Gospel

Saved Just In Time

by Roland Crim
06/13/17
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One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other criminal rebuked him. “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.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43-46 NIV

Two criminals were crucified along with Jesus. One of them was of this world. His thoughts had always been about himself and what he wanted. He hurled insults at Jesus and demanded that if He were the Son of God to save Himself, and he, the criminal as well. He truly was focused on himself.

The other criminal realized that he was paying the price for the crimes he had committed. But, when he looked upon the Lord, in his heart he realized that Jesus had done no wrong. After rebuking the other criminal, he asked Jesus to remember him when He came into His kingdom. Jesus provided for this repentant sinner the promise of being with the Lord that very day in paradise. In the nick of time this sinner was saved.

There is no required amount of time for which one must believe in Jesus to be saved. This second criminal let go of all his sinfulness, and turned his heart over to Jesus. When one is saved, they are saved regardless of how long they have to be a Christian before passing from this life.

One does not want to wait, though, to give their heart to Christ. Our next breath is not guaranteed to us. Belong to Christ, and you shall spend eternity with Him in heaven.