“I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Luke 23:43 (NLT)
When the criminal hanging next to Jesus on the cross asked Jesus to remember him, Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43 NLT). With his response, Jesus gave four characteristics of salvation that you, too, can trust and believe in.
First, salvation is immediate. Jesus said, “Today.” When you die, you either go straight into the presence of God or you go straight into separation from God. And salvation is immediate too. The moment you ask Jesus Christ to save you, it’s done.
Second, salvation is certain. Jesus said, “Today you will.” He didn’t say, “You might” or “I hope.” His answer wasn’t, “Let me think about it.” He said, “You will.” When you accept Christ, you can be certain of your salvation.
Third, salvation is a relationship. Jesus said, “You will be with me.” Salvation is not a religion. It’s not rules or regulations or rituals. It’s a relationship. That relationship doesn’t begin when you get to heaven. It begins here on earth. Jesus Christ wants to be your best friend; he wants to talk with you all the time. God made you for a relationship with him!
Fourth, salvation leads to a real place. Jesus said, “Today you will be with me in paradise.” Heaven is a real place, and it’s forever.
Two criminals were crucified with Jesus, one on either side. Jesus gave them the choice of salvation, and he gives you the same choice. He won’t force you to love him. He’s not going to force you to trust him or accept heaven either. The choice is yours.
One of the two criminals rejected Jesus. The other turned to him in faith. You have the same choice.
Romans 10:13 says, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (NIV). Do you believe these truths about salvation? Are you ready to call on the name of the Lord?
The Bible says, “This is the hour to receive God’s favor; today is the day to be saved!” (2 Corinthians 6:2 GNT).
Choose to settle the issue of your eternal destiny today. Trust Jesus’ promise of salvation.
- When you die, you either go to be in God’s presence or are separated from him. Does this truth encourage or scare you? What does your response tell you about your need for salvation?
- Do you think of salvation as more of a religion or relationship? What’s one step you can take today to develop your relationship with Jesus?
- Has Jesus saved you? If not, what’s keeping you from calling on him for salvation today?
Will you follow Jesus today?
God proved his goodness through his Son, Jesus Christ. The Bible says, “For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 CSB).
Are you ready to trust God to fulfill his promise of giving you eternal life with him? If so, start by praying this simple prayer: “Dear God, I confess I have sinned against you, and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ is your Son, that he died to take away my sins and that you raised him to life. I want to trust Jesus as my Savior and follow him as Lord from this day forward. Guide my life and help me to do your will. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”
If you just prayed to accept Jesus, please email me at Rick@PastorRick.com and let me know about it. I’d like to send you some free materials to help you start your journey with Jesus.
