Independance is absolute Dependence

As we celebrate Independence Day this 4^th of July, it is important for us to remember that ultimate freedom is not achieved through independence but dependence.  Independently we only inherit and deserve death as a consequence of our sin. All are dependent on God whether they acknowledge it or not. The Bible says that are next breath is dependent on God graciously granting it (Isa. 42:5; Acts 17:25). As Christians we are to glorify God in our dependence on Him because we have salvation from our sin and power over this world through the indwelling power and willing dependence of the Holy Spirit. True Independence comes through a total Dependence on God.  Jonathan Edwards eloquently stated this much better than I ever could.

There is an absolute and universal dependence of the redeemed on God. The nature and contrivance of our redemption is such that the redeemed are in everything directly, immediately, and entirely dependent on God: they are dependent on him for all, and are dependent on him every way... Men are dependent on the power of God for every exercise of grace, and for carrying on the work of grace in the heart, for the subduing of sin and corruption, and increasing holy principles, and enabling to bring forth fruit in good works, and at last bringing grace to its perfection, in making the soul completely amiable in Christ's glorious likeness, and filling of it with satisfying joy and blessedness; and for the raising of the body to life, and to such a perfect state, that it shall be suitable for an habitation and organ for a soul so perfected and blessed... Let us be exhorted to exalt God alone, and ascribe to him all the glory of redemption. Let us endeavor to obtain, and to increase in, a sensibleness of our great dependence on God, to have our eye on him alone, to mortify a self-dependent, and a self-righteous disposition.

Jonathan Edwards [1730], God Glorified in Man’s Dependence, Sermons and Discourses, 1730-1733 (WJE Online Vol.17)

Repentance

Repentance in the context of salvation it either implies faith or is associated with faith.  Thus, in a soteriological (salvation) context repentance means to change one's mind about whatever is keeping one from trusting Christ and trust him as the only means of salvation.

In presenting the gospel to people either one on one or in the context of a worship service, I can often sense the Holy Spirit of God drawing them to the Cross of Christ.  However, there is also a battle going on within their soul.  That battle comes in many different ways as there are people.  For some it's not totally understanding this "new" information about their standing before God.  For others it could be fear, or some other emotional aspect that's keeping them from trusting Christ.  Still others are thinking about what they are currently doing and/or not doing and are not wanting to have to change their lifestyle.  Obviously I could go on and on. 

However, the root of the problem is self.  It's the same problem that Adam and Eve had in the garden - PRIDE.  We often here in invitations and when dealing with people one on one that they need to turn from self and turn to Christ (Repentance).  The context, I believe, is different for everyone at that moment of responsibility to respond to the gospel.  We know that all are born with a sin nature and that we got that nature from Adam.  Meaning we are born with a sin deficit.  It's like we are born with a bank account where we owe an insurmountable amount of debt because of sin and have no possible means to repay it.  Not only that, but because of that sin nature, sinning comes natural.  But I'm not done yet because since that is our nature, we then actually do sin and we sin over and over and over again. 

Nevertheless, during that moment of whether to trust Christ for salvation or not, most people do not have all that information I just talked about above in their head.  However, if the Spirit of God is working through the gospel drawing that person to Christ and convicting that person of sin, whatever that thing or things that is in their mind at that moment repentance needs to take place.  But remember, repentance is not just turning away from some sin and a desire to turn over a new leaf and live better.  No, it's a turning away from that sin (repentance) and turning to Christ for His forgiveness of your sin and for the imputation of His righteousness.

In doing this, some change their mind (repentance) on concept of God - He is indeed God and Christ is indeed His Son.  For other's it's their works and their realization that they can't save you.  Admittedly, the seriousness of sin and that you are indeed a sinner in need of a Savior.  Thus, once your mind is changed and you place your trust in Him for salvation both the gift of faith and repentance have taken place.