One of the most famous scenes in history is that of the three crosses of Calvary. We all know that Jesus was crucified along with two thieves. One of the thieves hurled insults at Jesus to his dying breath, but the other sought Jesus’ help. That thief could see by faith that Jesus was not just another sinner dying on a cross, but the Lord of glory, saving His people. So he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” The Scripture records, “Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”
What Jesus meant by that single sentence has been considered a proof text of the doctrine of Sola Fide (salvation by faith alone). That is, that the thief was saved in that moment, entirely by faith. For obviously he could not have been saved based on anything that he had done, or could do. So rather than rely on anything he could do, the thief had confessed faith in Jesus. That simple faith was enough. For Jesus Himself had said, “Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven.”
One understands from that, that as the thief acknowledged Jesus as His Lord in a public way, Jesus would acknowledge the thief before God at his judgment (for Hebrews 9:27 testifies, “Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.)” Ephesians 2 makes it even plainer, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Of course, this divine principle goes against rational thinking, which demands that we establish a clear trajectory toward God in order to be accepted by God. Every other religion embodies such, demanding that you in some manner or by some action ‘earn’ the right to be in heaven. Of course, that’s impossible. The one and only living God knows that there is an impassable chasm between our ability to earn righteousness and His manifest holy presence. As children of Adam, we are just as guilty as Adam was after disobeying God. Firstly on account of our own personal sin, which everyone can recognize when they reflect on their own character and behavior; We have all done something and dwelled in thought on something that is clearly against God’s character. In doing so we have brought dishonor to the one whose image we bear.
But we are also sinners on account of our forefather Adam. For the people of a nation are never judged apart from their ruler, and the children of a household suffer the same fate (or blessing) as the head of their household. As Adam our forefather has gone, so also do we go. Sin is literally in our genes.
To this point Jesus’ words to the thief on the cross are a beacon of hope in an otherwise hopeless situation. Jesus’ single sentence communicates the profound truth that because of His death, He washed away the charge against us. Those who accept His sacrifice are changed, immediately and on the spot, into people acceptable to Him – and therefore – to God Most High.
That isn’t just a staid fact. Given in the context of His teaching about God’s providential care for us, it is a refreshing daily reminder. Forgiveness is only as far away as our own repentance!
When once you realize all that it cost God to forgive you, you will be held as in a vice, constrained by the love of God.
Oswald Chambers
APPLICATION: Worship
How can we respond to God’s great grace to us in any other way but worship?