Can one achieve true trust of G-d without repenting for sinful behavior, or is general Teshuvah a prerequisite for any form of true Bitachon in Hashem?

According to the above explanation that Bitachon in G-d is something that takes much toil and effort, and represents a total change in one’s relationship with G-d in that he makes G-d’s existence a total reality for him, it goes without saying that a byproduct of this change is also that one repents for his sins. How could a Jew feel totally secure in G-d’s hands, and feel totally worthy of his love and protection, when he knows that he is continuing to sin against Him and not follow His ways, and therefore, we must say that true Bitachon can only be achieved if one does a general repentance for his ways.[1] In the words of the Chovos Halevavos[2], “The person trusting in G-d must fulfill that which G-d obligates him in his service in order so the creator can agree to that which he is trusting in.” The intent of this statement is to say that it is not possible to truly trust in G-d while simultaneously rebelling against him, as he explains there later on. [This is likewise emphasized in the words of the Tzemach Tzedek in Or Hatorah ibid, that the basis of the trust is the love that they share, and when man loves G-d he surely will not sin against him.]

[1] This perspective answers a number of questions that otherwise would be raised. If Bitachon alone can bring salvation from one’s problems, then it’s possible for a person to knowingly transgress all the sins, and simply work on his attribute of Bitachon to save him from punishment. Sin all that you want and simply have faith in G-d that he will not do anything to you, in order to circumvent any punishment. Is this really a Torah perspective? Did G-d give us a way to circumvent punishment for bad behavior without repenting it? Certainly, this is an unacceptable position in Judaism, and therefore one must conclude as above that the new relationship that one forms with G-d due to his trust in him itself requires as a prerequisite that the person repent from his ways, as otherwise his trust will be meritless, and he will not feel secure in it knowing that he doesn’t deserve it. Thus, true trust can only be accomplished if he does Teshuvah for sins and places effort to improve his behavior. Furthermore, a byproduct of true trust is that he will on his own desire to improve his behavior due to his love for G-d, His savior, whom he absolutely trusts in without any doubt.

[2] chapter 3 introduction 4