The eternal truth of this fourth saying to the cross was uttered by a thief to a thief. He said that each person gets what they deserved. Mankind is the only creature that will premeditate murder, periodically produce its Hitler’s, and even turn good into evil. Like Jesus, these two thieves had been put on trial and were condemned. It is somewhat difficult for us to appreciate the substitutionary death of Jesus in our behalf. Unlike Barabbas, we are literally not in danger of trial and crucifixion. But if we were what would be the events of that trial?
Hear from the prosecution. Our conscience is unreliable in regard to good and bad behavior. We must note that God’s law has been broken. For those people who say that they are good enough and will argue their way into heaven, let them admit that they are not perfect and have surely broken some of the Ten Commandments. We commit treason if we forget to honor God. We commit robbery if we take God’s blessings for granted. We commit fraud if we withhold good that is our obligation. Sin originates in man’s free act.
Now hear from the defense. They would say that there is some truth in all religions. They would probably go further to say there are many paths to heaven not just Jesus. The complaint is that a loving God would not permit evil or send anyone to hell. It is their contention that God would ultimately save everyone. Some would say that the penalty is too severe for an eternal damnation whether it be limited to the spiritual or include the physical.
It is time to hear an appeal. The idea of a just reward that the thieves were receiving is also a label we can put on ourselves. However, based on Jesus and his shed blood we can look forward to salvation from such a penalty. Not only can we say we are saved but we are Saved by Jesus. It is very important for us to remind ourselves that in addition to salvation Jesus stands making intercession with the Heavenly Father in our behalf.
When the one thief told the other that they both were receiving a just reward, that thief was also speaking of us. Ultimately, he was relying on someone other than himself for salvation which is Jesus Christ. Some would object to the idea that Jesus being the only way to heaven. But any other alternative way whether it is philosophy or religion falls short. There is no equity, there is no fairness, there are no options. It is a choice between our own thinking or good works versus what Jesus did dying on the cross the penalty for what we deserve.
Christian Writer 