refer in this text to Hel. 13:38; 1 Ne. 18:20; Morm. 2:13; John 9:4; Miracle of Forgiveness, Kimball, pp. 7-10
“We should take warning and not wait for the death-bed to repent, as we see the infant taken away by death, so may the youth and middle-aged, as well as the infant be suddenly called into eternity. Let this, then, prove as a warning to all not to procrastinate repentance, or wait till a death-bed, for it is the will of God that man should repent and serve Him in health, and in the strength and power of his mind, in order to secure his blessing, and not wait until he is called to die.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 197)
“We are concerned that some young people who are anticipating serving a mission or being married in the temple have a very lax attitude toward sin. ‘I’ll just have a few free ones,’ they say, ‘and then I’ll repent quickly, and go on my mission (or get married in the temple), and everything will be alright.’… Such persons want the present convenience or enjoyment of sin and the future effects of righteousness, in that order. They want to experience the sin, but avoid its effects… . There is something very peculiar about the state of mind or heart of the person who deliberately commits sin in the expectation that he or she will speedily and comfortably repent and continue as a servant of God, preaching repentance and asking others to come unto Christ… . Am I suggesting that the benefits of the atonement are not available for the person who heedlessly sins? Of course not. But, I am suggesting that there is a relationship between sin and suffering, that is not understood by people who knowingly sin in the expectation that all the burden of suffering will be borne by another, that the sin is all theirs, but the suffering is all His. That is not the way. Repentance, which is an assured passage to an eternal destination, is nevertheless not a free ride.” (Dallin H. Oaks, BYU Fireside, Aug.5, 1990)
“Yes, one can repent of … transgression. The miracle of forgiveness is real, and true repentance is accepted of the Lord. But, it is not pleasing to the Lord to sow one’s wild oats, to engage in … transgression of any nature and then expect that planned confession and quick repentance will satisfy the Lord.” (Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, p. 70)
“It is my judgment that some of our youth do not believe that repentance for serious transgression ‘is difficult and painful and may take a long time.’ Where has this grave misunderstanding come from? To you young people, if any of us who are older have given you the impression that it isn’t too serious to disobey the commandments of God, forgive us… . Priesthood leaders, let us be careful that we do not permit young missionaries to go into the mission field with unresolved transgression. It is literally like going into battle without helmet, sword, or shield. Let us remember that it takes time to develop the power to resist the fires of temptation. It takes time to receive the sweet comfort that always comes to the heart of the truly penitent. Allow them sufficient time.” (L. Aldin Porter, Ensign, May 1992, p. 46)
“As the time of repentance is procrastinated, the ability to repent grows weaker; neglect of opportunity in holy things develops inability.” (James E. Talmage, Articles of Faith, p. 114)
“The thought of intentionally committing serious sin now and repenting later is perilously wrong. Never do that. Many start that journey of intentional transgression and never make it back. Premeditated sin has greater penalties and is harder to overcome. If there is sin, repent now—while you can.” (Richard G. Scott, Ensign, Nov. 1994, p. 38)
“I believe, to use an insurance phrase, we must pay the deductible. We must experience sorrow enough, suffering enough, guilt enough so we are conscious and appreciative of the heavier burden borne by the Savior. My soul pains when His atonement is treated lightly, when the blessing of repentance is reduced to simply ‘taking care of it with the bishop,’ when there is brief confession without humility or godly sorrow. This attitude of entitlement rather than privilege was recently expressed by a young Church member who wrote: ‘I have done bad things that I knew were bad because I’ve been taught that ever since I can remember… . I know repentance is a great gift. Without it I would be lost. I am not ready to repent of my sins; but I know that when I am ready, I can.’ Such indulgence in premeditated sin shows pitiful misunderstanding of repentance.” (J. Richard Clarke, Ensign, May 1993, p.10)