Who but the devil would want us to despair? He keeps us in despair by making us think that we are pious and humble. Actually, we are rather letting him stay in control, which also keeps us centre stage and the actual merciful God way off in the wings. If we are disposed to think then that God himself is responsible for our miserable condition then our atheism is complete.
No, none of this is true. God always forgives those who come to him.
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