What does it mean to repent?

Repentance, as preached by both John the Baptist and Jesus, signifies a radical transformation in our understanding and attitude towards God. It involves recognizing that our natural inclinations and beliefs about salvation are erroneous. Contrary to the belief that salvation can be earned through works, true repentance acknowledges human inability and the need for Christ’s righteousness. This change of mind is crucial for entering the kingdom of heaven, as expressed in Matthew 4:17, 'Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Repentance is not merely feeling sorry for sin but a profound reorientation towards God’s grace and mercy.