The Thief on the Cross
Today I was thinking about the thief on the cross. What the thief said is profound! Once you understand who Jesus is, everything becomes clear. The thief had most likely heard the OT scriptures taught and likely even Jesus’ own teaching. Through divine revelation he understands that this is the promised Messiah, the suffering servant. Then everything changes for him!!!
Three things the thief got right:
1. Acknowledgement of his own sin and confession of his own imperfection. He expressed guilt for the crime he was guilty of committing. He said with his mouth essentially ‘I am a sinner’.
2. Acknowledgment of Christ’s perfection and holiness. He understood a perfect man was dying next to him. He said essentially ‘this man does not deserve this punishment, but I do’.
3. Acknowledgment of eternal life or inheritance after death and confession that Jesus is Lord. “Lord remember me when you come into your kingdom.” The thief believed and confessed that Jesus life, and his own life, didn’t end on that cross. To be born again you must believe in a resurrection from the dead. He believed Jesus was who He proved to be, the Messiah. That Jesus was the one who had the power and authority to forgive him, judge him, and give him eternal life.
Today was a great reminder that salvation is found only in Jesus. Power and eternal life is found only in Jesus. He is the only way to heaven. Many debate and converse about how this man was saved. This is the part that matters.. He was saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. That faith led to those simple confessions (action) and an alignment in his heart to follow Jesus (to be where He is forever). That my friends is just awesome! God is so so good!
I thank God for the precious gift of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. I am so unworthy of anything He has done for me. I am truly thankful that there is a place called heaven where the redeemed have a permanent inheritance with God. The more people I love that pass away, the more I understand wanting to go home one day. Life is tough and way too short. Make sure to make it out alive. There is so much more to come!
Acts chapter 2 “They asked Peter “Sir what must we do to be saved? Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”