LENT SERIES - Repentance: The Thief on the Cross

Alistair Begg, in his message “The Power and Message of the Cross,” shared a story of what it might have been like when the thief on the cross arrived at the entrance to heaven:

Luke 23:38-43

As he spoke with Jesus, the thief repented and believed Christ to save him.

The angel came to him and said, “What are you doing here?”

The thief said “Well, I don’t know”

The angel responded, “What do you mean, you don’t know?”

The thief replied, “Well, ’cause I don’t know.”

Confused the angel said, “Well, you know… Excuse me. Let me

get my supervisor.”

He returned with his supervisor and they question the thief.

“So, we’ve just a few questions for you. First of all, are you clear

on the doctrine of justification by faith?” The thief says, “I’ve

never heard of it in my life.”

“And what about… Let’s just go to the doctrine of Scripture

immediately.” This thief is just staring.

And eventually, in frustration, the supervisor says, “On what

basis are you here?”

And thief replies, “The man on the middle cross said I can

come.”

The thief didn’t know much about Jesus or the foundations of Christian faith. In that moment, when he knew he was dying on a cross, he saw he needed Christ. While the thief on the other side of Jesus mocked him, this thief was certain of three things

· his own sin and the just punishment he was receiving

· that Jesus had done nothing wrong

· that he wanted to be with Jesus in his kingdom.

As he spoke with Jesus, the thief repented and believed Christ to save him.

Jesus’ promise to him “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43)

Today, repent and believe that he can save and transform you. Hold to the truth that he wants you in his family. And know the promise of eternity with him.

God bless.

Pastor Stephen