Knowing that we are saved by Grace, what is the role ofREPENTANCEin the life of a Christian?

Pastor Ken Burisek, the Ole Country Church, Medford, Wis.
The first thing we need to look at about this question is, just what does the word GRACE actually mean? The word Grace, to put it simply, means unmerited favor, meaning God is giving us something we in no way earned or deserved.
Another thing God wants us to realize is that we are ALL sinners. God doesnt grade on the curve - to God sin is sin no matter how large or small. Romans 3:23 says all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God.
So many today literally believe that all GOOD people go to heaven and only the really BAD people go to hell. James 2:10 paints a different picture: For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
The next thing we need to realize is that sin has a terrible penalty to pay. Romans 6:23 says, For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Now lets look at the word Repentance. To Repent means to forsake or turn away from. In other words its an about face in our life - a total change of direction.
So many who claim to love God today, who claim to have a born-again experience, have never repented of their former life or forsaken their sinful lifestyle. That is why so many people outside of the church see Christians as being hypocrites...and sadly they have a very valid point.
This is what the Bible says about such people in Romans chapter 6 verses 1-6: What shall we say then? ...