Jesus came to connect man to God. His death on the Roman cross and the raising of him from death to life by God the Father is how he did it. People are convicted of sin, because they don't believe in Jesus Christ, not because they don't follow rules and regulations. In other words, one senses their need to believe in Jesus, when the good news is proclaimed. Acting on that information and accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and saviour is how one gets eternal life. Anyone who accepts Jesus is called a Christian. The word Christian means little Christ. That's why Jesus said to pray to God the Father in his name. He said ask and you will receive. That's why prayer is effective, God answers prayers. People who pray are connected with God and experience him through Jesus. There is a reality that is present when one is connected to God.