Two Criminals - one saved, one lost - why?

Two criminals were on crosses next to Christ when He was dying for the sins of the world.

Both of the criminals asked to be saved, but only one of them was. Why you ask? Let’s look.

“And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.” – Luke 23:39

Notice that this individual asked Christ to save him. However, he didn’t really believe who Jesus was. If he would have understood who Jesus really was, then he would have known that Christ had to go forth with His death, burial, and resurrection to pay for his sins. This thief was trying to bypass the sacrifice which Christ had to make to God to complete salvation. Now, notice what the other criminal confirms.

“But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.” – Luke 23:40-43

This thief recognized that he was a useless sinner. He had nothing to offer Christ. He simply recognized his sinful condition, realizing he needed a Savior, and trusted in the only Sinless Savior which could rescue him. This is salvation. All you have to do is trust in the sinless Savior, accepting His payment to God for your sins. We are all the same as this helpless criminal; we have nothing to offer God but can only place our faith in Jesus’ perfect sacrifice to save us. This is why you hear a person who understands the salvation plan say, “I’m just a sinner saved by grace through faith.” No boasting, God gets all the credit.

Are you trying to bypass the sacrifice Jesus made for you? You cannot get to Heaven without accepting His sacrifice for your sins.

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” – Hebrews 12:2

Jesus (God) is the author of salvation. He devised the plan to save all those who would trust in His perfect sacrifice for their sins. And, He finished the plan. He completed salvation as the Scriptures reveal (John 19:30 – “It is finished!”).

 “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened (made alive) by the Spirit.” – 1 Peter 3:18

“For he (God) hath made him (Jesus) to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” – 2 Corinthians 5:21

Place your faith into the Sinless Savior Jesus today for complete forgiveness of all your sins and receive eternal life at that moment. Settle your eternal destiny now.

Jesus said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” – John 5:24