Issue 1569 – Seven Sayings – Part 4 – October 8, 2024

Good morning.  

Let’s continue our exploration of the “Seven Sayings on the Cross.” We briefly examined the first of the seven sayings, “Forgiveness.” We could have camped out there for many days exploring the whole concept of forgiveness and the need for it, but we need to move along.

This morning, “the word of salvation.”

“…then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. ” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:42-43

You likely know the story. Jesus was crucified between two criminals.  These were no ordinary sneak thieves. To be crucified, they were most likely murdering bandits or perhaps even followers of the rebel Barabbas. 

One of them repented, and the other did not. One was saved, and the other went to hell. Even His death between the two thieves was orchestrated by God. In Jesus’ dying words, He reminds us that there is hope until the last breath, but there is also a time when it will be too late to accept His gift of mercy.

It is also a demonstration of the sovereignty of God. Two criminals, equally distant from Christ, were both facing death. One turned to Jesus, and the other raged against and blasphemed Jesus even to the point of death. God’s sovereignty does not negate humankind’s responsibility.

We see the same things happening today. Two people hear the same gospel message; one will have their heart softened and turn to Christ, while the other hearer will harden their heart even more.

We also see the marvel of salvation by grace through faith. What could the thief do to merit his salvation?  He could do absolutely nothing.  He was some evil desperado to have warranted crucifixion, so there is no doubt that he was a sinner of the vilest kind.

He had no time to “do enough good” to cover his sins. He was not a “nice” person. He could not attend a worship service or be baptized. All he could do was seek Christ and trust. That was sufficient.

We must come to the end of ourselves before we come to Christ. In the case of the criminal, he was literally at the end of His life and staring death in the face. His death was imminent. Indeed, being saved from the flames of hell at a time when he could almost smell the smoke is God’s grace at work.

There is something else here that we could easily overlook. From all earthly perspectives, Jesus was powerless. He was hanging naked on a cross in the process of dying. His disciples were scattered. The Pharisees would have thought that His ministry and influence were brought to an end.

Yet He could still promise the repentant robber a place in paradise. No mere human could do that. Jesus is fully human, but He is also fully God. No mere person can guarantee another a place in eternity with the Lord. Anyone who thinks they can is either delusional or a liar and conman of the worst kind.

There is also great hope in Jesus’ promise, “Today you will be with me in paradise.” There is no time apart from Him. There is no purgatory to walk through for many centuries until you undo all your bad stuff and earn enough merit. For the thief, it was “today.”

So it is for you and I. We are granted admission into the kingdom the moment we accept Christ. His Spirit indwells us and when we finally pass on (or He returns, whichever comes first) we go to be with Him.

The true God-haters will go to hell unrepentant, blaspheming as they go, and likely for all of eternity.  How different from the criminal who came to the end of himself and was granted admission to paradise.

If you don’t yet know this Jesus, if you haven’t turned to Him in repentant faith, it is not yet too late. If you open your heart and turn to Him, He will give you your place in eternity. Don’t make the same eternal mistake the one Brigand did.

Be blessed

Hallelu Yah / Praise God 

Kevin

Gleanings From The Word

Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life. 

Soli Deo Gloria (For the glory of God alone)

Never let the enemy tell you that you are worthless or insignificant. Your value in God’s eyes is so great that it was worth dying for. You are a blessing to the world. You are so precious to God that his plan for heaven will not be complete without you.

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