Some people hope that they will receive eternal life. He who has the Son has life, he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. Both of these authors of the Bible agree that in order to gain eternal life in heaven, one must believe in the Son of God, Jesus Christ. Our salvation is a free gift of God, not something that we have earned through our own deeds. So no amount of good works or church attendance can earn us a place in heaven.
Sure belief is a big part of it, but there is more.
You also have to accept the fact that man is a sinner. ALL men and women, regardless of who they are. The issue there is that there is still sin. Much like an omelet made with six good eggs and one rotten egg. You don't have to be a thief or a murderer to be a sinner.