Good Friday’s hillside gave us one of Scripture’s starkest portraits of grace. Two criminals hung on either side of Jesus. At first both hurled insults, but as the hours crawled by something miraculous happened in one man’s heart. While his partner kept sneering, this bandit suddenly rebuked the blasphemy, admitted his own guilt – “we are getting what our deeds deserve” – and begged, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
In that minimalist exchange we see salvation distilled. The dying terrorist brings nothing: no good résumé, no chance to make amends, not even a future in which to “prove” himself. He has one thing – repentant faith. And Christ responds with the most breathtaking promise ever spoken: “Today you will be with Me in paradise.”
Here’s what the scene presses on us:
-
Salvation is entirely by grace. The only difference between the two criminals wasn’t background or behaviour; it was God-given repentance and faith.
-
Repentance is honest. The penitent thief stops defending himself, owns his wickedness and turns from it.
-
Faith clings to a crucified King. He sees beyond the battered figure beside him and trusts that Jesus really is the Lord of an everlasting kingdom.
-
The resurrection seals the deal. Because the tomb could not hold Jesus, the terrorist’s plea – and ours – is guaranteed.
-
This pattern never changes. Whether we come as children or on our deathbed, the doorway is always repentance and faith.
As we examine ourselves before the Lord’s Table, this cross-top conversation is our plumb-line. Have I forsaken my excuses? Have I placed all hope for paradise on the suffering, risen Son of God? That is the only ground firm enough to stand on when we too face the end and hear His welcome.
Add comment
Comments