In Christianity, if one has sinned and then repented, do his sins become merits?

Question

Teshuvah [repen tance] is so great that it can convert sins [of the past] into merits (Yoma 86b).

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Rabbi Levi Yitzchok of Berdichev once said to a person who was a known sinner: "How I envy you! When you will do teshuvah and convert your sins, you will have many more merits than I do."

Rather than allow the mistakes of the past to depress us, we should try to behave in such a way that we convert them into merits.

http://www.aish.com/spirituality/growing/Ged_Archive.asp?m=5&offset=1

Answer 1

No, a persons sins which are forgiven do not become merits. Merits are products of practice of virtues, Faith, Hope and Charity, the most important--Charity. Those sins after repentance do have repercussions, (hurting of others or God that must be atoned for) and that is certainly not merit. You however could receive merits under that; atonement--again practicing of the virtues stated above.

Answer 2

First let me make it clear that it's always better not to sin in the first place - a person can never get back the time or blessings they may have lost for it (the prodigal son was welcomed home, but he lost years of his life, and his inheritance of the family farm).

Some people do know how to make the best of the situation, and it can become to their credit (or merit) if they use their knowledge of the sin and repentance to help others avoid the same mistake or get our of it (if they're already in it). For example, almost every leader of alcoholics anonymous groups, were once heavy drinkers, and they are doing great good in the world.

Answer 3

No, sins do not ever become merits. They are simply forgiven and forgotten.

Answer 4

if you repent to God,then your sins are forgiven.But of course you're no doubt gonna sin again,so every so often you need to repent again.

Answer 5

No.