A change of mind will result in a change of behavior. When the mind is changed, behavior is changed! What we believe is what determines how we behave, and how we behave indicates what we truly believe. If I believe that the wrath of God awaits me, and that I am a vile sinner doomed for hell, it will show itself by contrition, sorrow, fear. If I believe that Christ saved me from that wrath, it will produce a thankfulness and relief, an appreciation for God's grace revealed in Christ.
Another great article that I have found in times past, written by David Cloud, shows the origins and the error of 'quick prayerism' and 'easy believism'. This article traces historic, Independent Fundamental Baptist doctrine on this issue. It's a bit exhaustive, but it's a great article.
The full title of the article : [FONT=Verdana,Arial,Helvetica]
FUNDAMENTAL BAPTISTS AND QUICK PRAYERISM: A FAULTY METHOD OF EVANGELISM HAS PRODUCED A CHANGE IN THE DOCTRINE OF REPENTANCE
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[FONT=Verdana,Arial,Helvetica]http://www.wayoflife.org/fbns/fundamentalbaptists.htm[/FONT]
I would like to add, nrpetrely, I am really suprised at your stance on this issue. We must recognize that repentance of sin is NOT work based, because God is the one who grants the power and changes our hearts so we WANT to give up sin. We have a new heart, we become quickened, and suddenly the sin which we once loved looses its attraction, and it's power over our life subsides. Also, Regeneration must factor into this equation. When we become regenerate, repentance is inevitable, for as Ezek 36 says(prophecy for the new covenant), we receive a new heart that is no longer opposed to God. Now we have the Holy SPirit, which makes us a new creature, and new creatures do new things.
The point is, the Gospel is a scandal and got all of the disciples killed(except John). Preaching entire repentance and forsaking of sin, like orthodox evangelical preachers have done throughout history, will result in intense persecution from the complacent church of America. Why are people not being saved in our churches? Let me rephrase it for those who insist that we cannot judge salvation, why are our converts not showing the fruits of salvation? Because we preach a heretical doctrine that says Jesus can be your Savior while Satan is your Lord. You can be a beleiver and persist in sin, say a prayer, give mental assent to him dying for you, and you will be adopted into his family.