Introduction

In one of the darkest moments in human history, as Jesus Christ hung crucified between two criminals, a word of eternal light was spoken. Bloodied, mocked, and rejected—yet still saving.

One thief hardened his heart.
The other turned in faith.

And in response to a simple, desperate cry—
“Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom” (Luke 23:42)—
Jesus gave one of the most powerful promises ever spoken:

“Today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

This is not just a statement—it is the gospel in one sentence.

1. Salvation Is by Grace, Not by Works

The thief on the cross had no time to perform good deeds.

• He could not be baptized
• He could not join a church
• He could not repay his wrongs
• He could not “live a better life”

He was a condemned man, moments from death.

Yet Jesus did not say:
“Try harder.”
“Do better.”
“Come down and prove yourself.”

Instead, Jesus gave him salvation freely.

Ephesians 2:8–9 (NKJV)

“For by grace you have been saved through faith… not of works.”

This thief is the ultimate proof:
Salvation is not earned—it is received.

2. Salvation Comes Through Faith in Jesus

The thief demonstrated genuine faith:

• He acknowledged his own guilt

“We indeed justly… we receive the due reward of our deeds” (v. 41)

• He recognized Jesus’ innocence

“This Man has done nothing wrong”

• He believed in Jesus’ kingdom

“When You come into Your kingdom”

This was not shallow belief—it was faith in the middle of suffering.

He saw beyond the cross.
He saw a King where others saw a criminal.

Romans 10:9 (NKJV)

“If you confess… and believe in your heart… you will be saved.”

3. Salvation Is Immediate—“Today”

Jesus did not say, “One day.”
He said, “Today.”

This destroys the idea of:

• Waiting periods
• Soul sleep
• Earning acceptance after death

The moment the thief believed, his eternity was secured.

2 Corinthians 5:8 (NKJV)

“To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.”

Salvation is not delayed.
It is immediate for those who believe.

4. Salvation Is Personal—“With Me”

Jesus did not just promise a place.
He promised His presence.

“You will be with Me…”

Heaven is not glorious because of streets of gold.
It is glorious because Jesus is there.

The greatest gift of salvation is not escape from hell—
It is relationship with Christ.

John 17:3 (NKJV)

“This is eternal life, that they may know You…”

5. Salvation Is Secure—“Assuredly”

Jesus began with certainty:

“Assuredly, I say to you…”

This is a divine guarantee.

Not “maybe.”
Not “if you hold on long enough.”
Not “if you deserve it.”

But absolute assurance.

John 10:28 (NKJV)

“I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.”

When Jesus saves, He saves completely.

6. Salvation Leads to Paradise

“Paradise” speaks of:

• Rest after suffering
• Joy after sorrow
• Life after death
• The presence of God

This condemned criminal entered not judgment, but glory.

Why?

Because he was not trusting in himself—
He was trusting in Jesus.

Conclusion: Two Thieves, Two Choices

Both thieves were:

• Equally close to Jesus
• Equally guilty
• Equally dying

But one was saved—and the other was lost.

The difference was not proximity.
The difference was faith.

Closing Exhortation

Come to Jesus as you are.
Not with your works—but with your faith.

And you will hear the same promise:

“Today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus!