3 Vastly Different People.

Three crosses rise atop a hill, each bearing a man condemned to die. In the centre, Jesus of Nazareth—called a miracle-worker, a healer, even the Son of God—gasps for breath. On either side, two criminals cry out in agony, their crimes sealing their fate. 

As their lives draw to an end, one criminal suddenly stops mocking—a truth bigger than death itself strikes him, something so profound it alters his eternity. Within minutes, as he exhales his final breath, he has discovered the answer to death and found peace with God. 

What Changed?

Both thieves started out mocking Jesus, but then one of them, in humility, confessed to the other, “We’re getting what we deserve, but this man’s done nothing wrong“1. He realised that Jesus was innocent and didn’t deserve His punishment. And more remarkably, he saw that Jesus was exactly who He claimed to be, the Son of God2. So he turned to Jesus and said, “Remember me when you come into your kingdom”3. Jesus replied,
“Today you will be with me in paradise”4. The criminal realised he was helpless, unable to save himself, so he trusted in Jesus alone to save him.

How can you have this hope too?

First we must see ourselves like this criminal. But that’s a big leap for most. Surely we’re not criminals? But have you ever broken the law? More importantly, have you broken God’s law?

When asking this question, it’s crucial to see things from God’s perspective. Take a moment to consider the following from God’s law:

Any Crimes to Report?

Have you ever treasured things above God, or bowed down to idols? Have you made a god in your mind you feel more comfortable with? Have you ever misused God’s name, or used the name of Jesus to express anger or frustration? Have you dishonoured your parents, or told any lies? Even hatred is seen like murder before God5, just as lustful desires toward a person are considered adultery of the heart6. Every secret thought, selfish motive, and careless word is seen by God. 

When we compare ourselves against a perfect  God, we should quickly realise we’re not good, but rather we’ve all sinned. We’re really no different from the criminals next to Jesus.7 And God’s goodness requires He punish all sin, even ours. God says, “The wages of sin is death”8. This is the sobering punishment we deserve. This death is an eternal place called Hell.9

What about Repentance and Good Deeds?

Don’t be misled by the idea we can offset our sin with good works or repentance. Would these things have freed the two criminals next to Jesus? No, justice demanded their punishment.
Likewise, God says we cannot be saved on the basis of works or human effort.10 Although repentance is an essential response11, it’s not what erases our sin. God says only death can pay for sin8.

What’s the answer?

When Jesus, God himself—being without sin—hung on the cross and died, His death fully paid for all our sin13. His last words from the cross were “It is finished”14, the work to save us was completed.

“God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.“15

Jesus rose from the dead three days later, proving He had conquered death and paid for sin—over 500 people saw Him alive16.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life”17.

Which One Will You Choose?

Will you be like the criminal who didn’t admit to his crimes, but continued to mock and reject Jesus, to his own peril? Or will you be like the second criminal, who recognised his crimes, humbled himself, and trusted only in Jesus to be saved?
You can’t earn God’s forgiveness, it is a free gift to all who humbly trust in Jesus18.

Today, turn in repentance toward God and put your faith in Jesus Christ alone.19 Only faith in Jesus can save you.20

Let this be the start of a whole new life, where you come to know God personally, and He dwells with you.21 Talk to Him in prayer and read the Bible so He can teach you about Himself.

  1. Luke 23:41 ↩︎
  2. Matthew 16:16 ↩︎
  3. Luke 23:42 ↩︎
  4. Luke 23:43 ↩︎
  5. 1 John 3:15 ↩︎
  6. Matthew 5:28 ↩︎
  7. Romans 3:10-12, Isaiah 53:6, Romans 3:23 ↩︎
  8. Romans 6:23 ↩︎
  9. Revelation 21:8 ↩︎
  10. Titus 3:5, Ephesians 2:8-9 ↩︎
  11. Acts 17:30-31 ↩︎
  12. Romans 6:23 ↩︎
  13. 1 Peter 2:24 ↩︎
  14. John 19:30 ↩︎
  15. Romans 5:8 ↩︎
  16. 1 Corinthians 15:6 ↩︎
  17. John 3:16 ↩︎
  18. Romans 6:23 ↩︎
  19. Acts 20:21 ↩︎
  20. Ephesians 2:8-9 ↩︎
  21. John 14:23, 17:3 ↩︎