How the Criminal on the Cross showed True Repentance
The salvation of Jesus Christ is truly good news, because it is a gift from God. We can’t earn it. A lifetime of excessive sin does not make one too far gone to be born again.
But does that mean the Gospel is a simple “get out of jail” free card for any scandal? Jesus warns that lip service is not enough to be saved. (Matthew 7:21-23) And yet, Jesus says it is a humble heart that receives justification and not the pious works of a religious man. (Luke 18:9-14)
The first words Jesus declares in Mark’s Gospel is an announcement of God’s Kingdom. He says to repent and believe in the Good News. (Mark 1:15)
Saving faith is one that brings sincere repentance. What that sincerity looks like will vary with each person, but a notable example would be one of the two criminals on the cross who died next to Christ:
“Then one of the criminals hanging there began to yell insults at him: ‘Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!’
But the other answered, rebuking him: ‘Don’t you even fear God, since you are undergoing the same punishment? We are punished justly, because we’re getting back what we deserve for the things we did, but this man has done nothing wrong.’
Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’
And he (Jesus) said to him, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.’”
Notice the first criminal’s desire, to be saved from his penalty. The unrepentant criminal wanted a way to escape the consequences for his crimes, not even acknowledging his wrongdoing.
Isn’t it interesting how often someone who is charged with unspeakable crimes will suddenly bring a Bible to court, wear a cross necklace, or have a pastor advocate for them? Some might even have the nerve to deflect their sins to the accusers, claiming they aren’t being good Christians for wanting them to be prosecuted.
These examples aren’t about the Gospel convicting someone in their lowest moment, or a minister reaching out to the worst of sinners. This is about people manipulating the Gospel to escape accountability. This is what the unrepentant criminal reminds me of. Instead of the free grace of Jesus, they want cheap grace.
The second criminal, however, shows a different spirit. The repentant criminal has often been seen as a primary example of how anyone, no matter how far down the pit they’ve sunk, can still be saved by Christ, even in their last moments before death.
I agree with this. But even in these last moments, the repentant criminal didn’t avoid accountability for his crimes. Instead, he showed the repentance Jesus demands by embracing his consequences.
He acknowledges his crimes. He acknowledges that unlike Jesus he deserves what he’s facing. No gaslighting, no excuses, no half-measures.
He accepts the salvation of Christ on Christ’s terms, not his own. If he has to endure this torturous death, then so be it. There is a greater life ahead of him, where his crimes no longer hang over him, and death will be no more. He presses forward to a greater Kingdom, to live under a greater King: the man dying next to him.
O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood
to every believer the promise of God
The vilest offender who truly believes
That moment from Jesus a pardon receives -Fanny Crosby
Bibliography
Crosby, F. (1875). To God be the Glory.
Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
Thumbnail Image: “Icon of the Crucixion”. 17th century, from the Dionysiou Monastery.