"Repentance is not what we do in order to earn forgiveness; it is what we do because we have been forgiven.

It serves as an expression of gratitude rather than an effort to earn forgiveness.

Thus the sequence of forgiveness and then repentance, rather than repentance and then forgiveness, is crucial for understanding the gospel of grace." (emphasis added)
-Brennan Manning

Thought I'd share a quote that has caused me to be thankful...taken from the book "The Ragamuffin Gospel." Anyone wanting to venture out into the deep waters of God's costly and recklessly extravagant grace should pick up a copy and read it.

Repentance is about turning...not earning.