“There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Luke 15:10 The central message of the Bible is one of rescue.  Paul points out that none of us “deserve” God’s mercy and none of us can save ourselves.  Like a stranded hiker, all we can do is call for help.  The good news of the gospel is that in spite of our state, God seeks after us and responds to every plea for help.  You might say that God is in the rescue business.  The heart of repentance is turning from sin toward God.