The Picture Of Your Redemption

April 6

When Jesus was crucified, there were two other men being crucified alongside him. One taunted him and scorned him, challenging him to get them all down from the cross. The other believed in him and asked Jesus to remember him when he came into his Kingdom. This man was saved, as Jesus said to him, “Assuredly I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise,” (Luke 23:43).

This is the picture of the entire story of redemption.

The two criminals crucified along with Jesus represent all of humanity, all of us sinners. One criminal represents those who scorn him, and the other one represents those who believe in him.

You are represented in this picture. Which of the two sinners are you? It’s your choice.

A person can scorn Jesus, one can ignore him; OR – one can humble himself before Christ and ask him to save him. One of the sinners hanging on that cross turned to him, acknowledged his sinfulness, and asked for salvation. Jesus granted it. He received this sinner, and the man was saved.

“All we like sheep have gone astray,
we have turned, every one, to his own way;
and the Lord has laid on HIM the iniquity of us all.”
Isaiah 53:6

There is no way you can earn your salvation. There is no way a sinner can be good enough to enter heaven. The only way is through acknowledging one’s sin and accepting the atonement Christ provided for us as he hung on that cross, bearing the judgment for us.

“Could my tears forever flow,
Could my zeal no languor know,
These for sin could not atone,
Thou must save, and thou alone.
In my hand no price I bring,
Simply to the cross I cling;”
-from “Rock Of Ages”

MORE:
Who Is Jesus Christ?