The Criminal on the Cross, Luke 23:34-43.

This post concerns salvation of the criminal on the cross.

The Criminal on the Cross discusses happenings at the cross, Luke 23:34. “And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, …they know not what they do.” … they cast lots to divide his garments.”

Even though Jesus suffers terrible pain, He thinks of the solders and asks for forgiveness for them.

Abuse continued, Luke 23:35-38. “And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!” The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine and saying… There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.”

The rulers scoffed not understanding Jesus’ claim as the Messiah. Even the soldiers joined in with the mocking about Jesus being a king. Pilate wrote a message about Jesus as king of the Jews and had it posted over His head. On this dreary day, the Devil seems to have won and defeated the Son of God.

In reality, God had predicted a sacrificial death by His Son for the sins of the world.

Despite their equal suffering the criminals managed to utter short sentences, Luke 23:39. “One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, … “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!”

The other criminal rebuking him stated that Jesus was innocent and asked for remembrance when Jesus came into His kingdom.

So, Jesus replied, Luke 23:43. “… today you will be with me in Paradise.”

Thus, this criminal recognized and believed that Jesus would receive a kingdom. Jesus rewarded his expression of faith by giving him a place with Him in Paradise.

However, we cannot receive salvation like the criminal because he lived under the Mosaic depensation before baptism for remission of sins was preached by Peter, Acts 2:38. ““Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins,”

So, what did we learn?

1.Jesus asked for forgiveness for the soldiers.

2.One of the criminals asked for remembrance in Jesus’ kingdom.

3.Jesus rewarded the criminal with salvation.

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