Friday, March 27, 2015
Forgiveness
Luke 23:39-43 (NASB)
39 One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, "Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!"
40 But the other answered, and rebuking him said, "Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?
41 "And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong."
42 And he was saying, "Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!"
43 And He said to him, "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise."
+++++++++++++++
Both thieves joined the crowd in mocking Jesus. (Mt 27:44) "If you are the Christ, save Yourself and us!" But one of them came to his senses and turned to Jesus for forgiveness. Jesus promised a place in Paradise -- heaven!
It seems so simple! The thief recognized his wrong (confession) and turned to Jesus (repentance). Jesus responded with forgiveness and promise of Paradise (heaven).
The call is the same today. Confess, Repent and turn to Jesus. He will forgive today just as He did them. Our lives are changed when He forgives. We are different people. We will live for Him. The thief repented with his final breath. That chance may not come for you. If you have not turned to Jesus for forgiveness, why not today? Don't wait till the end! Today is the day of salvation!
39 One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, "Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!"
40 But the other answered, and rebuking him said, "Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?
41 "And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong."
42 And he was saying, "Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!"
43 And He said to him, "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise."
+++++++++++++++
Both thieves joined the crowd in mocking Jesus. (Mt 27:44) "If you are the Christ, save Yourself and us!" But one of them came to his senses and turned to Jesus for forgiveness. Jesus promised a place in Paradise -- heaven!
It seems so simple! The thief recognized his wrong (confession) and turned to Jesus (repentance). Jesus responded with forgiveness and promise of Paradise (heaven).
The call is the same today. Confess, Repent and turn to Jesus. He will forgive today just as He did them. Our lives are changed when He forgives. We are different people. We will live for Him. The thief repented with his final breath. That chance may not come for you. If you have not turned to Jesus for forgiveness, why not today? Don't wait till the end! Today is the day of salvation!
// posted by Pastor Fred @ 10:07 AM 
