Saved in his final hours
March 30, 2009 (Monday)
Jesus was crucified and two criminals were crucified with him, one on either side. We sometimes refer to Jesus’ cross as the “Cross of Redemption.” Last Monday we looked at the “Cross of Rejection,” and discussed the plight of the man on that cross. Today we examine the “Cross of Reception,” and behold the man who died there.
Unlike the man who rejected Jesus in his dying hours, this man experienced a change of heart. He recognized his own sins and realized he was being justly executed for his crimes. Yet he saw Jesus as the Messiah, and trusted Him in his last hours on earth. Jesus plainly says to him, “Today you shall be with me in Paradise.” He was saved that day.
Why should we be saved? Because we are accountable to God for our deeds, and yet we are separated from God by our sins. We shall exist forever in Heaven or in Hell.
How are we saved? By seeing our need of a Savior and turning from our sin, giving our lives over to Christ in faith. That’s what this man did that day; he looked to Jesus for salvation and was not disappointed.
When should we be saved? With this man it was “now or never.” He was dying and he knew it. The problem for us is that we are not willing to see ourselves that way. We seem to think we are going to live indefinitely. The uncertainties of life, however, tell us differently: we can meet death at any time. Every day someone, somewhere, dies unexpectedly. We need to heed the Word of God: “Today is the day of salvation!” Accept Jesus Christ as your Savior now. There is no better time.