| Romans 10:9-13 "That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, 'Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.' For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile - the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, 'Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'" A person can only be saved through confessing with the mouth that "Jesus is Lord" and believing in the heart that God raised Him from the dead. One is external, and the other is internal. First, one must believe the redemption of the Lord in the heart. The Lord died for our sins and was raised from the dead on the third day, proving that He is the Son of eternal God and also showing us that He has paced a new and living way. This new way can help us to overcome sin and authority of death. Next, one must confess in the mouth. It is not enough to just keeping the faith in our heart, because that makes the faith a secret. A faith that is not openly declared is known by no one and cannot bring out power in life. The Lord really values declared faith, for it is written in Matthew 10:32: "Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven." Some people like to ask, isn't it good enough to just believe? Why do we need to be baptized? Is a person saved if he just believes but not baptized? Theoretical yes, because the thief on the cross next to Jesus never had a chance to be baptized before he died, but he was saved. Some people who live in remote areas might not ever have the chance to be baptized, and they are saved by accepting the Lord by faith. But these are just exceptions; the Lord's command in Mark 16:16 was very clear though: "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned." It is clear that believing and getting baptized is one simple event, not two events. A person who truly believes the Lord will follow the Lord's command to be baptized. I must suspect that those who insist on not getting baptized may not be true believers, because they can't even follow the most straight-forward command from the Lord. Baptism has two effects. First, it affirms the faith of the believers. A person who believes but not baptized are always like those in the wilderness. They are somewhat like Christians but aren't true Christians. Why do they even go to church every week? They spirituality often stalls, but they often experience spiritual breakthrough after they are baptized. Second, you can become a witness before people. As soon you decide to be baptized, everyone around you including family and non-believing friends will realize that you are taking the faith seriously and not just seeking to be blessed by going to church. Baptism in itself is the best testimony. What is the condition of your faith life? Do you only have faith inside, or are you willing to be a witness for the Lord? Pray with Pastor Tong Liu 
Lord, please grant more strength to the brothers and sisters so that not only will they have faith in their life, they would also dare to witness for you in front of people. May your Holy Spirit be with them always. I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!
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