We may accept the external dress of renunciation and do something to atone for our sinful activities, but unless the sinful seed of desire in the heart is uprooted, we will still be subject to Yamaraja’s punishment. So instead of practicing renunciation or atonement, we must aspire to attain devotion to Krishna.
LFD Vol 2 Pg 246, The Lord's merciful glance, 3rd Paragraph