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Day Five: Recognizing the Rescue
After listening to the one man make demands, the other one responded, “. . . 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” (Luke 23:40-41, CSB).
His comments were an admission of his guilt and that his punishment was warranted. However, his opening question,“Don’t you even fear God?” indicates an understanding of something further. An awareness that he also deserved divine punishment for breaking the law of God. As a result, he began recognizing his need for a Savior. Someone to do for him what he couldn’t do for himself. The same is true for us, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23, NIV). Personal morality, church attendance, being born in a Christian family, and acts of social assistance, while noble and necessary, cannot achieve our rescue. If they could, then Christ died for nothing (Galatians 2:21).
Jesus clearly warned about relying upon good works and religious activities to obtain eternal life (Matt. 7:21-23). He also stated, “. . . I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6, CSB). Fortunately, everyone is invited to come to the Father through Jesus. To be rescued and reconciled to Almighty God by the gift of His amazing love, mercy, and grace. While reading the following verses, personalize what’s written by placing your name in the place (noted in bold type) where you read the words, “us” and “we.”
“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. . . through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs, having the hope of eternal life” (Titus 3:4-7, NIV).
The kindness and love of God appeared in His Son Jesus Christ. The Savior who came to rescue you and me from our sin. He’s inviting you to respond by faith to his grace today and to receive the gift of eternal life. “The Promise of Heaven." Just like the one man received two-thousand years ago.
Matthew 7:21-23
John 14:1-6.
Romans 3:22-26
Titus 3:4-7
About this Plan
This plan centers around three individuals about to take their final breath. A theme that appears unattractive until eight words changed everything. Words that gave "The Promise of Heaven." Taken and adapted from "The Promise" by P. J. Meduri (Taking the Field Ministries), this promise is still available today. A promise from the God who loves you, created you in his image, and desires to have a relationship with you.
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