Ramsey: I agree with you that preaching the need for repentance has been sorely neglected in the church and even in conversation...thank you for asking. My mind immediately went to the scriptures where those who trust God continually praise and magnify Him.
Psalm 34:1
I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
Psalm 40:16
Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified.
Psalm 70:4
Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: and let such as love thy salvation say continually, Let God be magnified.
Psalm 71:6
By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother's bowels: my praise shall be continually of thee.
Acts 6:4
But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
Hebrews 13:15
By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
When we allow sin in our lives; do sinful acts and are not repentant; the scriptures says that it separates us from God. We are not able to continually praise Him, how could we, why would we...we are "in our flesh" and have seperated ourselves from God by our own wants.
Isaiah 59:2
But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and
your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.
Jude 1:19
These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.
Yes, I believe that spiritual cleansing (godly sorrow; repentance leading to reconciliation) allows us to walk upright with God (His presence remains with us) is not only His desire but should be our daily goal: to stay in His Word, be lead by His spirit and not our flesh, to obey and love His commandments and laws, to learn of Him and BE His as He has given us grace to receive eternal life through His Son, our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. The image of the Word of God being the Sword of the Lord; to slay the sin in our lives might help us understand the powerful weapon that God has given us to allow us to live lives pleasing to Him.
Psalm 119:9-11
Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.
With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.