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Luke 23:36-43
In this passage, the Roman soldiers continue to mock Jesus by commanding Him to save Himself if He truly is the Christ (Luke 23:36-37). We learn that a sign was put over Jesus signifying that He is the King of the Jews (Luke 23:38). And then even one of the criminals that is being crucified with Jesus adds to the disrespect that Jesus is receiving by also telling Jesus to save Himself and them along with Him (Luke 23:39). But then a change of events and attitudes; the other criminal being crucified with Jesus rebukes the first and questions that he even believes in God (Luke 23:40). And in Luke 23:41 this second criminal admits his sin and being due the punishment that they are receiving (death) and professes Jesus to be undeserving of death and innocent of the accusations pressed against Him. And then he asks of Jesus’ forgiveness and does so with a sincere heart to God (Luke 23:42). Jesus responds by telling him that he will be in Paradise with Him (Luke 23:43).
This is an example of being unreceptive to salvation in Jesus (first criminal) to receive eternal condemnation (John 3:18).
This is an example of one’s heart being sincerely open to the forgiveness of Christ Jesus (second criminal) and receiving eternal life by believing in Him (John 1:10-13, 3:16-21).
As these three are knocking on death’s door, salvation in Christ Jesus is still possible. And Jesus proves Himself to be the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). The only way to heaven is by believing in Jesus and then turning from the sinful nature in putting on a new life in Him. This second criminal received salvation in Jesus, not by anything that the criminal did to earn or deserve salvation – he was hanging on the cross of death – yet his sins were forgiven by his Savior/ our Savior Jesus. We are incapable of saving ourselves or doing anything to earn that salvation, but by believing in Jesus Christ to forgive our sins and by God’s mercy and grace, He will grant us the gift of salvation in and through Him. He paid our price on the cross – He just asks that we believe in Him, and then our works will reflect the salvation He has given us as He will change the motives of our hearts as He cleanses them through His Holy Spirit in which He will send to live within us (John 14:15-18, 16:5-11).
Dear Lord,
Thank You for giving us this example of salvation by a man who had no capabilities of doing anything to earn or gain salvation through his own works, yet as he hung on a cross in judgement of his own sin, Jesus forgave him and promised salvation and life in Paradise (heaven) with Him. Please help us to see that Jesus is the only way, truth, and life. And that no one comes to You but through Him (John 14:6). And LORD, please help us to believe in Him and seek Your will for our lives every day. In Jesus name I pray, amen.