Salvation

Do you know about crucifixion and its social implications? It was reserved for the lowest and most despised criminals. It was incredibly shameful and dishonorable. We know Jesus didn't deserve it, but when we read in Luke chapter 23, we find that there were two others crucified with them. They had to have been pretty low in society and would have done some terrible things to end up where they were. They deserved what they were getting.

They were really big sinners! Really big!
They were getting their just reward; death.
(DISCLAIMER - I was also a really big sinner and that is the point of this post. Jesus still accepts me. I am not condemning the criminal.)
BUT!

Look in Luke 23:42:43 - As they are hanging on their crosses, one of the criminals says to Jesus, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your new kingdom."

Jesus replies, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."

Wow.

This criminal did bad things probably his whole life and didn't deserve to live. But right at the last moment he recognized that Jesus was the Christ, the son of God, our Savior, and he accepted Him. And what was his eternal reward??????

Paradise with Jesus. That means intimate relationship with God, forever.

I love how Jesus says, "TODAY you will be with ME in PARADISE."

There was no spiritual limbo or judgement to go through. He went directly into paradise with Jesus. He was immediately cleared of his sins BEFORE Jesus was even dead and then resurrected. This is a testament to God's saving love and faithfulness.
Think for a second though.... How did the criminal have so much confidence to even talk to Jesus? To even ask Him to "remember me". He had to first hear about how good Jesus was to people. That Jesus eats with tax collectors and doesn't condemn prostitutes.

So with boldness and a confident heart he asks Jesus to be his savior. That is the same confidence we can have today when we are in times of trouble. Come to the throne room of Grace in your time of need (Heb. 4:16). Jesus will not abandon you.