The Dying Thief Finds Paradise
Introduction
Three crosses stood on Golgotha that day. The middle cross held the Son of God. The other two held guilty men. Both thieves knew they deserved death. Roman law had caught them. Roman nails pierced their hands and feet. But something changed on those crosses. One thief died in his sins. The other died forgiven. The difference between them shows you the power of faith and the unlimited mercy of God.
The Thief Recognizes His Sin
Two criminals hung on crosses beside Jesus. Both deserved their punishment. They were thieves paying for their crimes. At first, both mocked Jesus (Matthew 27:44). But as hours passed, one thief began to see the truth. He watched Jesus suffer. He heard Jesus forgive those who crucified Him (Luke 23:34). He realized this man was innocent.
The thief rebuked his partner. "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?" (Luke 23:40). He admitted they deserved death for their crimes. "We are receiving the due reward of our deeds." But Jesus had done nothing wrong. This confession marks the beginning of salvation. You must admit your guilt before God. You must see yourself as the sinner you are. Romans 3:23 tells us all have sinned and fall short of God's glory. The thief stopped making excuses. He stopped blaming others. He accepted responsibility for his crimes.
Faith in the Final Hour
Then he turned to Jesus with a simple request. "Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom" (Luke 23:42). These words reveal genuine faith. The thief saw past the blood and suffering. He saw past the Roman mockery. He recognized Jesus as King. He believed Jesus would rise again. He trusted Jesus had power over death itself.
Jesus promised him paradise that very day. "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:43). No baptism. No good works. No religious ceremony. No years of church attendance. No tithing. No penance. Just faith in the dying moments of life. The thief had nothing to offer God except his belief. He brought no resume of good deeds. He had no time left to earn salvation. Faith alone saved him. Ephesians 2:8-9 confirms this truth. Salvation comes by grace through faith, not by works.
Mercy Available to All
You think you have sinned too much. You believe God could never forgive you. You feel your life has been wasted. This thief shows you a different truth. Salvation comes to those who recognize their sin. Salvation comes to those who believe in Jesus. Time does not matter.
The thief had lived a criminal life. He had stolen. He had hurt others. He had broken God's law repeatedly. Yet Jesus accepted him immediately. First John 1:9 promises that if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us. The blood of Jesus cleanses us from all unrighteousness. All means all. Your addiction does not disqualify you. Your years of rebellion do not block you. Your shameful secrets do not surprise God. He knows everything you have done and still offers you forgiveness.
Conclusion
You have breath in your lungs right now. You have this moment to call on Jesus. He forgives instantly. He promises you paradise. Your past crimes do not block His mercy. The thief proved this truth. He received salvation in his final hours. You have more time than he did. Romans 10:13 declares that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Everyone includes you.
Turn to Him today. Ask Him to remember you. He will welcome you into His kingdom. The same Jesus who saved the dying thief waits to save you. The same mercy extends to you right now. Do not wait another day. Do not think you need to clean up your life first. Come as you are. Confess your sin. Believe in Jesus. He will give you paradise.
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Blessings,
Pastor JM Raja Lawrence
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
email: lawrencejmr@gmail.com
Mobile: +91 9933250072
