What's amazing about this, is that even though Lord Jesus was dying on the cross in excruciating pain, he was still trying to save people from Hell. It is so humbling to think about. Can't wait to bow before him in Heaven.
Christ unmerited favour. Nothing we can do to earn it. Let’s continue to trust him and have faith only in him. Let us continue to give him the praise and gratitude ❤God is good all the time. True love ❤️
The thief was not the first one in paradise, which is Abraham bosom by the way. People like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, King David, Solomon etc. Are already there.
The faithful thief on the cross is also evidence that water baptism is not necessary to become saved. The moment that thief believed, he became spiritually baptised.
I love how Allen Parr is not ashamed of talking about REPENTANCE and SIN. Many preachers/pastors are so scared to talk about these, thinking they might offend people and leave the church. TRUTH has to be told! Glory to God for your life brother.
Yes, Allen, preach it! The criminal on the cross was saved by faith right away as he looked upon his saviour. He did not do anything for Christ in his life ... which is just at its end. Nevertheless, as his confession was recorded in the Scripture, it has become hope and encouragement for all who read it. How awesome is that ???
You guys are full or error. Theres nothing in these verses that tells us how the criminal lived his life. For all we know he lived in total faith and obedience then made a mistake and stole something.
The criminal was referred to as criminal by the gospel writers who wrote under inspiration of the holy spirit. Some translation refer to them as “evil DOERS”. Fairly safe to say they were not being unjustly executed based on that alone. The “evil doer” even admitted they were being executed for the life they lived and that it was appropriate. You would have to show the Roman government didn’t tolerate one criminal act and they often decided to execute a person rather than imprisoning them for a period or time for one criminal act.
This is such a timely video for me. I needed the encouragement because I am praying for someone close in my life to be saved. Thank you Allen and BEAT team.
This situation really resonates today. They both knew who Jesus was but only one acknowledged his sin and believed Jesus could save him. The other criminal was like some today. They know who Jesus is but think that He lacks power because of their life and/or the conditions of this world. Psalms 51:17 The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God. May we all have hearts such as this. 🙏
Those words, "Today you will be with me in paradise," are not used enough in sharing the Gospel with those who may have only a short time left in this life. Thank you brother Allen for sharing this video that brings these words of Christ Jesus to us so we can share it with others.
@thebeatwithallenparr. I’ve not been agreeing with some of your videos, but let me humble myself and let you know that I am well pleased with this one. You spoke nothing but the Godly truth and my spirit connected wholeheartedly as the true disciple I AM of Jesus Christ. I testify to you that I know you was guided by the Holy Spirit. You uplifted and you edify. You gave hope to those who may be stuck not to stay in their despair but to Come Follow Jesus Christ. Too many other content creators spend all their time speaking ill of each other, criticizing everything they say and do, falsely attack their religion and beliefs that they do not understand and it was so refreshing to hear all the Christlike positive messages you spoke. It warms my heart!!! Well Done, my brother Allen. To God Be The Glory🙏🏽❤️
Hey BEAT family! Watch the entire series here. ua-cam.com/play/PLbE_MYjGeeTCo4xkcV6u2HUp79RzWd8sy.html I don’t know about you, but I am absolutely LOVING this series as we reflect on the final hours of Jesus’ earthly life before His crucifixion and it’s only going to get better from here. Enjoy and share!
ITS A DEEPER MEANING ON THE CROSS THAN MANY MAY THINK HOW BOTH HAVE THE CHANCE YOU ASK FOR FORGIVENESS AND RECIEVE IT BUT ONLY ONE WAS HUMBLE ENOUGH TO ADMIT HIS WRONGS AND INHERIT THE KINGDOM OF GOD 🙌👌
*COMING THIS FRIDAY TO A CHURCH NEAR YOU!!* This Friday is *the day of Preparation, for the weekly Sabbath and we and the entire world will be remined at length as we read the scriptures, that *the Sabbath keepers, rejected, betrayed, mocked, scourged and Crucified Christ, the Lord of the Sabbath.* Then on the Sabbath day, his body laid dead in the tomb waiting for the *3rd day when Christ would be raised and shown to be both Lord and God.* *This Sunday Adventists and their like will find themselves too holy to celebrate the resurrection of Christ* when the disciples all gathered together and *rejoiced and WORSHIPED Christ as Christ commanded them on the day of his resurrection.* There won't be any praise to God for Christ's salvation, *dead silence, empty churches and holier than thou,* will be fully set in their hearts just like the Pharisees . The same will be true for PENTECOST SUNDAY. They will be all smug, at home and alone. If that wasn't bad enough, these people don't even keep the Sabbath according to the 4th commandment and neither do they keep the 10 commandments. It's all fake and they know it.
My dear brother, and sister I want to tell you the truth of this life with compassion. This life is an exam. And there is another life that will never end after death. Where we will be given revenge for our wonders. Who has made a mind to Allah and his prophet muhammad to believe and guide him on the path, he will find heaven where he will find everything that he wants. And he does not forbid Allah and prophet muhammad is not a true messenger, he will be put into hell, and he will be punished very dangerous. My dear brother, and sister you have a chance to get heaven. If we do not accept Allah before death, then these chances will end. And after that you will not have anything else to be sad and you will be in the greatest trouble.. My dear brother, you will get very much help in knowing the quran and the life of prophet muhammad. My dear brother and sister, please think about this unknown brother's message, please my dear brother and sister
My good brother, Allen. I’ve not been agreeing with some of your videos, but let me humble myself and let you know that I am well pleased with this one. You spoke nothing but the Godly truth and my spirit connected wholeheartedly, as the true disciple I AM of Jesus Christ. I testify to you that I know you was guided by the Holy Spirit. You uplifted and you edify. You gave hope to those who may be stuck not to stay in their despair but to Come Follow Jesus Christ. Too many other content creators spend all their time speaking ill of each other, criticizing everything they say and do, falsely attack their religion and beliefs that they do not understand and it was so refreshing to hear all the Christlike positive messages you spoke. It warms my heart!!! Well Done, my brother Allen. To God Be The Glory🙏🏽❤️
Imagine you are the criminal and Jesus Christ says to you: "Today You Will Be With Me In Paradise" I would just burst into tears of gratefulness because there is no greater honour and the amount of love and grace is overwhelming.
Yes all people everyone anyone can be saved if they wholeheartedly and voluntarily accept the grace of God in the Lord Jesus Christ for all through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ because salvation is for all not passing any single person.
None of us deserve to be saved. Especially based apon our actions. Our own righteousness is but filthy rags.. we're saved by grace( unmerited favour) through faith, so none can boast... this is why salvation is so cool.
excellent Allen . You know how to say it just right. Talk about the Love of God. Even on the cross. that's incredible, now that's real love. thank you Allen.
Oh what our blessed Saviour went through for us!!! We didn’t deserve it but I gladly accept His grace!!! His love was so profound and so amazing that He gave up His life to conquer death and hell so we don’t have to end up there. What love!!! Words cannot describe how much I love my Heavenly Father and His Son!!! I can’t wait to behold Him in person!!!
I’ve always liked the saying “ Don’t judge me just because my sin is different from yours” I live by this everyday & always look at my own sin & while encouraging anyone to walk in the way the lord desires us to I always point Out that I’m a sinner & no better than anyone else……..you can still show love 💕 without watering down scripture or being judgmental. 🙏
This proves that it's a faith based faith not works however the catholic church says that was an isolated incident just for that moment and rest of us needs works , I love an explanation to that ❤
Charles Stanley was and is very instrumental in my spiritual growth. I am 66 and have the opportunity to lead a small house church for approximately 8 years now . We minister to 40 plus people each week. What an amazing opportunity and most of my growth came from his teaching.
Jesus Jesus thank you for forgiving me give me a heart of sensitivity for others thank you blessings brother Allen thank you for helping me understand scripture better
🕊️Was the criminal on the cross “saved by grace through faith alone”? “One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself-and us, too, while you’re at it!” But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:39-43 Discerning this passage properly along with scripture in its entirety will lead you to see that the criminal on the cross was never told that he was forgiven, nor that he was saved but instead that he would be with him in paradise but why the difference? Everyone after death will enter paradise to kneel before our Father and await his judgement but few will enter his kingdom. “For the scripture says: “As surely as I am the living God, says the Lord, everyone will kneel before me, and everyone will confess that I am God.” Romans 14:11 “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.” Matthew 7:21 As Christians we must learn to distinguish between paradise and kingdom in order to properly understand it within scripture. No one knows if the criminal was forgiven for his sins nor that he was saved from them but only that he entered paradise to kneel before our Father and await his judgement. A judgement only he can decide. “It is God alone who judges; he decides who will rise and who will fall.” Psalms 75:7 Doesn’t this mean that the other criminal entered paradise as well? Yes, won’t we all enter paradise when we kneel before our Father? Where else is his throne located at? Where else would we be judged? but is there a difference between the two criminals? Before his death, the criminal who spoke with Jesus on the cross did a few things different than the other criminal next to him. By his actions/works/deeds, he spoke in fear of the Lord, confessed his sin as he stated that he deserved to die for his crimes, acknowledged Jesus through his faith when he asked to be remembered and trusted his life to Jesus as he knew he would also die. He feared the Lord: “Don’t you fear God” “Fear of the Lord leads to life, bringing security and protection from harm.” Proverbs 19:23 He confessed: “We deserve to die for our crimes” “When you become aware of your guilt in any of these ways, you must confess your sin.” Leviticus 5:5 He acknowledged Jesus: “remember me when you come into your Kingdom” “Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.” Matthew 10:32 He trusted Jesus: “today you will be with me in paradise” “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.” John 14:1 The criminal on the cross who spoke with Jesus would not only kneel before our Father in paradise as the other but the difference is that he would also be acknowledged by Jesus himself before our Father for the actions he demonstrated before his death. We can only pray that by our Father’s grace, through the criminals faith and by the works he demonstrated to Jesus as he hanged alongside him was good enough to be granted salvation but we must refrain from claiming that our own evaluation of the criminals story can determine our Father’s judgment, for who are we to declare anyone forgiven or even saved, what power does a mere human have? Jesus while on the cross, taught us that it’s never too late to fear the lord, to confess, to acknowledge and trust in him while we are still alive. At the same time, Jesus showed us the free will we are given to decide for ourselves just like the other criminal… some won’t fear the lord, some wont confess, some will deny him and some won’t even trust him but the option of salvation will always be there. The criminal on the cross who entered paradise did much more than people want to admit because they prefer a simpler way to salvation. They willingly promote that they are “saved by grace through faith alone” which is taken out of context as having more power than what the New Testament teaches in its entirety. Worst, they claim that those few words taken out of context have more power than everything Jesus himself taught. Jesus never once taught that you’re “saved by grace through faith alone” nor did he ever mention that statement anywhere in the New Testament. “saved by grace through faith alone” is a false gospel!
What's amazing about this, is that even though Lord Jesus was dying on the cross in excruciating pain, he was still trying to save people from Hell. It is so humbling to think about. Can't wait to bow before him in Heaven.
I agree
Amen.
Amen me too
Jesus christ sent churches including exjws apostate to preach about the Jehovah's witnesses??????????????
Stake/pole NOT cross
Thank You God for your love and mercy. I don't deserve it but yet you gave me a second chance.😭🙏🙌❤
Amen
The fact he thought of others while dying shows what true love is.
So good!! HalleluYah! If our family and friends are still here, there is STILL a chance 🙌🏿❤️ Praise King Yeshua!
Christ unmerited favour. Nothing we can do to earn it. Let’s continue to trust him and have faith only in him. Let us continue to give him the praise and gratitude ❤God is good all the time. True love ❤️
Last person with jesus on earth. First person with jesus on paradise ❤
The thief was not the first one in paradise, which is Abraham bosom by the way. People like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, King David, Solomon etc. Are already there.
The person says "with Jesus"
Talking about new testament here 🙏 @@cezz1105
Amen! Let us always be reminded of God's gift of forgiveness and the depths of his love.
Praise be to our MERCIFUL Lord Jesus❤️🕊️
Amen
The faithful thief on the cross is also evidence that water baptism is not necessary to become saved. The moment that thief believed, he became spiritually baptised.
I love how Allen Parr is not ashamed of talking about REPENTANCE and SIN. Many preachers/pastors are so scared to talk about these, thinking they might offend people and leave the church. TRUTH has to be told! Glory to God for your life brother.
These are truly amazing, I’m moved to tearing up everytime. This is such a beautiful series!
I really, really appreciate you saying that. I truly do. We worked very hard on this and it's great to see people appreciating it. Thanks!
Same here Dominique!
Same here Mr Dominiquegraham
🌲⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🌲God can Save you no matter where you are or who you are.❤
Yes, Allen, preach it! The criminal on the cross was saved by faith right away as he looked upon his saviour. He did not do anything for Christ in his life ... which is just at its end. Nevertheless, as his confession was recorded in the Scripture, it has become hope and encouragement for all who read it. How awesome is that ???
You guys are full or error. Theres nothing in these verses that tells us how the criminal lived his life. For all we know he lived in total faith and obedience then made a mistake and stole something.
The criminal was referred to as criminal by the gospel writers who wrote under inspiration of the holy spirit. Some translation refer to them as “evil DOERS”. Fairly safe to say they were not being unjustly executed based on that alone. The “evil doer” even admitted they were being executed for the life they lived and that it was appropriate. You would have to show the Roman government didn’t tolerate one criminal act and they often decided to execute a person rather than imprisoning them for a period or time for one criminal act.
Thank God for giving Allen these words that help your children
Amen!
Received blessings by watching this video ❤❤❤
Thank you Jesus paying the price for my sin
This is such a timely video for me. I needed the encouragement because I am praying for someone close in my life to be saved. Thank you Allen and BEAT team.
This situation really resonates today. They both knew who Jesus was but only one acknowledged his sin and believed Jesus could save him.
The other criminal was like some today. They know who Jesus is but think that He lacks power because of their life and/or the conditions of this world.
Psalms 51:17
The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.
May we all have hearts such as this. 🙏
Those words, "Today you will be with me in paradise," are not used enough in sharing the Gospel with those who may have only a short time left in this life.
Thank you brother Allen for sharing this video that brings these words of Christ Jesus to us so we can share it with others.
4:53 he could be compared to Charles Manson or such a crimal like that. Yet, if people repent in their hearts, they too can be saved. Amazing Grace! ❤
Lord give me the eyes, ears, and heart for the lost and brokenhearted. Use me Lord for your glory
@thebeatwithallenparr. I’ve not been agreeing with some of your videos, but let me humble myself and let you know that I am well pleased with this one. You spoke nothing but the Godly truth and my spirit connected wholeheartedly as the true disciple I AM of Jesus Christ.
I testify to you that I know you was guided by the Holy Spirit. You uplifted and you edify. You gave hope to those who may be stuck not to stay in their despair but to Come Follow Jesus Christ.
Too many other content creators spend all their time speaking ill of each other, criticizing everything they say and do, falsely attack their religion and beliefs that they do not understand and it was so refreshing to hear all the Christlike positive messages you spoke. It warms my heart!!!
Well Done, my brother Allen. To God Be The Glory🙏🏽❤️
Thank you brother Allan. The gentle message , calming music, and the stillness of your new series is so soothing and uplifting .
This was absolutely beautiful. I was just this morning feeling bad about past sins and it came at the perfect time. It's never too late.
Thank you Jesus for your love that took me back in your presence, Ameeen
King Jesus Christ Yeshua Jesus 👑🦁 He is my lifeline 🙇♀️🙇♂️🙇❤💝❤️🔥💖❤️💫
Amen ❤️🙌🏽🙌🏽💟🙌🏿✝️🙏🙏💪🏾💪🏾🤞🏾
God bless jusus and god
Hey BEAT family! Watch the entire series here. ua-cam.com/play/PLbE_MYjGeeTCo4xkcV6u2HUp79RzWd8sy.html I don’t know about you, but I am absolutely LOVING this series as we reflect on the final hours of Jesus’ earthly life before His crucifixion and it’s only going to get better from here. Enjoy and share!
ITS A DEEPER MEANING ON THE CROSS THAN MANY MAY THINK HOW BOTH HAVE THE CHANCE YOU ASK FOR FORGIVENESS AND RECIEVE IT BUT ONLY ONE WAS HUMBLE ENOUGH TO ADMIT HIS WRONGS AND INHERIT THE KINGDOM OF GOD 🙌👌
*COMING THIS FRIDAY TO A CHURCH NEAR YOU!!*
This Friday is *the day of Preparation, for the weekly Sabbath and we and the entire world will be remined at length as we read the scriptures, that *the Sabbath keepers, rejected, betrayed, mocked, scourged and Crucified Christ, the Lord of the Sabbath.* Then on the Sabbath day, his body laid dead in the tomb waiting for the *3rd day when Christ would be raised and shown to be both Lord and God.*
*This Sunday Adventists and their like will find themselves too holy to celebrate the resurrection of Christ* when the disciples all gathered together and *rejoiced and WORSHIPED Christ as Christ commanded them on the day of his resurrection.* There won't be any praise to God for Christ's salvation, *dead silence, empty churches and holier than thou,* will be fully set in their hearts
just like the Pharisees
. The same will be true for PENTECOST SUNDAY. They will be all smug, at home and alone.
If that wasn't bad enough, these people don't even keep the Sabbath according to the 4th commandment and neither do they keep the 10 commandments. It's all fake and they know it.
Thank You Allen, So Enjoying this! God Bless You, Your Family and Ministry.
My dear brother, and sister I want to tell you the truth of this life with compassion. This life is an exam. And there is another life that will never end after death. Where we will be given revenge for our wonders. Who has made a mind to Allah and his prophet muhammad to believe and guide him on the path, he will find heaven where he will find everything that he wants. And he does not forbid Allah and prophet muhammad is not a true messenger, he will be put into hell, and he will be punished very dangerous. My dear brother, and sister you have a chance to get heaven. If we do not accept Allah before death, then these chances will end. And after that you will not have anything else to be sad and you will be in the greatest trouble.. My dear brother, you will get very much help in knowing the quran and the life of prophet muhammad. My dear brother and sister, please think about this unknown brother's message, please my dear brother and sister
My good brother, Allen. I’ve not been agreeing with some of your videos, but let me humble myself and let you know that I am well pleased with this one. You spoke nothing but the Godly truth and my spirit connected wholeheartedly, as the true disciple I AM of Jesus Christ.
I testify to you that I know you was guided by the Holy Spirit. You uplifted and you edify. You gave hope to those who may be stuck not to stay in their despair but to Come Follow Jesus Christ.
Too many other content creators spend all their time speaking ill of each other, criticizing everything they say and do, falsely attack their religion and beliefs that they do not understand and it was so refreshing to hear all the Christlike positive messages you spoke. It warms my heart!!!
Well Done, my brother Allen. To God Be The Glory🙏🏽❤️
Thanks you LORD for saving my nephew Charles in Jesus Mighty Name amen
Imagine you are the criminal and Jesus Christ says to you: "Today You Will Be With Me In Paradise"
I would just burst into tears of gratefulness because there is no greater honour and the amount of love and grace is overwhelming.
Thank you 🙏
Thank you Jesus and God bless you brother ❤
THANKS FOR THE BEAUTIFUL CONTENT ALLEN PARR GOD BLESS YOU❤️🙌
Amen Bro!.. Amen
I'm struggling with an addiction. I needed to hear this
Amen
Jesus is king
Amen!
May God bless you many many many moreeeeee❤
Yes Jesus You Are Truly Son Of God please forgive me i know that i am guilty please remember me Jesus ❤❤❤❤❤
This series had me in tears!
This is one of my favorite passages inGods Word.
Amen 🙏🏾
This is a great series for Holy Week
Glory be to our Lord only🙏🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
HalleluJah!
I think this the most beautiful , most encouraging and my most favorite message from you, thank you, thank you
Thanks so much for your words of encouragement and humility ❤
What a loving message...
Praise the Lord 👑🙌🙌🙌✝️🛐
Yes all people everyone anyone can be saved if they wholeheartedly and voluntarily accept the grace of God in the Lord Jesus Christ for all through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ because salvation is for all not passing any single person.
Thank you so much for this Allen. God bless you. Really ministered to my heart.
Amen!!
Amen 🙏
i have been listening to our brothers teaching. i so enjoyed these videos.
Thanks so much for this wonderfull massage u give. Gods lov always over u and ur family.
Thank you for this video God bless
Amen!!🙏🏼🔥Loving this series, so edifying & timely- perfect for Holy Week!!✝️🙌🏼🕊️
None of us deserve to be saved. Especially based apon our actions. Our own righteousness is but filthy rags.. we're saved by grace( unmerited favour) through faith, so none can boast... this is why salvation is so cool.
Truly this man was the son of God
Never lose hope with love ones. Never too late as long as blood runs in their veins!! Thank u Jesus for what You did for me!! ❤
God blessed me with a dream of paradise,,,, it's more beautiful than you can imagine.
Brought me to tears thank you brother Allen
Thankyou Jesus for Your amazing grace and salvation through You
Amen! Thank you Father God for allowing us to have the chance of repenting, we truly love You. You are our Father.
What a merciful God we serve thank you lord for Jesus thank you for grace and mercy 🙏🏾
Bro.u love jesus so much,,I can c it over u bless u.
so so so good
excellent Allen . You know how to say it just right. Talk about the Love of God. Even on the cross. that's incredible, now that's real love. thank you Allen.
GIVE ME THE STRENGTH TO HELP OTHERS AND THE RIGHT WORDS AMEN JESUS!
Thank you for this!!!
Only God could remain true to who he is at such a time! Abba FATHER always thinking of us. God thank you for the sacrifice of Jesus.
😢 thanks, heartfelt video 🇿🇦
Excellent mesaage!
Thank you Jesus. You're the best gift ever
🙏🙏🙏
THANK YOU LORD FOR MY SALVATION AND GUIDANCE! AMEN PRAISE YOU JESUS!
Your content always makes me cry. 🙏
It's the problem of a misplaced, it is not I tell you today you will be with me in Paradise
I love this message, love this video. It’s never to late to come home.
Thank you, God, for your forgiveness ❤
Salvation is here and He lives in me
Amen!!! Thank God for Jesus!!!
Oh what our blessed Saviour went through for us!!! We didn’t deserve it but I gladly accept His grace!!! His love was so profound and so amazing that He gave up His life to conquer death and hell so we don’t have to end up there. What love!!! Words cannot describe how much I love my Heavenly Father and His Son!!! I can’t wait to behold Him in person!!!
"...there is always value in repentance because God will always respond". Sums it up; thank you Pastor Parr
AMEN ALLEN THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR WORDS AND ENCOURAGEMENT PRAISE THE LORD JESUS FOREVER AMEN !!!!!!
I’ve always liked the saying
“ Don’t judge me just because my sin is different from yours”
I live by this everyday & always look at my own sin & while encouraging anyone to walk in the way the lord desires us to I always point Out that I’m a sinner & no better than anyone else……..you can still show love 💕 without watering down scripture or being judgmental. 🙏
God bless you i am always blessed to hear you . God bless you more and more
Amen !! Praise be to the Lord Jesus Christ.❤
The faith of a mustard seed... Yes, Lord. ❤️
🙏🙏
Thank you for your love for God
Thank you so much for this. God bless you and your ministry! ❤️
This proves that it's a faith based faith not works however the catholic church says that was an isolated incident just for that moment and rest of us needs works , I love an explanation to that ❤
God is so good
I’m blown away by this series. I’m thankful to the LORD for putting this in your heart. 🙏🏼🥰 praise Jesus!✝️
Charles Stanley was and is very instrumental in my spiritual growth. I am 66 and have the opportunity to lead a small house church for approximately 8 years now . We minister to 40 plus people each week. What an amazing opportunity and most of my growth came from his teaching.
Jesus Jesus thank you for forgiving me give me a heart of sensitivity for others thank you blessings brother Allen thank you for helping me understand scripture better
🕊️Was the criminal on the cross “saved by grace through faith alone”?
“One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself-and us, too, while you’re at it!” But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:39-43
Discerning this passage properly along with scripture in its entirety will lead you to see that the criminal on the cross was never told that he was forgiven, nor that he was saved but instead that he would be with him in paradise but why the difference?
Everyone after death will enter paradise to kneel before our Father and await his judgement but few will enter his kingdom.
“For the scripture says: “As surely as I am the living God, says the Lord, everyone will kneel before me, and everyone will confess that I am God.” Romans 14:11
“Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.” Matthew 7:21
As Christians we must learn to distinguish between paradise and kingdom in order to properly understand it within scripture. No one knows if the criminal was forgiven for his sins nor that he was saved from them but only that he entered paradise to kneel before our Father and await his judgement. A judgement only he can decide.
“It is God alone who judges; he decides who will rise and who will fall.” Psalms 75:7
Doesn’t this mean that the other criminal entered paradise as well? Yes, won’t we all enter paradise when we kneel before our Father? Where else is his throne located at? Where else would we be judged? but is there a difference between the two criminals?
Before his death, the criminal who spoke with Jesus on the cross did a few things different than the other criminal next to him. By his actions/works/deeds, he spoke in fear of the Lord, confessed his sin as he stated that he deserved to die for his crimes, acknowledged Jesus through his faith when he asked to be remembered and trusted his life to Jesus as he knew he would also die.
He feared the Lord: “Don’t you fear God”
“Fear of the Lord leads to life, bringing security and protection from harm.” Proverbs 19:23
He confessed: “We deserve to die for our crimes”
“When you become aware of your guilt in any of these ways, you must confess your sin.” Leviticus 5:5
He acknowledged Jesus: “remember me when you come into your Kingdom”
“Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.” Matthew 10:32
He trusted Jesus: “today you will be with me in paradise”
“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.” John 14:1
The criminal on the cross who spoke with Jesus would not only kneel before our Father in paradise as the other but the difference is that he would also be acknowledged by Jesus himself before our Father for the actions he demonstrated before his death.
We can only pray that by our Father’s grace, through the criminals faith and by the works he demonstrated to Jesus as he hanged alongside him was good enough to be granted salvation but we must refrain from claiming that our own evaluation of the criminals story can determine our Father’s judgment, for who are we to declare anyone forgiven or even saved, what power does a mere human have?
Jesus while on the cross, taught us that it’s never too late to fear the lord, to confess, to acknowledge and trust in him while we are still alive. At the same time, Jesus showed us the free will we are given to decide for ourselves just like the other criminal… some won’t fear the lord, some wont confess, some will deny him and some won’t even trust him but the option of salvation will always be there.
The criminal on the cross who entered paradise did much more than people want to admit because they prefer a simpler way to salvation. They willingly promote that they are “saved by grace through faith alone” which is taken out of context as having more power than what the New Testament teaches in its entirety. Worst, they claim that those few words taken out of context have more power than everything Jesus himself taught. Jesus never once taught that you’re “saved by grace through faith alone” nor did he ever mention that statement anywhere in the New Testament.
“saved by grace through faith alone” is a false gospel!
Please keep these daily short vids coming man, such an encouragement