what is religion?, page-33

Hector,

Yes, that is a good point. And yes Christianity is not fair.

First point, a Christian doesn't need to repent for their sins to be forgiven, only need to believe that Jesus lived a sinless life and that He has imputed His righteousness to them. Person one in your example is similar to the theif on the cross who dies next to Jesus. All he does is recognise Jesus is the Messiah and say remember me when you come into your Kingdom.

Person 2: Obvoiusly a good person, but the Bible says "all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory". Even though this guy has done good things all his life there will be things he has done that were not purely motivated by love. Therefore if he relies on his own performance it is not good enough.

God puts a higher value on the humility of people who say they need His help and believe He is loving enough to forgive them than the flawed obedience of people who won't acknowledge their need for Him.