Setting the Precedent

“These powerful interactions between Samuel and Saul at the outset of the monarchical phase of Israel's history set the tone for the rest of the story. The prophet is given the key role of confronting the royal house with their sin and announcing Yahweh's judgment. The definition of sin is broadened beyond exclusive worship of Yahweh at the central shrine to include meticulous obedience to all of Yahweh's commands. These interactions also reveal a severity in divine response to confession of sin. This confession is clearly inadequate to secure the forgiveness of Yahweh, for Yahweh appears to prefer obedience not only over sacrificial ritual but also over verbal confession.”—A Severe Mercy, page 156

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Still true today. Rote verbal confession without transformation isn't going to cut it with God. Mind you, transformation can only happen by the grace of God, but we need to allow it and cooperate...
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