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CONLEY COMMENTARY (WSAU) – This is the only deathbed conversion story in the entire Bible.
Two thieves were hung on crosse on either side of Jesus. The theft on his right said, “You are the king of the Jews? If you are, save yourself… and save us too. Come down from the cross.”
But the other thief on the left rebukes him. “You fool. Do you not realize that you are under the same sentence! And we are getting the just punishment for our crimes. Yet this man is innocent. Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
Both believe Jesus is the chosen one; the first thief makes a demand and is turned aside. The second makes a reverent request. His conversion also comes on the cross. What does Jesus tell him? Some of the most beautiful words in all of scripture. “Truly, I tell you. This very day you will be with me in paradise.”
Please note how practical Jesus is: No, you do not need to be baptized. No, you do not need to study the ten commandments. No, you do not have to give money to the poor, or work for a charity. There’s no time for that. In some circumstances, sincere belief is enough. That’s all, nothing more.
This is one of the great lessons of faith. The salvation, the mercy, and the grace of Jesus Christ is available to anyone, at any time, We’re not told what the forgiven thieve’ s sins were. Is he a murderer? Does he steal things? It doesn’t matter. And you and I should remember this. There are no big sins versus small sins. When we believe, Jesus forgives them all.
Chris Conley
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