“Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds.” (Lk 23:40,41)
In Matthew’s and Mark’s account of the Gospel it is said that both thieves who were crucified with Jesus at first reviled Jesus. We do not said know exactly what it was that made so remarkable a change in the heart of the penitent thief. Perhaps it was the look of pity, pardon and mercy on the face of the Saviour as they and the people were railing on Him. Perhaps it was when the Saviour cried out from the depth of His soul, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Whatever it was, the remarkable thing is that the thief immediately had a complete change of heart.
The thief sincerely repented and immediately confessed his sinfulness, even to the point of rebuking the other thief for not fearing God. He also admitted that his own execution was a just punishment. Then, amazingly, he acknowledged the sinlessness of Christ and his own belief in eternal life and the coming kingdom of God. In just a few moments the thief had so humbled his heart that God could do all those wonderful things in him. Many do not come to such a heart condition even in their whole lifetime of knowing Jesus!
Salvation is the result of a sincere confession of our sins and a recognition of Jesus as One Who has power to save. Those who, in the fear of God, sincerely and deeply confess their sins in true repentance, will experience “paradise” in their souls that very day.
Dear reader, repent for all your sins – till “paradise” prevails in your heart.
The thief sincerely repented and immediately confessed his sinfulness, even to the point of rebuking the other thief for not fearing God. He also admitted that his own execution was a just punishment. Then, amazingly, he acknowledged the sinlessness of Christ and his own belief in eternal life and the coming kingdom of God. In just a few moments the thief had so humbled his heart that God could do all those wonderful things in him. Many do not come to such a heart condition even in their whole lifetime of knowing Jesus!
Salvation is the result of a sincere confession of our sins and a recognition of Jesus as One Who has power to save. Those who, in the fear of God, sincerely and deeply confess their sins in true repentance, will experience “paradise” in their souls that very day.
Dear reader, repent for all your sins – till “paradise” prevails in your heart.
– Taken from Morning Manna – Thoughts for Daily Devotion
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