The Essence Of Salvation

"Then he [the thief on the cross] said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise." - Luke 23:42-43

This past Sunday was Easter Sunday - the celebration of Jesus resurrection. But rather than preach on the empty tomb to proclaim Jesus had risen - the sermon was about the thief on the cross. About the Essence of salvation. Jesus is the Way, and Truth, and Life. The only way to the Father. His sacrifice was the "pavement" on the road to Salvation. 

Let me remind you of what the thief said right before Jesus declared His promise to him.

Then one of the criminals who was hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.”

"But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong." - Luke 23:10-41

He confessed that he was guilty of his sin - the reason  he was being crucified - but declared the Jesus was the unspotted Lamb - free of any guilt. The thief didn't have to say any special words - pray any special prayer - attend church - teach Sunday School - tithe. All he had to do was confess that he was a sinner and recognize Jesus as the Savior.

"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." - Ephesians 2:8-10

Over 20 people stood in the service today to declare their new faith in Jesus.  Like the thief on the cross. That was just one of 3 services. The thief was going to physically die that day and his soul would be in heaven. Those 20 plus people have a God-given purpose while they live on this planet. You and I - like those new believers need to walk in that purpose by faith. 

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Confess it - Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory. 

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone