Did you know there were two other men crucified next to Jesus? These men were not mentioned by name, but noted in a few various short verses for being thieves, and even mocking Jesus on the cross. In Luke 23:39-43 we see the short interaction between Jesus and one of these thieves; this man has a change of heart, rebukes the other thief, and acknowledges Jesus for who He is. This man is known as “the thief”, and we see him repent here and ask Jesus to remember him in His kingdom. Jesus affirms this mans salvation from the cross, and we then see this in verse 43; “And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.”
This is one simple example of what we must do to earn our salvation: NOTHING. The thief on the cross was not capable of doing anything to earn his spot in God’s eternal kingdom, it was a gift that was freely given to him. The thief was not a good man, he was being condemned for his wrong doings, sentenced to death on the cross, and he simply had to repent of his wrong doing and ask Christ for this gift. The same goes for every one of us, we are not able to earn salvation, it is a gift paid for by Christ on the cross. This is what Easter is about, let’s honor and celebrate that.
If you don’t have assurance of your salvation, the best way for you to honor Him is to accept this gift. If you want this gift, please take a moment and pray to your God, and He WILL hear your voice. Admit that you are a sinner and fall short of His glory, and that you accept Him as your Lord and Savior, and welcome Him into your heart and life to change you. If you make this prayer, please follow through, let Him change you, and work in your life. You are guaranteed not to be disappointed….
Below is a link to a dramatization by Alistair Begg on the thief’s entry into Heaven. Worth the few minutes to watch…
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