The Thief on the Cross: Why Was He Saved…He Was A Thief? YOU Need to Read This.

In Luke 23:39-43, we read the powerful account of a man who, in his final moments, found salvation in Jesus Christ:

“And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.

But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?

And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.

And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.”

This brief but profound exchange reveals several powerful truths about salvation, grace, and the love of Christ.

Salvation Is by Grace Through Faith

The thief had nothing to offer—no good works, no lifetime of righteousness, no religious credentials. He was a condemned criminal, guilty of his sins. Yet, in his dying breath, he turned to Jesus in faith, calling Him “Lord” and acknowledging His kingdom. In response, Jesus gave him the ultimate promise: “Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.”

This moment emphasizes that salvation is not earned by works but given freely by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). It is not about what we have done but about whom we trust.

It Is Never Too Late to Turn to Christ

The thief on the cross had lived a sinful life, yet in his final moments, he received salvation. This is a reminder that as long as there is breath in our lungs, there is hope. No one is beyond the reach of God’s mercy. Whether we come to Jesus early in life or in our last moments, His grace is sufficient.

Jesus Has Authority Over Eternal Life

Notice the thief did not ask to be saved from death—he asked to be remembered in Christ’s kingdom. He recognized that Jesus was more than just a man; He was the King of an eternal kingdom. And Jesus responded with absolute authority: “Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.” Only the Son of God could make such a promise, proving He has power over life, death, and eternity.

A Call to Humility and Repentance

The other thief mocked Jesus, demanding that He prove Himself by saving them from crucifixion. But the repentant thief humbly accepted his guilt, recognizing that he deserved punishment while Jesus was innocent. His humility and repentance set him apart and opened the door for Christ’s mercy.

This challenges us today: Do we demand signs and wonders from God, or do we humbly acknowledge our need for His grace? Do we recognize Jesus as the innocent Lamb of God who took our place on the cross?

The story of the thief on the cross is one of the greatest testimonies of God’s mercy. It reminds us that:

• Salvation is through faith, not works.
• No one is too lost for Jesus to save.
• Christ has power over eternity.
• Humility and repentance lead to grace.

So, what about our works? There are scriptures in the bible specific to judgment, and our works…Aren’t they important too?

The Bible presents a balance between faith and works, showing how both play a role in salvation and the Christian life.

Salvation by Grace Through Faith (Not by Works)

Paul emphasizes that salvation is a gift of God, not something we earn through works:

“Ephesians 2:8-9” – “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

“Titus 3:5” – “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.”

These passages make it clear that our works do not save us—only God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ does.

Judgment According to Works

While works don’t save us, they are the fruit of true faith:

“James 2:17” – “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.”

“James 2:24” – “Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.”

James isn’t contradicting Paul—he’s saying that true faith results in good works. If someone claims to have faith but has no works, their faith is empty.

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41YfSTDojIL._SY445_SX342_.jpg

Even though we are saved by faith, the Bible teaches that we will be judged by our works as evidence of our faith:

“Revelation 20:12” – “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.”

“Matthew 16:27” – “For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.”

Our works demonstrate whether our faith was real and will determine our rewards in heaven. The scriptures indicate a “Final Judgment,” and that we will all be judged according to our works. It is important to distinguish the difference between the two. Salvation, or living forever are gifts that we can receive through our faith in Jesus Christ. They are not earned, but are a gift to all who accept Him.

However, doesn’t it make perfect sense that there should be different “rewards, or recognition” for those who spend a great deal of time here on earth trying to emulate the teachings of Jesus Christ, serving and loving others through their acts of kindness? “…he shall reward every man according to his works.”

So, what will those rewards be? Do we have any idea what God will “reward” us with as He judges all mankind? All of us might speculate, but let’s turn again to the scriptures for more insight.

“Romans 2:6-7”: “[God] will repay each person according to what they have done. To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, he will give eternal life.”

“Revelation 22:12”: “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done.”

“Matthew 6:19-20”: “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”

“James 1:12”: “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”

“Luke 19:17”: “Well done, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.”

Too often, we think of judgment in a negative sense…Being punished for the things that we have done wrong. I would venture to say that most of you reading this might feel that way about “God’s Final Judgment,” as it might spark a bit of fear thinking about facing that event.

But common sense doesn’t fit the narrative relating to being judged for sin. Come with me as I explain…

Jesus Christ “Atoned” for our sins, so that when we repent, our sins are forgiven, and will be as “White as Snow.”

“Isaiah 1:18” “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”

But there’s more…

“Hebrews 8:12” “For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.”

“Hebrews 10:17” “And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.”

“Isaiah 43:25” “I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.”

“Jeremiah 31:34” “…for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”

So then, for those who understand the power of the atonement, repent, and try to live their best life there is, SIMPLY NOTHING NEGATIVE FOR GOD TO JUDGE US UPON! It is my belief that this final judgment will be a chance for God to, “… reward every man according to his works,” and not judge the righteous for things that they have done wrong.

Does this eliminate some of your fears regarding the judgment? The emotion should rather be, excitement that God will recognize you for the things that you have done, not punish you.

The gospel of Jesus Christ is simple, and does not need to be complicated like some preachers try to make it. Just as that thief on the cross came to Jesus in his final moments, and was given Salvation, or eternal life. We must first recognize Jesus as our Savior and accept Him into our life. Then, repent each week/day for the things that we have done wrong, and finally, serve others and do good.

So, look forward to this judgment, for it is your time to shine for all of the good that you have done on the earth. If you don’t think that you did enough, what are you waiting for…Every day is a chance to do good for someone else… Get Busy!

You can read more of River Wilde’s writings by subscribing to his blog at www.riverwilde.blog