‘But God could never forgive me’. Really? He forgave the bad dude in the following story. Chances are he’ll forgive you too.
Two rebels were crucified with him [Jesus], one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by hurled insults at him… In the same way the rebels who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him (Matt 27:38-39, 44).
Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him (Mark 15:32).
One of the criminals who hung there heaped abuse on Him. “Are You not the Christ?” he said. “Save Yourself and us!” But the other one rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same judgment? We are punished justly, for we are receiving what our actions deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom!” And Jesus said to him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:39-43 emphasis added).
The interaction recorded between the two men crucified alongside Jesus is intriguing. It appears that both initially mocked Him. They were likely friends/accomplices of Barabbas—a rebel and a murderer (Mark 15:7). Something significant happened to one of these criminals during the six agonising hours that Jesus hung dying next to them. Like the soldier guarding them, who later declared ‘truly this was the son of God!’ (Matthew 27:54), he too had a personal revelation of Jesus as the king He was.
Although few words were spoken, this very bad dude was transformed into a saint—the first of millions to be cleansed by the precious blood and have their sins forgiven.
Jesus saw his change of heart, heard his confession and pronounced his pardon, squashing any doubt with a definitive, truly.
Jesus sees your heart also. By believing in Him and acknowledging your sin, you too can receive saving grace and assurance of forgiveness—no matter what you’ve done. Truly.
