Vantage Point - From Those Who Were There, Pt2

David Uth
March 15, 2009

The greatest divide in history was the cross. There were 2 criminals on each side of Jesus when he was on the cross. One cross represents redemption, one rebellion, and one repentance. Which side are you on?

Luke 23:32,39-43

Jesus' cross represent the cross of redemption.

One of the criminals' cross represents the cross of rebellion. This was the guy who was a sinner but kept asking, what about me? Used Jesus as a fire escape or bailout. Jesus didn't come to make you feel good but to make you holy.

The other cross represents the cross of repentance. He was a sinner but he saw Jesus. He was the voice of surrender and had the vantage point of mercy. He rebuked the other thief because he had no reverence for God. He knew he deserved to be there and thought Jesus was a king.

In Matthew 27, it shows that bother criminals railed Jesus. Something changed during the 6 hours they all were hanging on the cross. Maybe it was Jesus' prayer for forgiveness that allowed the criminal to see something other than himself.

Jesus' response, the greatest miracle. The miracle of redemption and forgiveness. To go from sinfulness to God's Kingdom. In scripture there is a reference to "today" so that means you don't have to be baptized or be a church member to be saved. The answer is so simple and we keep complicating it.

The Lessons:
1. It is never too late - any conversion at any time is a celebration in heaven.
2. It is all about repentance - to change your mind or to change direction.
3. Today - no purgatory, no waiting!

You are saved instantly. The moment you close your eyes you will open them in the arms of Jesus.