Mr. MacDonald asked the people of St. Kilda how someone can be saved. An old man replied, "We will be saved if we repent, forsake our sins, and turn to God." "Yes," agreed a middle-aged woman, "and with a true heart too." Another added, "and with prayer." A fourth mentioned, "It must be the prayer from the heart." "And we must be diligent," said another, "in keeping the commandments." They all thought they had crafted a fine creed and waited for the preacher's approval. Instead, they stirred his deepest pity. Human nature often tries to chart a path to greatness through self-effort, but God’s way is entirely different. Believing and being baptized aren't achievements to boast about—they're simple acts that leave no room for pride, highlighting free grace.

If you're unsaved, why is that? Do you find the way of salvation unclear? How can that be when God has given His word for its certainty? Do you think it's too easy? Then why not embrace it? Its simplicity leaves no excuse for ignoring it. Belief means to trust, to depend, to rely on Christ Jesus. Being baptized is to follow the example Jesus set at the Jordan and the early converts did at Pentecost. The act itself doesn't save, but it symbolizes our death, burial, and resurrection with Jesus, and, like the Lord's Supper, shouldn't be neglected.

Friend, do you believe in Jesus? If so, let go of your fears—you will be saved. If you haven’t believed, remember there's only one door, and if you won't enter through it, you'll perish in your sins.