The Thief on the Cross

2021-11-18

Two thieves were crucified with Jesus. Both mocked Jesus at first:

He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God. The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth. (Matthew 27:43-44)

However, after this, one of the thieves had a change of heart:

And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. (40) But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? (41) And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. (42) And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. (43) And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. (Luke 23:39-43)

This second thief had no time to be baptized or take holy communion. He could not live a life of good works or go to church every Sunday and become a member. He never read his Bible or learned how to be doctrinally correct. He never “spoke in tongues” or “asked Jesus into his heart.” He did not repeat some canned “sinner’s prayer.” He did not say anything about repenting of all his sins and promising to live a good life from now on. He may have asked Jesus to save him, but so did the other guy (Luke 23:39).

So, what’s the difference? It is reflected in what they said. He knew he deserved to be punished for his sins, but he also believed that Jesus had the power to save him. And indeed, He could save him. And what else? Jesus promised that he would be saved (Luke 23:43).

He really is the sinless Christ, the Son of God, as the thief on the cross believed. To believe in Jesus is to trust Him. You are not placing trust in that stuff I listed above that people think saves them. Our merit always falls far short.

Jesus procured our salvation by bearing the Father’s wrath that our sins rightfully deserve. Unlike the endless centuries of Temple sacrifices, Jesus rose from the dead. This demonstrates that the salvation He offers is real, because death was not the end of Jesus. It is not the end for anyone else who trusts in Him, either.