Do you know about crucifixion and its social implications? It was reserved for the lowest and most despised criminals. It was incredibly shameful and dishonorable. We know Jesus didn't deserve it, but when we read in Luke chapter 23, we fined that there were two others crucified with them. They had to have been pretty low in society and would have done some terrible things to end up where they were. They deserved what they were getting.
They were really big sinners! Really big!
They were getting their just reward; death.
(DISCLAIMER - I am also a really big sinner and that is the point of this post. Jesus still accepts me. I am not condemning the criminal.)
BUT!
Look in Luke 23:42:43 - As they are hanging on their crosses, one of the criminals says to Jesus, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your new kingdom."
Jesus replies, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."
Wow.
This criminal did bad things probably his whole life and didn't deserve to live. But right at the last moment he recognized that Jesus was the Christ, the son of God, our Savior, and he accepted Him. And what was his eternal reward??????
Paradise with Jesus. That means intimate relationship with God, forever.
I love how Jesus says, "TODAY you will be with ME in PARADISE."
There was no spiritual limbo or judgement to go through. He went directly into paradise with Jesus. He was immediately cleared of his sins BEFORE Jesus was even dead and then resurrected.
This is a testament to God's saving love and faithfulness.
So, on this Earth, it is never too late to receive His love. You don't have to work for it. You don't have to be a "good person". You are accepted.
That is Grace.
Do you feel accepted?
True
Comments (9)
Fabulous post, and very true. Elsewhere, in Matthew 20, Jesus told the parable of a master who gave the same reward to those who worked all day and to those who came at the last minute and worked one single hour. Our God, through Jesus' sacrifice, is so merciful that He grants salvation to all who come, no matter when.
Good, this means i can wait until my death bed to repent all my sins.
there is a differance between being accepted by God and the church.......
@Pcgecko85@xanga - It only counts if it's sincere. God's grace can't be taken as a get-out-of-hell-free card.
And so it is. But if I'm not Christian...
Yes...This is grace, I agree. But, I think you forgot to mention one important thing: when you accept Jesus, you automatically start doing His will, so you start being a good person. It is impossible to receive Jesus in your life and not be changed. It's like when you are hit buy a trunk. It is impossible to remain the same.
=)
I think in a sense you do have to work to get to heaven. Of course it's never too late to be accepted but that is only the first step of salvation. One must be be obedient to the Lord by giving him glory and spreading the word of the bible to non-believers.
hello,
thank you very much for this wonderful post.
keep it up.
regards.
trulytito.
(tito dutta)
Absolutely. I believe God will give a chance to accept His gift after death. Sad to say some spend their lives growing cold denying God's offer.