Today you shall be with me in Paradise
Luke is the only record for the conversation between the criminals by the sides of Christ.
Luke 23 v39-43:
39. And one of the malefactors that were hanged railed on him, saying, Art not thou the Christ? save thyself and us.
40. But the other answered, and rebuking him said, Dost thou not even 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, Jesus, remember me when thou comest in thy kingdom.
43. And he said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, to-day shalt thou be with me in Paradise. -asv
Christ is in control. He knows. He decides.
Would you like your sins cancelled? By the Lord, by the Judge?
Would you like to regain Paradise? Do you realise that Paradise was lost through selfishness, lack of love and care?
v39 tells us that people near the cross of Christ were awared of His claim to be Christ (The Messiah) and accusation against Him. They were to take sides.
The railing criminal was only concerning himself with getting saved, getting released from his sufferings. He carried on as he has always been. But Christ like John the Baptist, called for repentance and preparation for the Kingdom of God.
v40 tells us that one criminal has reached the mental state of fearing God even when he is suffering slow death. He thought of God, and matters of life and death.
v41 tells us the criminal believes in justice. He also recognised that Christ went to the cross as a just man. Do you?
v40-41 The criminal felt sorry for what he had committed. Do you?
v42 tells us that the criminal believes in the resurrection of Christ, that He will return. This is great faith. Do you have that? Even that it might sound silly to you. Have you joined this crowd of silly people?
It all happened on the day called today.
v43 Now is justification. Justification is by faith. Not by any good deed or work any criminal may accomplish. What can you do dying, hanging, bleeding on a wooden framework? What charity, what donation can you make? What treaty can you sign? What will can you write?
Christ assured him Paradise, even that it was too late for his full confession, his baptism, his Sunday school, his theological training, his prayers and fellowship.
Would you like to entrust your lifelihood to this great generous Lord, Jesus Christ? He is waiting next to you. He is sharing with you sufferings of your life. He understands pain and sorrow and justice, and joy.
Do you have power over your life and death and your ultimate destiny? Can you get to the Paradise you did not build? What certainty do you have for heaven? What relationship do you have with the owner and creator of heaven?
Without being in good terms, how could you gain His favour? How can you think of residing beside Him. Just getting a share? Why should He be so generous and you so selfish?
Is that really His job? Says who? Who judges?
God tells us that He is righteous and will punish and will not take back His punishment on that great and terrible day. He has given much warning and signs before the arrival of that day.
And you - What is your job? To be evil and be condemned? To fight against God and assume victory? Try coming back to life after your crucifixion(being murdered by your oppositions). Who then is in control?
Even the dying Christ on the cross was in control of the destiny of Himself and others. He promised Paradise to come. He knew the future. He knew His steps. Would you like to put your trust in Him?
Answering errancy allegation || Examining Jewish geneaology from Exodus Ch 1 ||
A Failed Prophesy on Tyre? || Another Failed Prophesy on Tyre? ||
Why 4 Gospels? || Hebrew Matthew and document Q || Census in Luke Ch 2 ( Anachronism? ) ||
Similarity warrants Recognition and Unity? || Freewill and pre-destination ||
Dynamic Equivalence and Propitiation ||Photography || Photo Gallery || Portrait Gallery || Architecture ||
Design Consultancy || Preacher || Herbalist || Cool Sites ||