Posted by
Dana Andjus on Monday, September 18, 2006 5:20:52 PM
"I'll take Christianity for $1200 Alex."
"That's the last daily double. How much will you wager?"
"Everything!"
"The answer is, this is when it is too late during your days here on earth to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior."
"When is never?"
"Correct Christian! Your treasure awaits you."
I've noticed that non believers have trouble with that concept. They couldn't understand that I believe that the woman executed in Texas who professed Christianity while on death row would be with God for eternity after what she did. But I am sure of it. Let's look at:
Luke 23:32-43
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32Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. 33When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. 34Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."[a] And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
35The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One."
36The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar 37and said, "If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself."
38There was a written notice above him, which read:|sc THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
39One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!"
40But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? 41We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong."
42Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.[b]"
43Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."
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Here's a guy being crucified next to Christ who gets it. It doesn't say why. This is probably his first encounter with Jesus. In verse 40 he accepts Jesus as God. In verse 41 he confesses his guilt and Christ's innocence.In verse 42 he asks for Jesus' forgiveness and acceptance. Then in verse 43 are some of the most precious words in scripture when Jesus says "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise." Not even the apostles really understood who Jesus was yet. They wanted an earthly ruler to overcome the Romans. They pretty much disappeared until His Resurrection. But this guy got it. God truly blessed him with understanding. And this shows that it is never too late to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. It also show s that salvation is by Grace through Faith. This man had no time for good deeds or even baptism. Christians long to glorify God through good works and be baptized. But these are not required.
As I look back on my own salvation experience, I am astonished at how much better my life has been since then. And I didn't convert because of trials in my life. I had no addictions, I had a happy marriage of 20 years and 3 healthy boys. We had no health problems. I had a good job. We lived a good life and were all happy. But I heard a preacher speak of God's love and His Perfect Plan for eternity. God blessed me with understanding at that point and let me accept His free gift so that I would be ready for the trials to come. The preacher told me that I would always be a sinner but Jesus' blood covered my sins. He told me that satan would always be after me but I needn't worry. I frequently feel like a sinner because of thoughts that cross my mind even though I don't express or do them. I feel like a sinner because of arrogance and leaving undone or unsaid kindnesses I should do or say. But I remember what the preacher said. Satan will go to God and say--that goblue is a rascal. He's unkind. sarcastic,impatient. Being Holy, God has to say--that's right--he's pathetic. But my Son says he's one of ours. You leave him alone. Thank You Jesus! I can't write , say or even think those words without tearing up--tears of joy and thanksgiving. Remember, it's never too late. It wasn't too late for me at 40 years old and it wasn't too late for the criminal on the cross and it's not too late for you. It's easier than winning Jeopardy and the prize is better.