Have you ever noticed that the villains in Jesus’ parables are nice people? The sort of people you would like to have for your neighbours. The heroes are not so nice people.

However, those that get to heaven haven’t done everything right. It is not what you know, neither is it how good you are. It is not even based on what church you belong to. Anyone that says otherwise is preaching the message that Paul says is cursed. Salvation is for those who respond to the invitation. Jesus said, “He that believes and is baptised will be saved.” (Mark 16:16). Baptism is the outward sign of the inward condition of those who have responded to the invitation.