Promise

by Merchant, Paul | Category: Voice From The Cross | May 1996

The dying thief's best words were his last words. The promise he heard was the best promise. In physical agony he received spiritual comfort. In his hour of deepest need he heard the promise of deepest meaning. 'Then he said, Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom. Jesus answered him, I tell you the truth, today you will be with Me in paradise'(1)

There were two men crucified with Jesus whose evil deeds merited the death penalty. One man admitted, 'We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve' (2) Jesus was being crucified beside him. He spoke to the man and gave comfort and promise. For a third time, following His prayer for the soldiers and then His thought for Mary and John, Jesus met the needs of those around Him.

The promise of the Lord shows us that faith is sufficient for eternal life. This dying man could do nothing for himself. No time left for good works. All he could do - and did do - was to believe. This incident clearly teaches that salvation by faith is sufficient. The Lord Jesus confirms that the last act of the criminal upon this earth was accepted by God. His request to Jesus reveals the essential elements of the gospel:

Words of the criminal (Luke 23:40-43) Elements of the gospel

Don't you fear God ...? Believes in God

We are punished justly...Acknowledges his own sin and the fact of judgement

But this Man has done nothing wrong ...Acknowledges that Jesus is unique and holy

Jesus ...Jesus' Name means 'He shall save

His people from their sins'. The criminal acknowledges salvation comes through Jesus

remember me ...Salvation is by personal response to Jesus

when You come into Your kingdom.Belief in resurrection and authority of Christ.

Jesus, even during crucifixion, still retained His deity because He had the authority to grant forgiveness to that criminal. And we see the love of Jesus who is willing to accept anyone who sincerely believes, even a criminal at death's door. Even so near to death, his eternal destiny was made secure. This can be an encouragement to our prayer life and our witness as we desire those whom we know to come to faith in Christ. You may think someone is beyond change and without hope. But this conversation at Calvary gives us hope. While there is life, there is always hope of change, just as on this criminal's last day.

(1) Luke 23:42,43 (2) Luke 23:41

Biblical quotations from NIV

Merchant, Paul | May 1996
Voice From The Cross