How do we know that repentance is granted by God?

Repentance is a gift from God, as indicated in Acts 11:18, where it affirms that God granted repentance to the Gentiles. This is significant because it illustrates God's sovereignty in salvation; He is the one who changes hearts and enables sinners to turn from their ways. In Biblical theology, repentance is not merely a human action but a divinely initiated response to encountering the truth of the gospel. This aligns with the larger narrative of scripture, where we see God actively leading His people to repentance through the preaching of His Word. The understanding that repentance is a gift brings comfort and assurance to believers, knowing that their ability to repent stems from God’s grace and mercy.