What does "view yourself as leaning toward death" mean in this chapter?
The Rambam uses this not to create anxiety but urgency: since you might die tonight, don't say "I'll repent tomorrow." Every moment of Teshuvah delay is a gamble.
Question 2
Should a Baal Teshuvah feel spiritually inferior to those who never sinned?
The Rambam quotes the famous teaching: "In the place where Baalei Teshuvah stand, complete tzaddikim cannot stand." The return itself elevates beyond where non-sinners reach.
Question 3
Does Teshuvah only apply to action-based sins like theft or immorality?
The Rambam explicitly includes thoughts and character flaws: "It is very praiseworthy for a person to repent from bad character traits — jealousy, anger, mockery — and from thoughts of sin."
Question 4
What happens to deliberate sins through complete Teshuvah?
The Rambam quotes the verse: "your sins shall be like merits" — through complete Teshuvah motivated by love, deliberate sins actually transform into positive merits in the heavenly accounting.
Question 5
When will Israel be redeemed according to the Rambam?
The Rambam states: "Israel will only be redeemed through Teshuvah. The Torah has already promised that Israel will ultimately repent at the end of their exile, and then be immediately redeemed."