A Nine Word Prayer Saved Me!

The cross demands a choice.  A nine word prayer saved the criminal on the cross.  

 

 Luke 23:42-43

English Standard Version

42 And he (the criminal) said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 

43 And he (Jesus) said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

 

1. The criminal's prayer proves that good works are not required for us to be saved.  

2. The criminal's prayer proves that forgiveness is instantaneous.

3. The criminal's prayer proves that God forgives bad people.

4.  The criminal's prayer proves that forgiveness is available to you, and you, too, can be welcomed into heaven.   

 

 

 Context: 

Luke 23:32-43

English Standard Version

32 Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. 

33 And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. 

34 And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”] And they cast lots to divide his garments. 

35 And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!” 

36 The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine 37 and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” 3

8 There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.”

39 One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him,saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” 

40 But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 

41 And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” 

42 And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 

43 And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Jesus is our bridge to God.