Is Repentance Required for Salvation?

How could Jesus, while dying on the cross, ask His Father to forgive those who were murdering Him? They had clearly not repented of their deeds. Isnt repentance required for forgiveness?

By Pastor Ken Burisek, The Ole Country Church, Medford, Wisconsin
Email: kburisek@wildblue.net

My thoughts on this months question is that in this statement from Jesus who was dying on the cross, was actually another lesson on what forgiveness actually is. Jesus was setting the example by forgiving even those who were taking His life. Matthew 6:14-15 says, For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matthew 18:35 tells us, So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses. I believe that Jesus words that day also reflected His teaching in Luke 6:32-37, For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? For sinners also love those that love them. And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? For sinners also do even the same. And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? For sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unt ...