Lessons in Redemption: What the Thief on the Right Side of Jesus Christ Teaches Us

Before, when I used to think about salvation, I had a narrow mind. But we know there is only way to heaven that is through Jesus because he is the way, the truth and the life(John 14:6).

But how do we reach Jesus? Can we meet him if we are born again? The answer is no. That's why I need to focus today on the thief on the right side during Jesus' crucifixion. We all know the famous story of the thief on the cross, a man steeped in a life of wrongdoing, facing the ultimate punishment. We see this guy was a thief, had done lots of evil, was a sinner, and may have been a perfect example of an evil guy that we can imagine. Because crucifixion is a punishment that was given to most evil people according to Roman tradition

But in the scriptures, we see this thief repent in his last moment. He understood Jesus and asked him for permission to enter paradise, and Jesus gave him permission. It's a powerful reminder that salvation isn't earned through our efforts or achieved by any specific ritual, but it's about recognizing Jesus as the ultimate truth, the pathway to redemption. So it is not our work, not borning again, not your good works; the only way is through repentance and accepting Jesus as your life and saviour. Accept him into our life. Believe in him and receive his forgiveness. I mean that you have been saved by grace because you believe. You did not save yourselves. It was a gift from God. You cannot brag that you are saved by the work you have done. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Does this mean we can become like the thief where we can do all the evil and wait for the last moment to repent? No, The thief seized his chance in his final breaths, but for us, the opportunity is now. Rather than waiting until the eleventh hour, embrace the love and grace of Jesus today. So don't wait until the last moment, but accept Jesus into your life, take shelter in his presence and feel the grace from our prince of peace. So let's not delay, but with open hearts and humble spirits, let's welcome Jesus in and be transformed by His boundless love and mercy. Amen.