Kindred,
"Ashes to ashes, dust to dust" (preceded by) "we commit this body to the ground" (followed by) "in sure and certain hope of the Resurrection to eternal life"*.
How do we hope to have Resurrection to eternal life?
A vital process of the Resurrection to eternal life is penance, the repentance of sins, the turning away from sin, the rejection of sin and exorcising of sin(s) from the mind, body and spirit.
The physical act of sin(s) by a corrupt mind and spirit activates the body to commit bodily harms and in turn causes further spiritual degradations.
Sin, much like an addiction to alcohol, requires the sinner or addict to want to change and give up the sinful practice(s), much like giving up alcoholic behaviors.
In order to give up an addiction, clean oneself up, the addict has to go through the 12 step program.
In order to give up delighting in sinful practices, clean oneself up, the sinner has to go through confession of sin(s), the repentance of sin(s) and atonement for the sin(s), much like a 12 step program.
"Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return."**
Remember that you are Judged by the Lord on what is returned to the Lord, on what you can bring with you when you die.
Will you be able to bring your money, any material wealth or power of Caesar?
Will you be able to bring your skin or color of skin or gender with you?
What will you be able to present to the Lord for Judgement?
Penance is wasted upon the unrepentant; therefore, decide now if you want salvation and reconciliation with the Lord.
Without repentance there is no possibility of reconciliation and therefore, no possibility of salvation.
Remember what Jesus said to the unholy, unrepentant believers on Judgement Day, "I never knew you. Get away from me, you wicked people!"
-Matthew 7:21-23, Luke 13:25-27
Decide, the choice is yours.
Salvation can only be lost to you if you forsake the Lord (in sin(s), in hatred, in fear, in disrespect, disgrace and dishonor) and then fail to take the steps to clean yourself up and atone.
*Burial rite from Book of Common Prayer
**From The Roman Missal
