Why is repentance and faith important in the Christian life?

Acts 20:21 illustrates the importance of both repentance and faith, as Paul stated he preached 'repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.' Repentance involves a transformative change of mind that leads to godly sorrow over sin, while faith is the belief in the gospel of Christ. These two graces are intrinsically linked, as true faith in Christ will naturally lead to repentance. For the Christian, they signify an ongoing relationship of turning away from sin and turning towards God, pivotal for growth in grace and assurance of salvation.