Some are familiar with Saul’s story, and the New Testament’s serious treatment of baptism. But they persist in leaving it out of their gospel invitation because, well… so many other passages teach salvation by prayer alone. Really?
Think about the favorite example, the thief on the cross. The thief beautifully illustrates the glory of God’s grace.
[One thief who was crucified with Christ] said, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” And He said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in paradise” (Luke 23:42-43).
In many ways we are “the thief”—helpless, hurting, deserving death for our crimes against God and man. We have nothing to offer God. Since no human work can possibly pay for salvation, our own inability leaves us just as tied as the thief was. Our only hope is God’s kindness through Christ. We too call on Christ in faith. Then His awesome love, His sheer magnanimity carries us into paradise with Him. Yes, as Scripture says, “Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Acts 2:21; Romans 10:13; Joel 2:32). The thief called on Him personally, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” The question is how we—we who come after the cross—how we call on Him, and how Jesus answers today. Ask yourself some questions about applying the thief’s case directly to your own case.