How does the thief on the cross fit into your theology ?

No baptism, no communion, no confirmation, no speaking in tongues, no mission trip, no volunteerism, and no church clothes.

He couldn't even bend his knees to pray. He didn't say the sinner's prayer and, among others things, he was a thief. Jesus didn't take away his pain, heal his body, or smite the scoffers.

Yet, it was a thief who walked into heaven the same hour as Jesus simply by believing.

He had nothing more to offer than his belief that Jesus was who He said He was. No spin from brilliant theologians. No ego nor arrogance. No shiny lights, skinny jeans, or crafty words. No haze machine, donuts, or coffee in the entrance.

Just a naked dying man on a cross, unable to even fold his hands to pray.

« For God so loved the world that He gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. » John 3.16

This is the simplicity of the Gospel.