''And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom'' Luke 23:42.
He lived in a dependent nation that knew the laws of God and the consequences of disobeying them. Despite his foreknowledge of one of the laws ''Thou shalt not steal'', he went about stealing and became a violent robber. ''Everyday is for a thief, one day is for the owner'', says a slogan. The law caught up with him, and he was convicted and sentenced to death by hanging on the cross.
On the ill fated day of his execution by the Roman soldiers, were a fellow thief and a sinless man. The guiltiness man was hung on the center cross while he and his fellow were beside; and the trio under the spectacle of large crowd chanting on the guiltiness man ''save yourself''. While his fellow thief joined and continued to rail on the sinless man, his notion about the man changed; as he heard him begging the heavenly Father to forgive his crucifiers. He believed the man to be the real Christ, the messiah whom God sent into the world. He became remorseful, heartily repented and asked Jesus to remember him in his kingdom. Jesus instantly granted his request ''And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise'' Luke 23:43.
The thief became the first luckiest soul, who was fortunate to escape hell fire at transition. There could not have been Paradise for him were it not for the Saviour Jesus. Other sinners before him who lived in disobedience to the laws of God, died and went straight to hell. He had no good record like Enoch, Elijah, Job, martyrs and Patriarchs of faith like Abraham, Samuel and Moses that could earn him a place in Paradise. Though, he was unlucky to escape the judgement of men on earth, he escaped the heavenly judgement. Nothing on earth is worth more than the soul of a single man on earth. The other thief also had the opportunity to ask Jesus for salvation but chose to rail on Jesus even when the fortunate thief cautioned him. The sad news was that he went straight to hell and he is still burning.
Dear reader, are you a sinner who is not a stranger to the gospel message but always postponing your hour of repentance and salvation? Time is running out as you may be unlucky like the lucky thief but open your eyes in hell fire. To you unbeliever and religious devotee, what would it cost you to believe in your heart that Jesus is the Saviour of the world and only way to God? Have you counted the cost if your soul should be lost in hell as a result of unbelief. To you backslidden Christian, have you forgotten Judas Iscariot, who was one of Jesus' twelve apostle. He underwent disciple class, did water baptism, partook in the Lord supper, preached the gospel, cast out demons but backslide and went straight to hell?
The Good News is that you are among the living souls and have another opportunity now to repent and humbly ask Jesus to save you from sin, unbelief and backslidden state of heart. There is saving hope for you in Christ. If you are willing to be among the lucky ones to reign with Christ in heaven, kindly say the following prayer. Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of eternal life through Jesus. I humbly repent and believe in the saving grace of Jesus. Forgive me all my sins and cleanse me in the atoning blood of Jesus. Save me, sanctify me, baptize me and grant me the grace to obey you at your words, in Jesus' Name. Amen
MORE GRACE TO CONTINUE IN THE NEW LIFE
Site:http://wordreacher.blogspot.com
Email: wordreacher@gmail.com
Fellowship: Prayerfully locate a Bible believing church and become an active member.
Comments
Post a Comment