While the fact that two thieves were crucified on either side of Jesus are included in all 4 epistles, only Luke goes into some detail of their interaction with the Savior during their last dying moments. Luke wasn't one of the 12 apostles but rather he was a doctor. He received most of his material from Mary the mother of Jesus. So here is Luke's account of what happened on Calvary.
Luke 23:32-33(KJV)
32 And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death. 33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Luke 23:39-43(KJV) 39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. 40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou 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 unto Jesus, Lord, REMEMBER ME when thou comest into thy kingdom. 43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise. |
This account is very short but says volumes about God's salvation. Here we notice several things due to the thief's short life left on the cross.
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Jesus states very clearly that this second thief was saved. He is the exactly the same as any death bed conversion except his was more like an execution spot conversion. But this tells us that we need not do anything to be saved. It was only faith in Jesus alone that saved the thief on the cross. He didn't even have to say a special prayer.
Conclusion
We can thank Luke for including the conversion of this thief on the cross because it shows just how simple God's salvation is. There are no works necessary to go along with accepting Jesus as your savior. There isn't even any indication there is any works, nor repentance, nor obedience to keep your salvation. Simply believe and you are saved. With God leaving it so simple, should we as Christians not leave it how God desires it?
So I would simply like to say if you want to get to Paradise aka Heaven all you simply have to do is believe on Jesus as your Savior and you are home free. It is just that simple. It is a free gift and yours to keep forever. Won't you take Jesus up on His free offer to you?
Conclusion
We can thank Luke for including the conversion of this thief on the cross because it shows just how simple God's salvation is. There are no works necessary to go along with accepting Jesus as your savior. There isn't even any indication there is any works, nor repentance, nor obedience to keep your salvation. Simply believe and you are saved. With God leaving it so simple, should we as Christians not leave it how God desires it?
So I would simply like to say if you want to get to Paradise aka Heaven all you simply have to do is believe on Jesus as your Savior and you are home free. It is just that simple. It is a free gift and yours to keep forever. Won't you take Jesus up on His free offer to you?
Dear Lord God. I know I am a sinner and need your gift of salvation from my sins. I BELIEVE IN JESUS, the Son of God, as my personal Savior. I believe that His death on the cross and resurrection provides forgiveness for ALL my sins past, present, & future. Please forgive all my sins and come into my heart and life. I hereby trust in Jesus FINISHED WORK alone, and NOT upon me & my "good works", as sufficient to make me right with you and fit for Heaven. Please forgive ALL my sins and come into my heart, Lord Jesus. Seal me with your Holy Spirit until the day you come to take me home. In your Son Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Heb 10:26-29 'Sinning after receiving the truth' Study
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Study on salvation security
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James 2:17-19 'Faith without works is dead' Study
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