Sinners Redeemed

August 6, 2018 Monday Message:

Jesus speaking: “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43 NIV

One of my favorite ‘Jesus’ stories concerns the thief on the cross. There were in fact 2 thieves. One was arrogant, belligerent and confrontational. He shouted at Jesus, “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”

But the other thief was humble and contrite. By this time, everyone in that region had heard of Jesus and the miracles he performed, and most had heard him speak at one time or another. So in spite of his errant ways, this second thief knew who Jesus was and believed.

He turned to our Lord and said, “Remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

But Jesus did better than just ‘remembering’ the man. Jesus replied, “Today you will be with me in paradise – heaven!” Heaven is spending eternity in the presence of God, and hell is eternity separated from God. Jesus granted this believing thief entrance to the heavenly kingdom.

The thief was saved by grace through faith, and that’s all that was required. There was no other ritual needed, no other sacrifice needed, no other ceremony required. Jesus didn’t say, “Let’s get down from our crosses and run over to the Jordan and get you baptized!” All salvation demanded was faith in in the Redeemer.

And it’s our faith in the Redeemer Jesus that assures our eternal destination in the next reality!

Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship meets next Sunday, Aug. 12, 2018, 3249 30^th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406, 10:30 AM. Pastor Pilla continues our study in Hebrews.