The Thief on the CrossJesus said to the thief on the cross who repented
"Today (Present tense)
you will be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:43). This thief was neither baptized nor partook of the Lords supper, he simply believed, and was promised to be with Jesus.
He did no works but only believed. This is hard to accept for those who add requirements to be saved or busy themselves to earn their way to heaven.
During the crucifixion, you can imagine the pain you'd be going through. In Jewish time, the day was over as soon as it got dark, so you can also imagine the relief you'd feel by knowing that within just a few hours, maybe even before 6:00pm, you'd be at peace.
Quote
Matthew 27:
50 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.
51 At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split
52 and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life.
53 They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people.
54 When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Truly he was the Son of God!”
Pretty amazing isn't it? Not only the death, burial, and ressurection of Jesus. But also the events that took place during the crucifixion, the great earthquake, the 3 hours darkness, etc...
Shortly after, all of his apostles would willingly face cruel deaths. And because of what they believed, and all that they had seen, they did not fear.
Blessed is our LORD. Our risen king. Glory to Him!
This post was edited by Torm1 on Apr 22 2011 10:11pm