In the past I have refuted the error that repentance of sin is not necessary to be saved. More and more there are those who believe that salvation requires no change, and that a person can remain the same old filthy, corrupt person they have always been and have eternal life if they simply “believe” in the Lord Jesus Christ.

That assertion simply is not true, because it does not represent the belief in Christ that is presented to us in the New Testament.

The New Testament has much to say about what true faith actually looks like. If there is no change in a person’s character, conduct, and desires, there is no true salvation experienced. True salvation from the Spirit of Christ begins a work in the life of the believer, transforming them into the likeness of Christ.

The transformation of one’s life doesn’t happen overnight, but the work of it begins instantly when true faith in Christ occurs in the heart. Those who want the gift of eternal life, without the Spirit of the Lord transforming them into the likeness of Christ, are not saved. They are deceived. If any man does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ… ~ See Romans 8:9

A person cannot have the indwelling of the Spirit of Christ and not have an abiding conviction to turn away from the old sinful life and follow Christ in a renewed desire for righteousness and true holiness.

This is not “works salvation”, as some so erroneously claim. It is the work of the Spirit of Christ in the life and heart of the one who has true faith in Jesus. Listed below are just a few examples for you to consider along these lines.

True belief in Jesus Christ is an act of crucifying the flesh and the appetites of the flesh.

And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. ~ Galatians 5:24-25

True belief in Jesus Christ is an act of dying to sin.

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? ~ Romans 6:1-2

True belief in Jesus Christ is an act of being immersed (baptized) into the death of Jesus Christ.

Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.~ Romans 6:3-4

True belief in Jesus Christ is a new birth, by the Spirit of the Lord, after the likeness of the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. This occurs inwardly, by the Spirit’s power at work within our heart.

For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. ~ Romans 6:5-6

True belief in Jesus Christ is an act of putting off the old man of sin. The characteristics of the old man of sin are listed in Paul’s letter to the Colossians.

Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds… Colossians 3:5-9 

True belief in Jesus Christ is not only marked by putting off the old man of sin, but also putting on the new man that is created in the image of Christ.

… seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. ~ Colossians 3:9-16

True belief in Jesus Christ is marked by righteousness and true holiness.

And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. ~ Ephesians 4:24