Acts 5:30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. 31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
Repentance is a gift from God to us, to bring us to a realization of sin, and a realization of our dire need of Christ. But mere human efforts, or semblances of repentance fall far short of the ideal. In fact, every single thing which pertains to our salvation is a gift, coming all wrapped up in One Person even The Lord Jesus Christ.
Fallen human nature does not have it within us to repent, according to the Bible’s definition, for it is a gift from God, which is then appropriated to one’s self. Human nature naturally tends to hide faults or sins, and will often seek to lay the responsibility for one’s sin at another’s doorstep.
After Adam and Eve sinned, they hid themselves in the garden; they didn’t repent, up front, not merely because they did not want to, but because, without The Lord they could not. That is why God had to go looking for them, with His sacrifice, repentance, and forgiveness in hand, to initiate the process of true repentance.
Romans 2:4 Do you despise the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leads thee to repentance?
May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!