Insufficient Repentance for Salvation

Two examples:  Pilate and Judas

1.  When Pilate saw that he could not prevail, but rather that a tumult was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, ‘I am innocent of the blood of this just person. See ye to it.’ Then answered all the people and said, ‘His blood be on us, and on our children!’ Then released he Barabbas unto them; and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified.  Matt 27

2.  Judas regretted his betrayal, he returned the 30 pieces of silver.  He tried to hang himself.  

Consider then these things that are insufficient for salvation:

  • unwillingness, reluctance to sin

  • disowning responsibility, disclaiming 

      . public disavowal of involvement

      . public approval of disavowal

      . blame some person or circumstances

  •  regret

  •  isolated attempts at undoing (Judas returned the 30 pieces of silver)

  •  self-hatred, shame (suicide)

  • 

for more information about Pilate's demise: see the Life of St. Mary Magdalene in the Great Synaxaristes July 22.