A German nobleman was so convicted of his sinful life that he determined to become a monk. He was directed to seek admission to a monastery 1500 miles away, where the penance was severe and the discipline exceedingly strict.
Under the scorching sun he made the journey and came to the monastery. He rang the bell and an aged monk opened the gate. Learning his business the monk admitted him to shelter for the night.
He then told the old man his story and received the following counsel: "If you want to be saved, you have come to the wrong place. Christ has finished the work, and there is nothing left for you to do."
"The young German believed the old man's message, and returned home to Germany—a sinner saved by grace alone.