One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. Jesus answered him, “Truly, I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23: 39-43 (NIV)
Luke, who penned this passage, not only unveils the conversation of the rebels but also shows the grace and mercy of God towards a sinner. Moreover, it inspires the reader about the Ultimate Reward of a sinner who accepted Jesus Christ amid religious chaos.

The first criminal opened up the conversation by testing Jesus and said if you are the Messiah! Save not only Yourself but also us. Which meant he wanted freedom though the Roman law convicted him. Even at the time of pain, he had no fear for God and joined the crowd who hurled insults on Jesus. Whereas, the second criminal rebuked the other one and took a stand against the hostile crowd by putting his trust in Jesus and His Kingdom. He was also convicted but not ashamed to confess his sin before the people.
The crowd would have mocked the second criminal for his belief and request towards a dying man - Jesus. Nevertheless, Jesus spoke to him and honored his request by promising Paradise. That same day they died separately but entered Paradise together. Oh! What a privilege for a sinner!
Now, this has been the passage of argument for people who take Christianity for granted. They live a worldly life against God's Will, having wrong priorities, godless lifestyle, and the worst part of all they wanted to inherit eternity like this criminal. But neglecting the stand he took at the time of trial, and the faith he exhibited when everything was hazy.

Today, everything has been made plain because of the precious gift that God has provided for humanity - the Bible. And God's Kingdom is nearer compared to the days of old because the Holy Spirit has been given to men as promised by Jesus.
Therefore, Men no need to wait till the last hour to be found by God and embraced by His grace. ‘For while we were still weak, at the right time, Christ died for the ungodly’ (Rom 5:6). ‘Let us, therefore, approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need’ (Heb 4:16).
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