Luke 23:43
As Jesus hung between two criminals, He uttered one of the most powerful and comforting sentences ever spoken:
“Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43)
This wasn’t spoken to a saint. It wasn’t spoken in a synagogue. It was spoken on a cross—to a dying thief. A man who had wasted his life, broken the law, and mocked the Savior… until grace opened his eyes.
1️⃣ The Repentant Thief: A Portrait of Faith
Both criminals began by mocking Jesus (Matthew 27:44). But something changed in one of them. As the hours passed, he recognized that Jesus was not a criminal—He was a King. And from a bloody cross, he prayed the simplest prayer:
“Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.” (Luke 23:42)
He didn’t offer promises. He didn’t defend himself. He simply believed. And Jesus responded with a one-sentence sermon that redefined salvation forever.
2️⃣ What the Thief Did Not Do
Let’s be clear—this man did nothing religious. Nothing righteous. Nothing ritualistic. Yet he was saved.
He was not:
- ❌ Baptized
- ❌ Confirmed
- ❌ A church member
- ❌ A law keeper
- ❌ A man of good works
- ❌ A model of morality
And yet… he received the promise of paradise. Why?
Because salvation is not earned. It is received by grace through faith.
Ephesians 2:8–9 – “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.”
3️⃣ What the Thief Did Do
✅ He feared God (Luke 23:40)
✅ He admitted guilt (v.41)
✅ He confessed Jesus as Lord and King (v.42)
✅ He believed in life after death and Christ’s kingdom
He didn’t ask to be saved from the cross—he asked to be saved from sin.
That’s repentance. That’s faith. That’s the heart God honors.
4️⃣ What Jesus Did
Jesus didn’t hesitate. He didn’t say, “You’re too late.” He didn’t say, “Clean yourself up first.” He said:
“Today…” – Immediate salvation
“…you will be with Me…” – Personal relationship
“…in paradise.” – Eternal security
This is the gospel in one sentence: Grace saves. Faith receives. Jesus delivers.
📖 Scriptures That Confirm Salvation by Grace Alone
- Luke 23:43 – “Today you will be with Me in paradise.”
- Ephesians 2:8–9 – “By grace are you saved… not of works.”
- Titus 3:5 – “Not by works of righteousness… but according to His mercy He saved us.”
- Romans 4:5 – “To him that worketh not, but believeth… his faith is counted for righteousness.”
- Romans 10:13 – “Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
🧭 Final Reflection: The Cross Still Saves
The thief had no time left. No second chance. No religious resume. But he had faith. And Jesus gave him paradise.
Don’t wait for death to look to the cross. But if you’ve wasted your life, know this: Grace still saves sinners. The door is still open. The gospel still works.
Call on Him. Trust Him. You’ll find what the thief found—
not just pardon, but a promise:
“Today you will be with Me in paradise.”
