Statement #2

"7 Statements of Christ from the Cross" Luke 23: 32-43   Statement #2: "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise."  (Luke 23:43)   Jesus stepped into our brokenness and took on all our sin. "For our sake God made him (Jesus) to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him (Jesus) we might become the righteousness of God."  2 Corinthians 5:21   The thief acknowledged his sin and surrendered to the Savior. He went from reviler to worshipper. "Those who were crucified with Him also reviled Him."  Mark 15:32 The gospel doesn't demand works; it demands worship.   The promise of Christ, to a penitent sinner, is a clear picture that salvation is an act of grace, not works. "But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved . . .for by grace you have been saved through faith.  And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." Ephesians 2:4-5, 8-9 No one is beyond the reach of God's great salvation. "Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or His ear dull, that it cannot hear."  Isaiah 59:1   The gift of salvation is never delayed to a heart that is repentant. "Today you will be with Me . . ." Luke 23:43   Paradise is not lost, but gained, for those who trust in the One who makes all things new. "And He who was seated on the throne said, 'Behold, I am making all things new.'" Revelation 21:5a