Cross Words, 3of9

~ Words To a Repentant Sinner of Forgiveness & Assurance ~

Jesus Christ made seven gripping last statements while He was dying for our sins on the Cross of Calvary.  This is part of a Sunday series looking at the last words of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

The Passage (phrase 2)  ~  “Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, ‘If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.’  But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation?  And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.’  Then he said to Jesus, ‘Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.’  And Jesus said to him, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise’ (Luke 23:39-43). 

Comments  ~  Sometimes we talk about having a bad day, or a good day.  Consider this the ultimate good day for one of the thieves on the cross.  He went from being justly executed for his sins against society to having Another step in and pay for his sins against God Himself.  What grace!  Undeserved blessing!  That day that saw him killed for his wrongdoings ended with him in the presence of God in paradise. 

Don’t Miss This  ~  (1) As bad as the two thieves were they represent all of us—you and me included.  (2) The two thieves had equal opportunity.  (3) One accepted the free gift of salvation, and one did not.  (4) The repentant thief trusted Christ before the earthquake, before the veil of the temple was torn from top to bottom, before the evidence of the resurrection, and before Christ ascended back to heaven.  (5) The repentant thief was the last associate with Christ on earth and the first associate with Christ in heaven.  (6) God’s grace is greater than your sin.

the key question: “Who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15). This is the most important question you will ever answer. If you do not answer it, or answer it incorrectly, you have made the biggest mistake anyone can make!

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

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