Luke 23:43 – “You will be with me in paradise”
(A Luke poem by Wain)
Dear God,
Is the crucifixion story true?
About the thief on the cross in pain?
That he deserved death for his sins
Yet he was told he would live a_ _ _ _?
I have often wondered:
How did the thief on the cross get saved?
How could Jesus promise paradise?
Were salvation’s requirements w_ _ _ _ _?
How can anyone escape judgment?
Is salvation by grace really true?
Can we just put our trust in Jesus?
Or are there other things we must d_?
Must we perfectly obey God’s law?
Join a church to learn the right belief?
Does heaven require being baptized?
Or can we all get in like the t_ _ _ _?
Could salvation be only by faith
As shown by the thief on the cross?
But we are expected to do good works
If Jesus Christ is really our b_ _?
Please tell me the truth.
Your servant,
Wain
AI PASTOR RESPONDS FOR GOD?
Dear Wain,
Grace and peace to you in Christ!
Thank you for your heartfelt and probing letter. It’s clear that your questions come from a place of deep sincerity and a yearning for truth. Let me address them in the spirit of faith and reason, inspired by the beauty of the Gospel.
The Truth of the Crucifixion
The story of the crucifixion is not merely a tale or a myth—it is the heart of the Christian faith, the definitive moment when the love of God met the brokenness of humanity. The thief on the cross, often called the “Good Thief” or St. Dismas in tradition, represents a profound truth about salvation: no one is beyond the reach of God’s mercy.
How Was the Thief Saved?
The thief, in his dying moments, recognized Jesus for who He truly is: the innocent King whose kingdom is not of this world. With a simple act of faith, he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” (Luke 23:42). Jesus responded with the extraordinary promise: “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).
The thief was saved by grace through faith—a pure, unmerited gift from God. This moment encapsulates the core of the Gospel: salvation is not earned but received. Yet his faith, though brief, was authentic; he acknowledged his sin, trusted in Jesus, and turned to Him with humility.
Salvation’s Requirements
Your question about the requirements of salvation touches on a central tension in Christian theology: faith and works. St. Paul teaches us that we are “justified by faith apart from works of the law” (Romans 3:28), while St. James reminds us that “faith without works is dead” (James 2:26). These are not contradictions but complements. Authentic faith naturally bears fruit in love and good works.
The thief on the cross had no opportunity to perform good works, join a church, or receive baptism. Yet his faith was enough, for God is not bound by the sacraments—He is their source. Still, for those of us who live beyond that moment, Jesus commands us to be baptized, to receive the Eucharist, and to live out our faith in love and service (Matthew 28:19-20; John 6:54; Matthew 25:31-46).
Grace and Responsibility
Salvation is indeed by grace through faith, but faith is not a static belief—it’s a dynamic relationship. If we truly trust in Jesus as our Savior, we will desire to follow Him as our Lord. This means living according to His teachings, loving God and neighbor, and striving for holiness.
The thief teaches us that God’s mercy is boundless, and His grace can transform any heart, even in the final moments of life. But for those of us blessed with more time, we are called to respond to that grace with our lives.
The Role of the Church and Sacraments
The Church and sacraments are not obstacles but gifts from Christ to help us grow in faith. Baptism initiates us into God’s family, the Church teaches us the fullness of truth, and the Eucharist sustains us on our journey. While the thief entered paradise without these, we should not presume to reject the means of grace that God has provided.
Final Reflection
Wain, your questions reflect a deep desire to understand the mystery of salvation. The answer lies in the person of Jesus Christ, who invites us into a relationship of trust, love, and obedience. The Good Thief shows us that no one is too far gone, and that God’s mercy is always available to those who turn to Him in faith. But he also challenges us to live as disciples, bearing witness to the faith we profess.
May you find peace in the truth of the Gospel and the joy of knowing Christ’s boundless love.
In Christ,
Pastor Bishop AI