"And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death. 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.
"And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise."
Contained in this portion of scripture is one of the greatest prayers in the Bible. The prayer of the thief on the cross. It is found in verse 42. It says "...Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom." This prayers reveals something about this dying thief.
#1 - First of all this prayer shows us that he believed in life after death. This thief believed that Jesus had a kingdom and that he could be a part of that kingdom.
#2 - The prayer of the thief also reveals that he recognized and acknowledged Jesus Christ as Lord. He said, "Lord, remember me...." No man can expect to enter the Kingdom of God unless they confess Jesus as Savior and Lord. The Bible tells us in Acts 16:31, "...Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved..."
#3 - Also, this prayer revealed that this man, the thief, believed that Jesus had the power to save him...and he asked Him to do it. "Lord, remember me."
That's all it took - because he wanted to be saved. He was sorry for his sin. He wanted to repent of the things he had done wrong in his life. He wanted a clean heart. The theft believed that Jesus could and would cleanse his heart and deliver him from his old life.
It only takes a moment to have Jesus cleanse your heart and help you become a new person. You must be earnest with God and commit to letting Him be in control of your life, to guide your daily walk with Him.
Now, let's notice Jesus answer to the prayer of the thief. Jesus said 3 definite things to the thief on the cross.
#1 - First, Jesus gave this man absolute assurance that he would be in paradise. Verse 43 says, "...Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise." Jesus answered his prayer. He forgave the man of his sins and assured him that Heaven would be his new home. Aren't you thankful that there is such a thing as know that we are ready for Heaven?
#2 - Jesus assured this man that he would be with "Him" in paradise. Think Of That......This thief, robber, by the GRACE of God would spend eternity with the Redeemer.
Oh, how amazing is the GRACE of God!
How wonderful it is to be saved from our sins, to have a clean heart and to spend eternity with Jesus.
To those of us who have given our hearts to Jesus, He says in St. John 14:1-3, "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." Farther down, in verse 27 - He continues and says, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." What an assurance!
#3 - Finally... Jesus assured this man that he would be in paradise or Heaven - TODAY. That day.
The thief on the cross received immediate salvation. IMMEDIATE.
Did you know that you can be saved and delivered from your sins, TODAY?
You can ask Jesus to come into your heart, RIGHT NOW?
It can happen this very moment....right there, wherever you may be.
Wherever.
Jesus, who died on the cross; who gave His life on the center cross, He is alive. He lives - and He is only a prayer away.
Won't you call upon Him right now?
For more inspirational words go to: www.wordsarefootprints.blogspot.com
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