And when he saw me girded and ready to minister to him "Call," saith he, "the men whose rods have been planted, according to the rank as each presented their rods." And I went away to the plain, and called them all; and they stood all of them according to their ranks. 3 He saith to them; "Let each man pluck out his own rod, and bring it to me." Those gave them up first, who had the withered and chipped rods, and they were found accordingly withered and chipped. He ordered them to stand apart. 4 Then those gave them up, who had the withered but not chipped; and some of them gave up the rods green, and others withered and chipped as by grubs. Those then that gave them up green he ordered to stand apart; but those that gave them up withered and chipped he ordered to stand with the first. 5 Then those gave them up who had the half-withered and with cracks; and many of them gave them up green and without cracks; and some gave them up green and with shoots, and fruits on the shoots, such as those had who went into the tower crowned; and some gave them up withered and eaten, and some withered and uneaten, and some such as they were, half-withered and with cracks. He ordered them to stand each one apart, some in their proper ranks, and others apart.

5:1 Then those gave them up who had their rods green, but with cracks. These all gave them up green, and stood in their own company. And the shepherd rejoiced over these, because they all were changed and had put away their cracks.

The angels rejoice when even one sinner is converted (Luke 15:10)

5:2 And those gave them up likewise who had the one half green and the other half withered. The rods of some were found entirely green, of some half-withered, of some withered and eaten, and of some green and with shoots. These were all sent away each to his company. 3 Then those gave them up who had two parts green and the third withered; many of them gave them up green, and many half-withered, and others withered and eaten. These all stood in their own company. 4 Then those gave them up who had two parts withered and the third part green. Many of them gave them up half-withered, but some withered and eaten, others halfwithered and with cracks, and a few green. These all stood in their own company. 5 Then those gave them up who had their rods green, but a very small part [withered] and with cracks. Of these some gave them up green, and others green and with shoots. These also went away to their own company. 6 Then those gave them up who had a very small part green and the other parts withered. The rods of these were found for the most part green and with shoots and fruit on the shoots, and others altogether green. At these rods the shepherd rejoiced very greatly, because they were found so. And these went away each to his own company.

6:1 After [the shepherd] had examined the rods of all, he saith to me, "I told thee that this tree clingeth to life. Seest thou," saith he, "how many repented and were saved?" "I see, Sir," say I. "It is," saith he, that thou mayest see the abundant compassion of the Lord, how great and glorious it is, and He hath given His Spirit to those that are worthy of repentance."

There are 9 types of people that received the Gospel of Christ but did not fulfill the works necessary to enter the Tower. Yet for these who fall short, there is an opportunity of repentance and of every kind of person given to the angel of repentance, there are those who will be persuaded and converted to true repentance to bring forth Green Rods, some with shoots, and some with shoots and fruits because of the compassion of Alahayim. The 9 types who can still repent are the following:

The Withered and Not Chipped: 6:5 But those that gave up the withered and undecayed (rods), these also are near them; for they were hypocrites, and brought in strange doctrines, and perverted the servants of Alahayim, especially them that had sinned, not permitting them to repent, but persuading them with their foolish doctrines. These then have hope of repenting
The Withered w/ Cracks: 7:1 "But as many as gave up (the rods) half-withered, and with cracks in them, hear also concerning these. Those whose rods were half-withered throughout are the double-minded; for they neither live nor are dead.
The 1/2 Withered w/ Cracks: 7:2 But those that have them half-withered and cracks in them, these are both double-minded and slanderers, and are never at peace among themselves but always causing dissensions. Yet even to these," saith he, "repentance is given. Thou seest," saith he, "that some of them have repented; and there is still," saith he, "hope of repentance among them. 7:3 And as many of them," saith he, "as have repented, have their abode within the tower; but as many of them as have repented tardily shall abide within the walls; and as many as repent not, but continue in their doings, shall die the death.
The Green Rods but w/ Cracks: 7:4 But they that have given up their rods green and with cracks, these were found faithful and good at all times, [but] they have a certain emulation one with another about first places and about glory of some kind or other; but all these are foolish in having (emulation) one with another about first places. 7:5 Yet these also, when they heard my commandments, being good, purified
themselves and repented quickly. They have their habitation, therefore, within the tower. But if any one shall again turn to dissension, he shall be cast out from the tower and shall lose his life. 7:6 Life is for all those that keep the commandments of the Lord. But in the commandments there is nothing about first places, or about glory of any kind, but about long-suffering and humility in man. In such men, therefore, is the life of the Lord, but in factious and lawless men is death.
The 1/2 Green and 1/2 Withered Rods: 8:1 "But they that gave up their rods half green and half withered, these are they that are mixed up in business and cleave not to the saints. Therefore, the one half of them liveth, but the other half is dead. 8:2 Many then when they heard my commandments repented. As many then as repented, have their abode within the tower. But some of them altogether stood aloof These then have no repentance; for by reason of their business affairs they blasphemed the Lord and denied Him. So they lost their life for the wickedness that they committed. 8:3 But many of them were doubtful-minded. These still have place for repentance, if they repent quickly, and their dwelling shall be within the tower; and if they repent tardily, they shall dwell within the walls; but if they repent not, they too have lost their life.
The 2/3 Green and 1/3 Withered Rods: 8:4 But they that have given up two parts green and the third part withered, these are they that have denied with manifold denials. 8:5 Many of them therefore repented and departed to dwell inside the tower; but many utterly rebelled from Alahayim; these lost their life finally. And some of them were double-minded and caused dissensions. For these then there is repentance, if they repent speedily and continue not in their pleasures; but if they continue in their doings, they likewise procure for themselves death.
The 2/3 Withered and 1/3 Green Rods: 9:1 "But they that have given up their rods two thirds withered and one third green, these are men who have been believers, but grew rich and became renowned among the Gentiles. They clothed themselves with great pride and became high-minded, and abandoned the truth and did not cleave to the righteous, but lived together after the manner of the Gentiles, and this path appeared the more pleasant unto them; yet they departed not from Alahayim, but continued in the faith, though
they wrought not the works of the faith. 9:2 Many of them therefore repented, and they had their habitation within the tower. 9:3 But others at the last living with the Gentiles, and being corrupted by the vain opinions of the Gentiles, departed from Alahayim, and worked the works of the Gentiles. These therefore were numbered with the Gentiles. 9:4 But others of them were doubtful-minded, not hoping to be saved by reason of the deeds that they had done; and others were double-minded and made divisions
among themselves. For these then that were double-minded by reason of their doings there is still repentance; but their repentance ought to be speedy, that their dwelling may be within the tower; but for those who repent not, but continue in their pleasures, death is nigh.
The nearly all Green Rods w/small portion withered w/ cracks:10:1 "But they that gave up their rods green, yet with the extreme ends withered and with cracks; these were found at all times good and faithful and glorious in the sight of Alahayim, but they sinned to a very slight degree by reason of little desires and because they had somewhat against one another. But, when they heard my words, the greater part quickly repented, and their dwelling was assigned within the tower. 10:2 But some of them were double-minded, and some being double-minded made a greater dissension. In these then there is still a hope of repentance, because they were found always good; and hardly shall one of them die.
The small portion Green w/ the rest withered Rods:10:3 But they that gave up their rods withered, yet with a very small part green, these are they that believed, but practiced the works of lawlessness. Still they never
separated from Alahayim, but bore the Name gladly, and gladly received into their houses the servants of Alahayim. So hearing of this repentance they repented without wavering, and they practice all excellence and righteousness. 10:4 And some of them even suffer persecution willingly, knowing the deeds
that they did. All these then shall have their dwelling within the tower."

What is the Reason some Don't Repent?

Shepherd of Hermas Parable 8

6:2 "Wherefore then, Sir," say I, "did they not all repent?" "To those, whose heart He saw about to become pure and to serve Him with all the heart, to them He gave repentance; but those whose craftiness and wickedness He saw, who intend to repent in hypocrisy, to them He gave not repentance, lest haply they should again profane His name." 4 But others of them were doubtful-minded, not hoping to be saved by reason of the deeds that they had done; and others were double-minded and made divisions among themselves. For these then that were double-minded by reason of their doings there is still repentance; but their repentance ought to be speedy, that their dwelling may be within the tower; but for those who repent not, but continue in their pleasures, death is nigh.

Double-mindedness comes from continuing in our pleasures and not putting in the effort to stop so we can overcome them eventually when we actually stop sinning.

Shepherd of Hermas Parable 8

10:1 "But they that gave up their rods green, yet with the extreme ends withered and with cracks; these were found at all times good and faithful and glorious in the sight of Alahayim, but they sinned to a very slight degree by reason of little desires and because they had somewhat against one another. But, when they heard my words, the greater part quickly repented, and their dwelling was assigned within the tower.

We have to be perfect, even slight errors can take away our hope to enter the Church. We see here how one can be good and faithful, yet still lack to enter the kingdom, so we have to seek for perfection overcoming all of our desires that are not according to Alahayim's will for us.

10:2 But some of them were double-minded, and some being double-minded made a greater dissension. In these then there is still a hope of repentance, because they were found always good; and hardly shall one of them die. 3 But they that gave up their rods withered, yet with a very small part green, these are they that believed, but practiced the works of lawlessness. Still they never separated from Alahayim, but bore the Name gladly, and gladly received into their houses the servants of Alahayim. So hearing of this repentance they repented without wavering, and they practice all excellence and righteousness. 10:4 And some of them even suffer persecution willingly, knowing the deeds that they did. All these then shall have their dwelling within the tower."

We actually have to do the works of the faith, nothing wavering, to enter the Kingdom by practicing all excellent things in the law in the righteousness of the fruits of the Spirit being willing to take on whatever persecution may come with that out of love for Alahayim and appreciation for their grace period knowing the deeds we had done in hopes of clearing ourselves through our sincere repentance in doing good works:

The Calling unto Repentance

11:1 And after he had completed the interpretations of all the rods, he saith unto me; "Go, and tell all men to repent, and they shall live unto Alahayim; for the Lord in His compassion sent me to give repentance to all, though some of them do not deserve it for their deeds; but being long-suffering the Lord willeth them that were called through His Son to be saved."

Shepherd of Hermas Parable 9

32[109]:5 "Certainly," I said, "all those, whomsoever He shall find continuing to bear malice, He will punish." "Trample not," said he, "upon His mercy, but rather glorify Him, because He is so long-suffering with your sins, and is not like unto you. Practice then repentance which is expedient for you.

One really has to consider in one's heart, is it really worth it to continue not forgiving someone from the heart after all that has been done for us? Are we justified to be bitter, angry, or malicious when Alahayim has been so compassionate upon us?..This calling to repentance is sincere from Alahayim, we have to let go of the past and press toward the mark of Christ who forgave us, that we may have an example of how we ought to forgive. {Col 3:13}

33:1 "All these things which are written above I, the shepherd, the angel of repentance, have declared and spoken to the servants of Alahayim. If then ye shall believe and hear my words, and walk in them, and amend your ways, ye shall be able to live. But if ye continue in wickedness and in bearing malice, no one of this kind shall live unto Alahayim. All things which were to be spoken by me have now been spoken to you." 2 The shepherd said to me, "Hast thou asked me all thy questions?" And I said, "Yes, Sir." "Why then hast thou not enquired of me concerning the shape of the stones placed in the building, in that we filled up their shapes?" And I said, "I forgot, Sir." 3 "Listen now," said he, "concerning them. These are they that have heard my commandments now, and have practiced repentance with their whole heart. So when the Lord saw that their repentance was good and pure, and that they could continue therein, he ordered their former sins to be blotted out. These shapes then were their former sins, and they have been chiseled away that they might not appear."

The simple truth is we have to practice the works of repentance wholeheartedly to stop sinning and giving into our own pleasures so that the Lord may see our repentance as pure and good to be inspired to blott out our former sins and give us place in the Church.

Hebrews 10:26

For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins.