Why does repentance matter in the sovereign grace theology?

In sovereign grace theology, repentance is viewed as a sovereign gift of God that compels an individual to turn from self-reliance and idolatry towards reliance on Christ alone. It's important to note that repentance itself does not serve as the ground for salvation; rather, it is the response to the realization that salvation lies in God’s grace through Christ. The act of returning to God and resting in His sufficient grace signifies a heart transformed by the Holy Spirit, aligning with scriptural teachings in 1 Thessalonians 1:9 that highlight a genuine turning to God from idols.