Jesus answered him. I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise. Luke 23:43 NIV
Is it ever too late to turn to the Lord for salvation? I believe this well known part of scripture answers that question. We all know the story of the thief on the cross next to Jesus. Many people think of him as someone who “snuck in” at the last minute. But, even so, he is there in the kingdom of heaven with our Lord. We know this because Jesus told him he would be!
How easy was it for him to be saved? How easy was it for him, who sinned up until the moment he went to the cross himself, to be saved?
Let’s examine this. Many would believe they have sinned too much, too long, and it’s simply too late. But what is really required?
“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9 NLT
While most people assume the criminal was simply a robber, many believe he did much worse. Yet look at the two things he did here, probably without even realizing he did them. First, he rebuked the other criminal, who had been heckling Jesus, by saying “Don’t you fear God?” (Luke 23:40) Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Luke 23:42 NIV
He satisfies the requirements that Paul writes about in Romans 10:9 above, doesn’t he?
I not only know he is there, but also believe he has many rewards in heaven. I believe this promise from our Lord to the “criminal” turned more people to God than we can ever fathom.
One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him. Luke 23:39a NIV
The other criminal chose to hurl insults at our Lord. He clearly bought into the lies of the enemy. While he had just as much time with Jesus as the criminal who was saved, he chose to ignore the chance he was given.
As we plant the seeds of the word to those we know, who have yet to turn to Christ, this is a great reminder. They haven’t sinned too much, nor too long, and it’s not too late!
Perhaps you’ve wondered if it’s too late for you. It’s not! But don’t wait to call out to God. The enemy fools many into believing that there is plenty of time. Nothing could be farther from the truth, as Peter reminds us, “but the day of the lord will come like a thief.” (2 Peter 3:10)
Special thanks for this submission by guest blogger – Barnabas