"A THIEF, A RULER, AND YOU"

 

The man is surely the most popular thief of all time. He has been the subject of countless sermons. He is the man upon whom millions have staked their salvation.

You may ask, "Why would anyone stake their salvation on a thief?" It is really kind of strange, but it is what many have done. The thief is the man in Luke 23:39-43. He died alongside of Jesus.

He said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom." Jesus replied, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

There is no doubt about this man’s eternal destiny. Jesus declared that the man would be with Him in Paradise. Saved! Case closed!

But why is this man popular? It is because of what he did NOT DO. It is rather obvious that he did not come down from his cross to be baptized. And that’s what folks are staking their salvation on! Jesus commanded baptism when He gave the great commission in Mark 16:16: “He who believes and is baptized shall be saved.”

But it is objected that “The thief was not baptized to be saved; therefore, I don’t need to be baptized to be saved. I want to be saved like the thief was saved.”

Do you think that is the proper use of the story of the thief? If you do, I want you to think about another man—a rich young ruler. He is found in Matthew 19:16-22.

This ruler asked, “What good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” After discussing God’s commands with him, Jesus told him, “Go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.”

Have you ever heard anyone say, “I want to be saved according to what Jesus told this man”? Why does no one argue that way? I think you know why.

However, to argue that you want to be saved according to what Jesus told the ruler makes every bit as much sense as arguing that you want to be saved like the thief.

THE FINAL WORD

There is something that is neglected in both cases mentioned above. It is the principle found in Mark 2:1-12. In this case of a paralyzed man who was healed by Jesus, you quickly learn that Jesus forgave the man's sins. 

The key to understanding cases like this is found in verse 10 where Jesus said "the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins." That's it. Jesus could forgive sin; while on earth He could forgive sin in any way He chose. He had the power!

But Jesus is not on earth today. He is in heaven. He still has power to forgive, but He forgives by means of the terms He gave in the great commission. You remember, don't you? ...that thing about "He who believes and is baptized..."?

Now, what about you? Don't make the mistake of staking your salvation on the thief, or the rich young ruler. Trust Jesus. Believe His word. Obey Him. He promises salvation to all who will follow Him ... all the way to the water!