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Many of our friends ask, "If I am saved by faith alone, isn't that enough? Do I really need to repent of my sins?" Instead of preaching repentance, many evangelical teachers have mistakenly given their followers the idea that the Lord should meekly wait for them to "accept" Him. The evangelical message is often a gospel of acceptance rather than repentance.
There are many verses to indicate that we are saved by faith, but faith "alone" is not enough (Romans 2:4). Anyone who truly believes will also repent of their sins (Acts 2:36-38).
Evangelicals have a variety of opinions about repentance. Some maintain that repentance is simply "a change of mind about who Christ is." But this dilutes the meaning of repentance and makes it sound like the same thing as faith. It is not. Repentance is an entirely different and necessary element of Christ's gospel that must occur to have a true assurance of salvation (Acts 3:19;11:18). Faith "alone" is not enough.
Repentance involves a change in the pattern of sin (Isaiah 1:16-17, Ezekiel 18:30, Acts 3:19 &26, Luke 3:8). I am a sinner (Romans 3:23). When I recognize that fact, I not only believe in Jesus Christ, but by His grace, I make a commitment to live my life differently (I John 3:9). Christ calls you to truly repent of your sins.