Only Belief in Jesus Gets us to Heaven

 N.T.#658  "Only Belief in Jesus Gets us to Heaven"

Oct. 24, 2025 

Luke 23-Part 7 

LET IT GLOW

Do you want to go to heaven after you die? Learn how today.

We left three men hanging on their cross. Both criminals were mocking Christ along with the crowd. They were two thieves, one on the right and one on the left sides of Jesus. (Matthew 37:28) Maybe they were robbers and cohorts of Barabbas. 

As time wore on, one of the thieves' conscience was smitten, and he repented. When the impenitent thief resumed his mocking (verse 39), this thief rebuked the other and refused to participate again. 

What took place while the 3 were on their cross?

• Rebukingly, the repentant one asked if the other feared God. After all, they had the same condemnation as Christ. Death was coming soon. (Apparently not)
• The two were justly receiving what they deserved, but Christ did not. (verse 41)
• One called Jesus Lord and asked for mercy and divine grace. 
• Christ graciously affirmed the man's salvation. (verse 43)
• That day the believer would be with Christ in paradise. [Eden (a place of future happiness)]. The word paradise is only used two others places in the New Testament-2 Cor. 12:4 and Revelation 2:7.
• In all three uses, it speaks of heaven. (MacArthur)

That very day a thief who was not fit to live on earth, went to live with Jesus. Here was a dying sinner praying to a dying Savior, who would live forever. Jesus died to purchase the forgiveness of sins for us. (verse 34)

Are you ready to meet Holy God?

 LET IT GROW

The dying thief had more faith than the rest of Jesus' followers put together. Most of the disciples had gone into hiding. By all appearances, the kingdom of Jesus' was finished. But not so. Our Redeemer lives!

Salvation comes when we put our faith alone in Christ alone. This man is in paradise with Jesus, awaiting his future bodily resurrection. (Tony Evans)

No works, no religion, not church attendance, only faith in Jesus gets us to heaven.

LET IT GO

Only Jesus paid the price for me.

Only His blood could set me free.

Nobody else could open heaven's door.

Just Jesus and nothing more.

Which thief are you like-the mocker or the believer?