Forgiven Without Even Asking

Scripture: But the other one made him shut up: “Have you no fear of God? You’re getting the same as him. We deserve this, but not him—he did nothing to deserve this.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you enter your kingdom.” He said, “Don’t worry, I will. Today you will join me in paradise.” Luke 23:40-43

Observation: The conversation on the cross with the two criminals is most interesting, perhaps, for what is NOT said. We know one criminal mocks Jesus, but the other quiets the first, then asks Jesus to "remember" him when Jesus enters his kingdom. Jesus confirms the man's faith and salvation, telling him he will be with Jesus in heaven this very day.

At no point does the criminal ask for forgiveness of his many sins.

The second criminal is promised salvation by Jesus for one quality only, which is his profession of faith in Jesus as Messiah. He doesn't apologize for his crimes, and in fact the very thing he says before even professing belief in Jesus is that he is fully deserving of his sentence ... painful death by crucifixion. He knows what he has done in life, and while he may be sorry for it in his heart, there is no request for absolution coming from his lips. Instead, he simply and publicly declares ... he fears the Lord, and believes in Jesus. For this, he is promised salvation in heaven.

Application: Yes, we are all taught this over and over again, but ... salvation is by faith alone. I can argue against my own heart in this matter, reminding myself of the spirit of several New Testament letters, that while salvation comes from faith, evidence of faith is found in actions. However, the fact remains that Jesus grants salvation by one criterion.

And I fully and completely believe that Yahweh is the Lord God almighty, creator of heaven and earth, that Jesus is his manifest son and the Messiah who lived, died on the cross, was resurrected from the dead, and now sits at the right hand of the Lord. By that faith, I trust in my salvation. I do wish I did a better job living into that faith ... that I lived as if my entire life was truly a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. I do ask for forgiveness of my many sins, each individually being worthy of death, yet I believe in Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Lord, again, please do forgive my sins and erase them from your ledger. As you know my heart, you know I believe in Jesus as my Lord and savior, so please see me only in his great and wonderous light. Amen.