What is the role of faith and repentance in salvation?

Faith and repentance are crucial components of the conversion experience for a believer. In Acts 20:21, Paul illustrates that repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ together constitute the heart of the gospel message. Repentance involves a radical change of mind and turning away from sin, recognizing that one cannot reconcile with God through personal merit but only through Christ's faithfulness. Faith, on the other hand, is trust in Christ as the sole means of justification before God (Galatians 2:16). It is not merely an intellectual ascent but a deep-seated reliance upon Christ's finished work on the cross for salvation. This dynamic interplay of faith and repentance highlights the believer's response to God's grace and underscores the transformative impact of the gospel in their life.