“Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
That request comes from arguably the greatest theologian of all time. He was not a pastor or professor - but if we examine what he said and the circumstances surrounding his comments, his depth and comprehension is undeniable.
The thief that hung on the cross next to Christ is the one who spoke those words …
Having just reprimanded the other condemned man who was mocking Jesus - he revealed well-grounded doctrine and his recognition of Jesus as Lord.
“Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”
With that statement this “theologian” shows remarkable insight.
He recognizes that he and Jesus are different. He identifies the Messiah’s holiness and acknowledges his own depravity. He is awestruck by Christ’s glory and humbles himself before him as King.
This thief comes to Jesus with no ulterior motives. He didn’t turn to Christ after seeing a miracle – the thief is not looking for personal gain. Instead, as he and Jesus were dying - he acknowledges who Christ is and only asks to be remembered in His Kingdom. The thief’s confession comes from being overwhelmed by the majesty of Jesus not the pursuit of personal advancement.
That is a heart ready for salvation. Confessing guilt, acknowledging that only Christ can redeem, and following Him because He is King – not in hopes of personal gain.
How does your theology stack up to this condemned criminal’s? Do you realize your wickedness and God’s perfection? Do you acknowledge Jesus as King or just Savior? Are you a man after God’s own heart, or just pursuing free grace?
These are all questions you must answer for yourself, but we all need to answer them.
Christ alone is the way, the truth, and the life…have we grasped that? Are we as astute as the thief on the cross? Do we see our corruption and His Purity? Do we realize our need for Amazing Grace, and rely solely on Jesus for Salvation? I hope so because those are the requirements for redemption.
"It should not be possible for Christians to be disillusioned. We should have no illusions in the first place. Our faith is in Jesus Christ alone." - Gene Edward Veith
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