Sin and fruits of repentance
Is our salvation in jeopardy if we do not make right an issue we have an opportunity to correct? I am struggling with whether or not I am truly forgiven for some things. I do believe in Christ's redemptive work on the cross and I am truly sorry for all my sins including the ones that I don't even know about. For example, let's say I have stolen something from someone and I am truly sorry for having done so. Do I need to give back in order to truly be forgiven?
Your question addresses the topic of fruits of repentance (Matthew 3:8; Luke 3:8). Such fruits are tangible evidence of what is professed to be in the heart. With that in mind, when a person confesses sins to God, outward actions will line up with that confession. Something is wrong when that is not the case.
Let me give an example. Suppose I rob a bank, tell God, “I’m sorry,” but then keep the money. What are you led to think about my repentance? It looks like my repentance is superficial, doesn’t it? It looks like my repentance consists simply of words that lack meaning. If I am sorry for the wrong I have committed, I will take actions that are appropriate to the sin. In that case, I would need to return the money and face the earthly consequences of my sin. Any earthly consequences would not negate God’s forgiveness.
Salvation is in jeopardy when people simply go through the motions of Christianity. Jesus spoke of that in the sermon on the mount (Matthew 7:21-23).
Your faith is rightly centered in Jesus Christ. He lived and died in your place. He rose from the dead to guarantee your salvation (Romans 4:25). Keep looking to him for your complete forgiveness of sins. When you do not follow God’s will, confess that to the Lord and receive the news of his forgiveness in faith (1 John 1:9). As a fruit of repentance, restore—if possible—whatever sin has ruined. God bless you!