Question:

If a person commits a sin, can he atone for it through a good deed or an act of mercy?

Answer:

The Scripture says, “For the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). There is no escape from this judgment except through the death of Christ on our behalf.

He is the only atonement for our sins, for “Nor is there salvation in any other.” The Blood of Christ is received by no one except through faith and repentance.

Good deeds do not take away evil deeds; rather, a single sin can destroy a person, regardless of whatever other good deeds he may have performed.

As for an act of mercy, it moves God’s heart with compassion, for He said, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (Matthew 5:7).

However, an act of mercy without repentance and without faith cannot save anyone.

But because of the act of mercy, grace visits the person’s heart and calls him to repentance.

If he repents, he becomes worthy of the Blood, and his sins are forgiven.

An article by His Holiness Pope Shenouda III – El-Keraza Magazine – Year Two, Issue Ten, December 1966.

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