Jesus answered him. “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Luke 23:43
When Jesus was hung on the cross to die, there were two thieves that hung on either side of Him. All three were sentenced to death. We have the scripture to tell us about the life of Jesus — Son of God, sent into the world to pay for our sins. We know that Jesus walked the earth and went about doing good — healing the sick, forgiving sins and raising the dead.
We do not know anything about these two men sentenced to die beside Him, except that they were criminals. One of them thought only of himself and hurled insults at Jesus asking “why don’t you save us and yourself, if you are really the Son of God.” The other thought differently though and had a change in his heart. He confessed that he knew that Jesus had done nothing wrong. He realized that he and his friend were getting what they deserved, but he still asked for mercy from the Lord when he asked Jesus to remember him in His kingdom. (Luke 23:40 - 42)) This man knew he had done nothing to deserve forgiveness, but his heart had been changed, and there on the cross, moments from death, Jesus gave the gift of salvation to him.
Then, that quickly, the man’s sins were gone, forgotten, and he was forgiven and restored! Jesus immediately replied “Today you will be with me in paradise.” Jesus knew all about this man’s past. But Jesus also knew that there had been a change in this criminal’s heart, mind and attitude. This man had done nothing to earn salvation, but Jesus lavished this free gift upon him anyway!
That’s how salvation works for us too. When our hearts are changed and we realize that we are sinners; and when we come to Jesus asking for mercy, mercy is immediately poured out to us. We cannot earn it, we do not deserve it, but Jesus freely gives it. Our sins are forgiven and removed from us. Our lives are filled with joy and hope and the security of knowing that we too will be with Jesus in paradise one day.
Now, that is Good News!
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