Repentance opens the door for Christ to come and change our heart. He will not change the heart of someone who won't admit their sinfulness.
One cannot be saved until they confess they are sinful in need of a Savior.
Far too many people decided to join the Christian club without ever being broken over their sinful nature. They became prideful because they considered themselves a member of an elite club, rather than grateful to God for saving their helpless and depraved soul.
Without brokenness over sin and gratefulness for God's mercy, there can be no salvation.
