Who Am ISample

At the crucifixion, there were two criminals who hung on crosses on either side of Jesus. We don’t know what they did, but we do know that they were guilty of their crimes. One of the criminals admitted as much when he was defending Jesus’ innocence. One criminal was taunting Jesus, but the other believed in Jesus and asked to be a part of His kingdom. Somehow this man, struggling to breathe next to Jesus, recognized who He is. And Jesus’ response is loaded with truth and insight: “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). The man’s life record was dismal. He had done something so heinous it merited capital punishment from Rome. But to Jesus, it didn’t matter. This man believed in Jesus. He wanted to be a part of Jesus’ Kingdom. And just like that, Jesus said he would be. His sins didn’t hold him back from salvation, even in his last moments. In the same way, we are citizens of God’s Kingdom. Not because we have been good all of our lives or because the goodness of our lives out-tips our not-so-goodness on some scale, but because the King says we can.

If your heart ever drifts into believing you’ve fallen out of good standing with God, remember the criminal on the cross. His rap sheet didn’t earn him a place in heaven, and yours won’t either. Just accept the overwhelming gift of eternal life and love from God.