The Gospel of Luke 23:42-43 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:42-43 KJV).

He knows who our Lord Jesus is! While the Lord Jesus bath in suffering and soaked with His blood, the second thief was the only one who knew His identity and put his faith under the fountain of His blood. This repentant thief brought refreshing to our Lord's heart during the agonizing moments of His crucifixion, amidst the mocking and the rejection. This is a compelling scene reminding us that God delights when we boldly ask of Him by faith. By simply asking to be remembered, this dying thief gave our Lord Jesus the opportunity to do what He loves most: to extend undeserved favor and save him by grace.

This second thief on the cross is the antithesis of legalism and religious box-checking. He had no time to perform religious good deeds, no way to get water-baptized, or no chance to join a "church". His salvation was instantaneous and absolute, based solely on a simple plea of faith to a loving Savior. This is the ultimate display of grace extended to bestow salvation as a gift - received by faith, not earned by human effort nor religious indulgence.

This is affirmed by the exhortation of one who considers himself the worst of all sinners (1 Timothy 1:15). It is written Apostle Paul affirms to remind us: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC.
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

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