Bible Discussion Thread

Where is paradise?

In Luke 23:39-43, we see the promise to the thief on the cross.

(Part 1 of 2):

Verse 39: "And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us." So, one of the malefactors which were hanged, (remember there is one on each side of Jesus), railed on him, blasphemed Him, saying, If you be Christ, save yourself and us.

Now look at the different approaches to Jesus:

If it's true who you say you are, and who some people think you are, then use your authority and power. Not only get yourself down off the cross, but get us down off the cross too. They wanted to save their own skin. We don't want to die for our crimes. Get us down. That's one approach to Jesus.

Verse 40: But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?

Verse 41: "And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss."

The Greek word for "nothing amiss" means He's done nothing out of place. He has done everything perfectly! So, one thief says get us down, we want our freedom back, so we can go back and commit more crimes. The other thief says we are getting what we deserve. So why are you speaking that way against Him? Don't you fear God? You can see the difference between the two.

Verse 42: "And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom." Now that is all he said. There is no sinner's prayer. But what he is doing, he's doing just based on the Lord's mercy. You know, Lord, remember me, that is all I ask when you come into your Kingdom!