Text: Luke 23:39—43

Topic: What the thief on the cross can teach us.

Introduction:

Illustration: F. W. Krummacher calls the crucifixion the most momentous day in history.

Two thieves faced death along with Jesus.

• Dismus and Gizmos were followers of Barabbas.
• They were filled with hatred over the injustice of their situation.

One thief turned to Christ and experienced a deathbed conversion.

• Dismus was affected by the forgiving words of Jesus.
• When all others had forsaken Jesus, Dismus reached out and received a guarantee of the kingdom.
• This thief's confession of Christ was stronger than that of some church members.

We must not delay our conversion for God is not mocked.

• It is wrong to use God's forgiveness as an opportunity to continue in sin.
• Illustration: A young man who understood the Gospel but chose to live his own way, died suddenly.
• No matter how far we've fallen, Christ's grace and mercy are there.

Salvation is an instantaneously free and undeserved gift.

All conversions are instantaneous, no matter how long the gestation.

Grace means there is nothing we can do to earn salvation.

Conclusion:

• Illustration: Kennedy poetically compares his life as a child who "had nothing to pay," with his salvation for which he "has nothing to pay."