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Outline 035 of 100 · Luke

Today Shalt Thou Be With Me in Paradise

Luke 23:32-43 — Instant justification by faith alone, apart from works

Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.

Synopsis

Between two criminals crucified alongside Him, Jesus offers the clearest picture of righteousness by faith found anywhere in Scripture. One thief continues to rail on Christ even in death, but the other rebukes him, admits his own guilt — 'we receive the due reward of our deeds' — and confesses Christ's innocence, then simply asks, 'Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.' This man has no time left for good works, no opportunity for baptism, no years of discipleship to prove his sincerity; he has only naked faith in a dying, apparently powerless Savior. Jesus' response is immediate and absolute: 'Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.' No probation, no purgatory, no delay — the moment faith reaches out, full salvation is granted. This account eternally silences any theology of salvation by works, while also refuting universalism, since the other thief perished unrepentant beside the same Savior. Grace saves to the uttermost and to the very last moment, on the basis of faith alone in Christ alone.

  1. I. The contrast of two dying hearts

    • One thief mocks Christ till the end
    • The other confesses his own guilt
    • Two responses to the same dying Savior

  2. II. The confession that receives grace

    • "We receive the due reward of our deeds"
    • "This man hath done nothing amiss"
    • "Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom"

  3. III. The instant, complete justification

    • No works, no baptism, no time to prove himself
    • "To day shalt thou be with me in paradise"
    • Salvation granted the moment faith reaches out

  4. IV. The truth this account establishes

    • Salvation is by faith alone, not works
    • Universalism refuted by the unrepentant thief
    • Grace saves to the very last moment of life
The appeal

You may feel it is too late, or that you have too little time or too few good works to offer. The dying thief teaches us that naked faith in Christ is enough — turn to Him now with your whole heart and hear Him say, 'Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.'

Key points

  • Salvation is granted instantly on the basis of faith alone, without works or ritual.
  • The two thieves prove that proximity to Christ does not guarantee salvation without faith.
  • Grace remains available and sufficient even in life's very last moments.

Key passages

  • Luke 23:42-43
  • Ephesians 2:8-9
  • Romans 10:13
  • Titus 3:5