“Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ Jesus answered him, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise’” (Luke 23:42-43 NIV).
After I left home for college, I gradually built a wall between myself and God. I lived my life how I saw fit, only thinking of myself and what I wanted. When I considered attending church, I imagined God would never forgive me because my life was so messed up. I rejected God because I didn’t understand His mercy.
The two thieves on the cross prove it’s never too late to ask for God’s mercy
What is God’s mercy? Undeserved forgiveness. We are never good enough or do enough to deserve God’s forgiveness for our sins against Him. However, God still loves us anyway! If we believe Jesus died on the cross to pay the final debt for our sins, God lavishes His mercy on us and forgives us.
When Jesus was crucified on the cross, two thieves on either side mocked and insulted him. However, one thief realized Jesus was the son of God, and asked for mercy (Luke 23:42).
In the last moments of his life, the thief asked Jesus, “Remember me.” Jesus didn’t say, sorry, too late! No, he promised to see him in heaven (Luke 23:43).
You don’t have to clean up your life first
I thought I had to clean up my act before asking God for forgiveness. Maybe I should go to church first. Or perhaps I should pray or read the Bible. Maybe I messed up my life so badly God will never forgive me.
However, the repentant thief believed Jesus was the son of God, humbled himself, confessed his guilt and asked for mercy moments before he died. That’s all he did.
He didn’t do all the things we associate with being saved, like repeating the sinner’s prayer, responding to an altar call, being baptized, attending or joining a church, and tithing.
Jesus recognized the thief’s humble and repentant heart, and that was sufficient.
There will be a judgement day
Jesus humbly came to earth as a baby to save the world by dying on the cross. But He will come again as a conquering King to judge the world (John 12:47) (Hebrews 9:27-28).
Jesus taught His disciples about two groups of people on the last judgement day, when He comes again to establish His Kingdom. King Jesus will separate two groups of people, as the shepherd separates the sheep and goats. The sheep on the right will inherit the Kingdom of God. However, Jesus condemns the goats on the left to eternal punishment and torment by fire (Matthew 25:34-41).
Just like the two thieves on the cross—one asked for mercy and received eternal life, the other insulted Jesus and will experience eternal torment (Luke 23:39-43).
We must decide which group to join. Because there are only two groups, heirs of the Kingdom of God, or prisoners of eternal fire. All we have to do for eternal life is believe Jesus died for us, confess our sins, and ask for God’s mercy.
Are you prepared for the final judgement? If not, decide today to accept God’s mercy. In the end, it’s the only thing that matters.
Watch The Two Thieves, an award-winning short film directed by Dallas Jenkins, creator of The Chosen, and featuring Jonathan Roumie as Jesus.
This was a powerful post with a clear salvation message! Thank you for your words, Susan! I hope you had a great Easter.
Hi Carly! Thanks for reading and commenting. Good to hear from you-I miss reading your blog. I had a great Easter and I hope you did too.