Two Thieves

Today is Good Friday. What could possibly be good about a day that represents the most cruel, painful and unjust death ever suffered? It is good because this day represents an idea so radical that the mind cannot fully comprehend it. God became man to die a death on a cross in order that man could share in the glory of God. Christians celebrate Good Friday because we realize that one of the central doctrines of the Christian faith is justification.

Justification means that a man or woman can become righteous in the eyes of God through the cross of Christ. Not by any good works that we have done. The Bible reveals consistently that "There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God." Romans 3:10-11. Yet a humble man walked this earth in sinless perfection in order to reveal who God is. He died a death for the sins of those who place their faith in Him. The just died for the unjust. "The result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life to all men. For just as through the disobedience of the one man (Adam) the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous." Romans 5:18-19.

Nowhere is the idea of justification illustrated more powerfully than in two thieves who were crucified with Jesus. Luke's Gospel tells us, "One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at Him: 'Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!' But the other criminal rebuked him, 'Don't you fear God,' he said, 'since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.' Then he said, 'Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.' Jesus answered him, 'I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.'" Luke 23:39-43.

JC Ryle- one of the great writers and preachers in history- wrote a tremendous sermon on these verses. The sermon is titled Christ's Greatest Trophy. The sermon can be read on pages 120-129 of his book Holiness here: http://www.stewardshipmandate.com/Links_Holiness-Ryle.pdf. You owe it your soul to read this sermon.

Two thieves were crucified with Christ on Good Friday. Both thieves represent what our sins deserve- cruel punishment. Yet one thief was justified by Christ and one was not. One thief displayed amazing faith in the King of this universe at a point where the King appeared the most weak. Another thief mocked this King right up to the very end. The repentant thief gives hope to all sinners- myself included- that true repentance is never too late. Ryle says, "One thief was saved that we might never despair, but one thief was condemned that we might never presume."

Today, there are still two types of thieves in this world. The first type of thief persists in disbelief in the promises of God. They believe that Christ was a decent man- as all people do. But they resist calling Him God. They believe that they are deserving of good things and they mock in their heart those who have faith in Christ as narrow-minded and gullible. John LaFarge writes, "For those who believe in God, no explanation is necessary. For those who do not, no explanation is possible." This is one of life's great mysteries, faith is a gift. The same fire that melts wax, hardens clay.

The other type of thief comes to a realization of the hideousness of sin. He/she understands that our sins deserve death. The only option to escape this despair is to repent of this sin and throw ourselves upon the mercy of Christ- where transforming grace is available. He/she responds to this grace by allowing the Spirit of Christ to change a heart and declaring war on sin. They long for the day when the promise of Christ will become a reality: "Today, you will be with me in paradise."

As we reflect on Good Friday, I pray that we reflect on the evil of sin and how it has defaced everything great about this world. I pray that we reflect on the sacrifice of Christ and the penalty that was paid to redeem us from that sin. I pray that we look to the promises of Christ that one day those who have placed faith in Him will experience life in a resurrected earth with a resurrected body.

For His Glory,

Ashley Hodge