Absolution.

[JSojourner]

St. John taught that "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Roman Catholics, Orthodox Christians, mainline Protestants and Evagelicals all believe that one can and must confess sin to receive forgiveness.  The notion of confessing to a clergyperson (not exclusively Catholic or Orthodox -- Anglicans and Episcopalians offer it as well) is often misunderstood by those ignorant of these traditions as though people are asking the priest for forgiveness and receiving it from him.  (or her).  In reality, and I hope Soulty clarifies this from a Roman perspective because his answers are always so instructive, the idea is that we unburden ourselve -- honestly and with integrity, not "gilding the lily" as it were -- in the presence of a Priest.  The Priest announces God's absolution, in Christ.  So, the priest does not forgive sins.  He or she proclaims the forgiveness of God.  Penance, when done rightly, is not aimed at paying for your sins.  (Jesus did that already.)  It is designed to help you develop spiritual disciplines that help you avoid sin in the future -- and, when possible -- to seek restoration with someone you have wronged.

But Evangelicals and mainline Protestants are also right -- this is not an either/or falso choice, or it shouldn't be...  The Bible is quite clear that the individual can, and should, make confession directly to God...and be assured of God's mercy.

Now -- to the question of true repentance and late repentance -- the old saying is that true repentance is seldom late and late repentance is seldom true.  That holds logic, but only to a point.  The thief crucified alongside the Lord Jesus was certainly coming to his senses very late in the game.  And then, if you want to discuss Jesus' parables, there are those workers who were paid the same wage for one hour's work as those who toiled the whole, hot day.

Could/Would God forgive Jeffrey Dahmer?  Yes.  But only God can see what was in a person's heart when he or she made confession  (with or without the aid of clergy). 

And there is where we must leave it.  In hands far more capable, just and merciful than our own.