1. The full attributes of God

His Holiness begins by affirming that God is not only love, forgiveness, and mercy but also the Just Judge. Justice and mercy are inseparable — He is merciful in His justice and just in His mercy.

2. God judges in truth

Scripture teaches that Christ will come to reward everyone according to their deeds. God is the examiner of hearts and minds; nothing is hidden from Him. Therefore, no one can escape His judgment.

3. Preparing for judgment

The Pope urges everyone to think about their eternity and the day they will stand before the Just Judge. A wise person judges himself before God does and repents before being judged.

4. Repentance as the way of salvation

The only way to escape judgment is true repentance, for God does not remember the sins of those who repent. Unrepented sins remain on one’s account. Thus, “cover your sins with repentance, not merely by speaking of God’s love.”

5. True repentance

Repentance is not only abandoning sin but also changing one’s life, doing good, and showing love to God through purity of heart, speech, and thought. True repentance is emotional and heartfelt, filled with sorrow like that of Peter and David.

6. The sin of one affects all

The Pope explains that one person’s sin can bring God’s anger on many, as with Achan in the Old Testament. Therefore, everyone should repent not only for themselves but also for the Church and the world.

7. No delay in repentance

He warns against postponing repentance until death, for no one knows when it will come. Sudden death may prevent confession or repentance.

8. Spiritual conclusion

God is just but desires that none perish. He waits for repentance to forgive and to make His children “like the angels of God in heaven.” Whoever walks according to the Spirit has no condemnation.

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