Imagine the scene here. Outside Jerusalem there is a public execution taking place. It was not all that unusual and, and usual, a big crowd turned out for it. The same thing had always happened. Even as recently as 100 years ago in the ‘civilised’ West crowds turned our for public hangings. On the rise above are three men. In the middle is Jesus, the Jewish teacher falsely accused of formenting rebellion. Are either side are two notorious criminals. Crucifixion wasn’t like hanging. It could take a long time the for person being executed to die. Conversations between the crowd and and the people on the crosses were common. When there was more than one being crucified the prisoners might even talk among themselves. Here we have an example of one such conversation.
One of the prisoners mocked Jesus – ‘if You are the Son of God get down off that cross!’
The other rebuked him. ‘Why do you mock this man. We deserve what we got – He did nothing.’ Then he turned to Jesus and said ‘Lord, remember me in your kingdom today.’
Jesus responded ‘today you will be with me in Paradise.’
Notice there were no works involved in salvation. There was no baptism or last rites.’ It was simply a matter of faith and asking.
And that’s how Jesus saves today. Deathbed salvations are real and not be be disputed. It is never too late.
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