Faithful Steward Ministries and FSM Women's Outreach

by Matt Slick / 11/02/09

Today we look at the second thing Jesus said on the cross:

• Luke 23:34, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.”

 2. Luke 23:43, “And He said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.” (NASB)

Entonces Jesús le dijo: De cierto te digo que hoy estarás conmigo en el paraíso. (RVR 1960)

• John 19:26-27, “Woman, behold, your son!” 27 Then He said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!”

• Matt. 27:46, “ELI, ELI, LAMA SABACHTHANI?” that is, “MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?”

• John 19:28, “I am thirsty.”

• John 19:30, “It is finished!”

• Luke 23:46, “Father, INTO YOUR HANDS I COMMIT MY SPIRIT.”

Once again such a simple and kind statement has such profound impact once we unpack it, so let us break it look at in context.

Jesus has been crucified between two thieves, one was ugly v.39 “One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him,^[d] saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” (ESV)  There are many who can excuse this behavior as someone caught up in the moment with the fear of dying and being in pain etc. Yet the second criminal responds, v.40 But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? You have to see it, “Do you not fear God” what does he mean by that? Whom is he referring to? Some argue he is generalizing saying in sort ‘you are about to die do you not have any fear (respect) for the God you are about to meet). Looking at the next verse v.41  “And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.”  would seem to disqualify that since he refers directly to Jesus. 

In v.42 And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” we see Faith in action. This criminal makes a BIG request by acknowledging Jesus as God and asking for him to be remembered in eternity. There are a lot of responses that Jesus could have come back with, the one HE chose “And He said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.” (NASB) has major doctrinal implications. 

By telling one thief and not the other they would be with Him in eternal Paradise Jesus refutes Universalism which says everyone ends up in paradise. Jesus makes it clear here that is not so.  

The need for Baptism (Sacramentalism) is refuted. The was no dunking sprinkling no water of any kind and Jesus still promised this man eternal life with Him.

The idea of Purgatory is refuted. Jesus was explicit in what He said, and unless you are willing to call Him a liar or equally as foolish mistaken or misinformed Purgatory is a fallacy.

Soul-sleep, or the idea that it is valid was refuted. You can’t be with Jesus (conscious) and be asleep. 

Further Reading

John Piper Today You Will be With Me in Paradise