While "justification by faith" emphasizes belief in Jesus as the path to righteousness, it is not devoid of the need for repentance. The Puritan and Protestant traditions emphasize that sincere faith is inseparable from an inward change of heart, brought about by repentance and resulting in a life that seeks to conform to God's will.
Scriptural Basis for Repentance and Justification: Many scriptural references support this dual role of faith and repentance. In the New Testament, passages such as Mark 1:15, which calls for belief in the gospel alongside repentance, illustrate that repentance is a vital part of faith. This view of justification upholds that grace and forgiveness do not negate personal responsibility but rather transform it through a process that starts with acknowledging one’s sins and seeking change.
