Only Believe

And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me, when thou comest into thy
kingdom. And Jesus said unto him,
Verily I say unto thee, today thou shalt be with me in paradise.
                                                                        -St. Luke 23:42
These were among Jesus' last words, spoken as he hung on the cross to a lifelong criminal being crucified beside him. If such a man as that could go to paradise, there must be a chance even for a wicked man like me.
"Whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have eternal life," says the famous verse St. John 3:16. “Whosoever,” I hope, can include me… and you.
The criminal’s conversion on the cross is perhaps the most striking instance in the gospels of Jesus’ bestowing instant healing, forgiveness and the promise of salvation to sinners. There are many similar examples. The only requirement Jesus makes of us is our trust in Him.
Some more examples from the Gospels:

 St. Mark 5:36
 Be not afraid, only believe                                                                                                         

9:23 If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.

9:42 these little ones…believeth in me

10:52 thy faith hath made thee whole                        -

11:24 What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them,
and ye shall have them.

St. Matthew 8:13 Go thy way, and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee.

9:22 Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole.

21:22 whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.



St. Luke 5:20 And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee.

7:50 And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee, go in peace.

18:42 Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee.


Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
                                                                                                 -St. John 5:24