Gods love is transformational
Luke 23:43 Jesus answered him, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise."
The thief on the cross never went to church, never did mass, never took communion, never sang a worship song. But if he wasn't about to die, im sure he would've! However it proves a very important point that is core to christianity, no works and no actions can bring you into the kingdom, simply a combination of your faith and God's grace.
People often try and cleanse themselves of their sin and their wrongdoing, thereby implying they are their own savior! If you could save yourself through your deeds why do we need Jesus? Simply put, we cannot, we NEED Jesus. THe only path to salvation is through Jesus.
John 14:6 "Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father expect through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him."
This brings us to a very core debate in Christianity, going back centuries. Does God save you, or do you become saved by desiring God. I believe it to be both. So I compell you earnestly, to cry out to God, and to stand before Him and truly desire his light, and I believe He will give it to you.
Luke 18:6 "And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for His chosen ones, who cry out to Him day and night? Will He keep putting them off? I tell you, He will see that they get justice, and quickly. However when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?"
In these verses I see a display of both sides. First you have "for His chosen ones", from God's perspective, then you have "will He find faith on the earth?". I see this as a parallel to the parable of the ten virgins.
Matthew 25:3-9 "The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with then, The wise ones, however , took oil in jars aliong with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. As midnight the cry rang out: "Heres the bridegroom! come out to meet him! Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, Give us some of your oil: our lamps are going out. No their replied, there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves."
Matthew 25:11-13 "Later the others also came 'Lord, Lord,' they said, open the door for us. But he replied, 'truly I tell you, I don't know you.' Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour."
In these two passages you again have the two sides. in the second passge, God saying "I do not know you", however it is balanced with the first passage where the virgins made choices! They chose to not take any oil with them, and because of THAT action, they were not known by the groom. Yet the other virgins CHOSE to take oil with them, and because of THAT action they were known by the groom.
1 Timothy 4:10 "This is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe."
This is clear! God is the savior of everyone! and especially those who believe! Of who that believes? The people! If you believe, you are saved!
Here are a few more verses that relate to this point
2 Corinthians 3:3 "You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on the tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts."
Luke 19:39-40 "Some of the pharisees in the crows said to Jesus, "Teacher, rebuke your disciplies!" I tell you, he replied, if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out."
in conclusion Pslam 95:7 and James 4:8-10 say it beautifully
Pslam 95:7 "... Today, if only you would hear his voice, Do not harden your heart."
James 4:7-10 "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinnres, and purofy your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."
Be wanting, be receiving and be ready for God, and he WILL meet you.