Do I have to repent of my sins in order to be saved?

This is a question that many people have and are confused about.  Spiritual salvation, the saving of one’s soul from the punishment of Hell, comes through accepting the work of Jesus Christ on the cross to pay for your sins (John 3:16, Romans 5:8, Romans 3:22, 1 John 2:2).  When one realizes that they are in need of Jesus’ saving grace they do not have to try to “clean themselves up” first; and they can’t.  Once a person is saved can they truly repent of their sins (turn away from them) because then they are no longer slaves to sin but are free from it (Romans 6:6-12).  If a person tries to take care of their sins themselves, they are trying to earn their salvation, and this will not work (Ephesians 2:8-9).  So, no you don’t have to repent of your sins in order to be saved, but once you are saved you will desire to turn from your sins and live for God.