Topical Bible: Answers To Prayer: Thief on the Cross

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The account of the thief on the cross is a profound example of divine grace and the power of sincere repentance, as recorded in the Gospel of Luke. This narrative highlights the immediacy and efficacy of prayer, even in the final moments of life, and underscores the boundless mercy of Jesus Christ.

Biblical Context

The account is found in Luke 23:39-43, during the crucifixion of Jesus. Two criminals were crucified alongside Him, one on His right and the other on His left. The Gospel of Luke provides a detailed account of the interaction between Jesus and these two men.

The Prayer of the Penitent Thief

One of the criminals mocked Jesus, saying, "Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!" (Luke 23:39). However, the other criminal, often referred to as the "penitent thief," rebuked his fellow, acknowledging their just punishment and Jesus' innocence. He then turned to Jesus with a humble request: "Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom" (Luke 23:42).

This simple yet profound plea is a model of genuine repentance and faith. The thief recognized Jesus' kingship and sought His mercy, despite his own unworthiness and the dire circumstances.

Jesus' Response

Jesus' response to the penitent thief is one of the most comforting assurances of salvation found in Scripture. He replied, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in Paradise" (Luke 23:43). This declaration affirms the immediate answer to the thief's prayer and the promise of eternal life with Christ.

Theological Significance

The interaction between Jesus and the thief on the cross is significant for several reasons:

1. Grace and Mercy: The thief's prayer and Jesus' response illustrate the unmerited grace and mercy available to all who turn to Christ in faith. Despite a life of sin, the thief received forgiveness and the promise of eternal life.

2. Faith and Repentance: The thief's acknowledgment of his own sinfulness and Jesus' righteousness exemplifies true repentance. His faith in Jesus' ability to save, even in the face of death, is a testament to the power of belief.

3. Salvation by Faith Alone: This account underscores the doctrine of salvation by faith alone. The thief had no opportunity for good works or religious rituals; his salvation was secured solely through faith in Jesus Christ.

4. Hope for the Dying: The account provides hope for those facing death, affirming that it is never too late to turn to Christ. It reassures believers of the certainty of salvation and the promise of being with the Lord in Paradise.

Conclusion

The thief on the cross serves as a powerful example of answered prayer, demonstrating that God's grace is available to all who earnestly seek Him. This narrative continues to inspire and offer hope to countless believers, affirming the transformative power of faith and the promise of eternal life with Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 23:42,43
And he said to Jesus, Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Answers to Prayer
... had himself repeatedly proved that the Lord hears and answers prayer! ... eleventh hour,
as He did the thief on the ... In prayer, I seemed to have great assurance of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/the wonders of prayer/answers to prayer.htm

The Dying Thief
... to note that the penitent's vague prayer is answered ... let me be utterly forgotten.'
Christ answers"'Remember thee! ... one moment there hangs the thief writhing in ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/the dying thief.htm

Questions and Answers
... have a clean heart." Another will request prayer for perfect ... he would be a murderer
or a thief, even though ... slay her child, but she at once answers, I cannot! ...
/.../byers/sanctification/chapter xii questions and answers.htm

The Doctrines of Salvation A. Repentance. B. Faith. C. ...
... do testify to the fact that God both hears and answers prayer. ... The soul may be in
prayer no matter what is the ... the water (Matt.14:30); the dying thief, on the ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrines of salvation a.htm

Struggles of Conscience
... A second method by which the Lord answers this prayer is by opening the eyes of
the soul; not so much by providence ... Am Ia thief? ... Perhaps will hear my prayer; ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/struggles of conscience.htm

Crucified, Dead, and Buried. '
... And the description of the locality answers all requirements. ... Has this prayer of
Christ been answered ... may be compressed into moments, and the dying thief on the ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xv crucified dead and.htm

The Properties of Sanctifying Grace
... which was vouchsafed to the penitent thief on the ... perseverance in doing good; love
of prayer and pious ... Thomas answers this objection as follows: "The natural ...
/.../pohle/grace actual and habitual/section 3 the properties of.htm

Matt. xxi. 12, 13
... ye do, being confident in faith and prayer." [2527]. ... dealing craftily with good reason
He answers them nothing ... being with his Master perished, the thief being on ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxvii matt xxi 12.htm

Introduction to the De Trinitate.
... 37, 38) with a prayer which expresses his certainty that ... that He wept, hungered,
thirsted, Hilary answers that He ... How different the faith of the Thief on the ...
/.../introduction to the de trinitate.htm

Religion --A Reality
... were singular coincidences!" Why, I have seen in my life, answers to prayer so
remarkable ... When I speak of the thief, the harlot, the drunkard, the sabbath ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/religiona reality.htm