" I've read the sermon on the mount, taken it seriously, and fallen to my knees, begging for mercy."
(edit) That is where the truth in all of it is. You read....you fell to your knees.....you begged. Was the Holy Spirit involved yes....but so where you. I do not believe that God makes anyone do that....He is just available to help you get there when you ask/need His power to do it.