I was once approached by the father of a prisoner in my prison asking I help his son get out because the son "had excepted Christ".

I told the father it was good that his son accepted Christ and that doing so would bring his son a measure of peace.

The way I see it: You can be forgiven, but you also need to accept your punishment. This position is easy for me since I am not religious and don't believe in Heaven or Hell.

As I once told a friend, it becomes easier when you just stop believing.