The thief on the cross, simply said "Remember me when you come into your kingdom." Not "I repent", Not "Oh please forgive me my wrongs." "I'll make it up to you" He just had, what it takes for any one of us-----Faith. Christ said to him "Today you will be with me in paradise." God is not out to get you, You will only go to hell, if you reject God's sacrifice on your behalf.
All sin and fall short. No body makes it on merit points.
We all make it on grace---which means undeserved favor, you cannot earn it or deserve it.
It's not your "Im sorry" that saves you, it is Christ's sacrifice. This is obviously for believers, if you dont believe I respect your right to make the choice, so don't feel preached at. Did Christ Condemn the man who did not come right out and pray or say he was sorry?
2007-01-15 18:35:45 · 5 answers · asked by Lover of God 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
No-o... I don't think he did.
Besides, to me, Christ doesn't condemn anyone... they condemn themselves. Anyone can approach God without condemnation if they accept Christ.
The man was dying, for goodness sake! He might have said it with his last breath...
He might have heard of Jesus and only seen him when he was hanging on the cross. He had the 'wisdom' to see past this pitiful state and know, somehow, that this man(Jesus) was right all along. The messiah, come to save.
2007-01-15 18:44:40 · answer #1 · answered by controlfreak 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure if I understand your question. I feel it entirely possible that the man could have said more that wasn't recorded in the Bible. Or perhaps Jesus just sensed his repentant heart. Either way, Jesus has the right to forgive sin.
2007-01-15 18:47:52 · answer #2 · answered by drshorty 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Thats a question only Jesus can answer. But a really good point! I think grace is underestimated too. No way Satan will have more than G-d.
David T
2007-01-15 18:40:15 · answer #3 · answered by David T 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One caveat, Jesus could read this prisoner's heart and mind, whether it was honest or not. The prisoner didn't have to say he was sorry because Jesus could see that he was repentant and that he believed.
2007-01-15 18:42:06 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
If Jesus said "Today you will be with me in paradise." Then no, Jesus did not condemn him to hell.
2007-01-15 18:40:30 · answer #5 · answered by A follower of Christ 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋