The answer is that God saved me by His grace, and repentance is my response to His infinite love. I really want to take credit for being smart, and enlightened enough to realize I was lost and needed Jesus in my life. I like to look at as if I came to my senses and approached God like a groveling peasant begging for mercy. But it was actually more than that. I wasn't just a dirty, maladjusted wayward sinner. I was dead in my trespasses, and didn't even know I was lost until God touched my heart, and made me aware of my condition. Under the conviction of the Holy Spirit, my spirit was awakened, and I responded in faith and obedience believing God could (He had the ability), and would (He was willing) to save me. My response - To turn from my sin in repentance.
Sometimes people ask me which came first my repentance or God's Grace. My answer: I don't know. I only know that "I once was lost, but now I am found" I didn't go looking for God. He came looking for me, and He saved me.
So what does that mean for confessing and repenting on a daily basis? I confess sin and repent regularly not to stay saved, but because I am saved. For He has cleansed me from all unrighteousness. Repentance is about relationship, not salvation. I didn't repent to get saved, and I don't repent to stay saved. Repentance is the response to God's salvation. Maybe repentance follows so closely on the heels of being saved, that it seems like they happen at the same time, but in my case. I know that I would not have repented if God hadn't convicted. I have nothing to boast in...I can't even boast about repenting...my salvation rest only on the grace of God.
Praise Him for His Grace...
Excuse me...I have to go confess some sin.
aj
