The "Modern Gospel" and its promises of eternal life, happiness, and comfort, without repentance and a commitment to God, has done enormous damage to the church.  Recently while evangelizing on Hollywood Blvd., I was amazed by the number of people that knew of the name of Jesus Christ.  However most of these people used the fact that they "believed" as an occasion for sin.  Over and over I heard them admit guilt to sin,  (you name it they confessed to it)  and yet most believed that they were going to heaven because Jesus died for there sins.  The church has done a great job of getting the name of Jesus out to the world.  The problem is that people are only getting part of the message.  The Word of God does not teach that if we simply believe in Jesus we will be saved, to the contrary the word says in James chapter two that the devils believe in God and tremble.   What then is the difference between the belief that the devils have, and the belief that is mentioned in John 3:16?  The answer to that question is found in John 3:21.  Belief that brings salvation causes good works. (Repentance)  What is it that we are repenting from?  Sin, Romans chapter two starting in verse 21 refers to the breaking of the law (the 10 commandments) as unrighteousness.  Without an understanding of sin,  there will be no repentance and thus no conversion of the soul.  We are not saying in any way that works of repentance bring salvation.  What we are saying is that if we see our true condition before a Holy God, our prideful heart will be broken and silenced.  This understanding will cause repentance and allow us to truly put our trust in Jesus Christ. Home                    More scripture with less commentary