Why is repentance considered "necessary" in Christian belief?

In Christian belief, repentance is considered "necessary" because it represents a fundamental shift in one's attitude toward sin and a sincere turning away from it. This process involves recognizing that one’s actions are contrary to God's will, feeling genuine remorse for these actions, and making a conscious decision to turn away from sin while placing trust in Christ for forgiveness and salvation. This transformative act of repentance is pivotal because it reflects an internal change of heart and a desire to align one's life with the principles of faith in Jesus.

Repentance allows individuals to acknowledge their need for God's grace, fostering a relationship grounded in honesty and humility. This contrasts with the concept of repentance as merely performing a public display of faith or as something that could be bypassed for salvation. Rather, it emphasizes the relational aspect of faith, where coming to trust in Christ naturally involves a turning away from previous sinful behaviors. Therefore, repentance is essential for a genuine faith experience, leading to a restored relationship with God.