CONFESSION AND FAITH
“I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43
Jesus died alone for our sins, yet He was not totally alone. He was crucified between two thieves. They were there because their lives warranted it. They were caught and found guilty of crimes deemed worthy of death by the Roman law. Scriptures tells us that they had joined in with those who mocked Jesus, taunting Him to come down off the cross and save himself and everyone else.
Yet, Luke records an encounter one of the thieves had with Jesus as they were dying. Instead of being defiant on his deathbed like the other thief was, He turned to Jesus for mercy. He came to the conclusion in his waning moments of life that Jesus indeed was the Son of God, the Savior of the world.
During the course of their conversation, Jesus looked deep into his soul and assured him that he would be with Jesus in Paradise that very day. Much has been said about his conversion experience. He did not have a chance to “prove” that he was indeed saved. He was not baptized, did not join up with a church, did not have a chance to change his ways, nor was he able to witness to others of his salvation. Yet, Jesus knew his heart. He knew that he had indeed believed in his heart in Jesus and had sought Jesus’ forgiveness for the life he had lived.
What an encouraging lesson for us to learn! Although it never is a good idea to wait until you are on your deathbed to turn to Jesus, as long as there is breath, there is hope. Sometimes people reach out to the Lord at the very last second and are saved. We will be very pleasantly surprised to spend eternity with some we may have given up all hope for.
If you are not ready to die and meet up with God on Judgment Day, don’t be foolish and assume you will have opportunity to do so before you die. No one is guaranteed a deathbed opportunity. Death is but one breath away for all of us. The moment you are in may be your last moment on earth. Can you say with absolute confidence that Jesus is your Savior today? If not, you will never have a better opportunity than right now to confess your sins to Him and ask Him to forgive you.
If you know someone who needs Jesus in their life right now, why not pause and ask the Lord to convict them of their sins?
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