Many a murderer has repented solely due to the knowledge of his impending execution while understanding that God's justice is being served.
Real repentance does not remove the punishment that must be imposed. If I’m really sorry for taking a tv, I would be more than happy, if I’m really repentant, of replacing that tv with a better one or giving the money of what a better tv would cost.
I would not seek to try and escape my obligation of replacing the tv.
“Many a murderer has repented solely due to the knowledge of his impending execution while understanding that God’s justice is being served.”
Good point. Seems I recall CS Lewis asking if you could imagine any more “get your attention” circumstance than being sentenced to certain death (this was back when it was certain...and timely).