The goodness of God leads us to repent (Romans 2:4). Left to ourselves, we have no desire to turn from the old life of sin and unbelief. We have pleasure in our sin and depravity. We see no reason to trust in Christ. Only when the Holy Spirit convicts and convinces us of our need for Christ are we awakened to our lost condition. The Spirit of grace awakens us to our condemnation in sin (John 16:8-11).
When awakened to our true condition before God, we are enabled to repent and trust Christ. The Spirit of grace awakens us and enables our repentance. We turn from the old life to become a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). God grants repentance (2 Timothy 2:25). The Holy Spirit enables us to have faith in Christ (Galatians 5:5). By the grace of God, we repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.
God leads us to repent, which is a change of mind. We are transformed and renewed by the Holy Spirit. "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God" (Romans 12:2).
God leads us to repent, as we turn by faith to the Lord Jesus Christ. Repentance is when we turn from the sin of unbelief to faith in God through Christ. That is "repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ" (Acts 20:21).
