Luke 23:41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. 42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when You come into thy kingdom.
When the thief on the cross was experiencing the true repentance that the Bible speaks of, he did not ask Christ to reverse the death sentence that was due. On the contrary, he admitted that justice was being served in his case for the wrongs committed. Then, he looked forward to future, asking Christ to remember him when He comes, which of course by implication means an appeal for God’s mercy, since that’s the only way that he could be saved in God’s kingdom, after doing as he had done.
Here again is the same manifestation of repentance after the godly sort, for when one admits that he or she is treated fairly when justice for some wrong is served, that demonstrates that they view the law of God as being just and right, which then makes God’s mercy a viable option, for mercy isn’t needed where there is no admission of guilt.
When David sinned by numbering the people, that plague which followed was cause for great concern in David’s mind, for as far as he was concerned, the judgments should have fallen upon himself and his family, for he took full responsibility for his actions, together with any adverse consequences that God would see fit to mete out.
1st Chronicles 21:16 And David lifted up his eyes, and saw the angel of the Lord stand between the earth and the heaven, having a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders of Israel, who were clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces. 17 And David said unto God isn’t it I who commanded the people to be numbered? even I it is that have sinned and done evil indeed; but as for these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, O Lord my God, be on me, and on my father's house; but not on thy people, that they should be plagued.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!