How can we apply the criminal's acknowledgment of wrongdoing to our daily repentance? Setting the Scene: The Repentant Criminal Luke 23:40 records the second thief’s cry: “But the other one rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not even fear God…?’” Within moments of death, this man openly admits guilt and honors the One beside him. His words give a pattern for our own daily repentance. Key Moves the Criminal Makes • Fear of God: he recognizes divine authority even while condemned. • Admission of personal guilt: “We are punished justly” (v. 41). • Acceptance of consequences: no excuses, no blame-shifting. • Recognition of Christ’s innocence: “This Man has done nothing wrong.” • Appeal for mercy (v. 42): a humble, hope-filled request. Turning Those Moves into Daily Practice 1. Cultivate reverent awe each morning. • Psalm 111:10—“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom…” 2. Confess specifically, not generally. • Proverbs 28:13—“He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses… finds mercy.” 3. Own the fallout. • Galatians 6:7—“Whatever a man sows, he will reap.” Accept discipline as loving correction. 4. Keep Christ central. • 2 Corinthians 5:21 shows His sinlessness that secures our forgiveness. 5. Ask boldly for cleansing. • 1 John 1:9—“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive…” Practical Daily Steps • End-of-day inventory: jot down sins of thought, word, deed. • Speak them to the Lord aloud; name them as “mine,” not “theirs.” • Thank Him for taking the penalty already at Calvary. • Seek to reconcile quickly with anyone harmed (Matthew 5:23-24). • Replace each confessed sin with a concrete act of obedience tomorrow. Why This Matters When we mirror the criminal’s honesty, repentance becomes less about momentary emotion and more about a lifestyle of humble transparency before a holy, gracious God. |
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