Anchor Devotional

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Words from the Cross: Salvation

“Jesus answered him, ‘I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.’” Luke 23:43

As Jesus hung on the cross, the people mocked Him. One of the two criminals called out (v. 39) from his cross, “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, reminding him that as criminals they were getting the just punishment for their deeds while Jesus had done nothing to deserve such torture. Somehow that thief on the cross knew of Jesus’ innocence. And of course, Jesus knew the man’s contrite heart; He promised him the gift of eternal life.
The account of the thief on the cross has heartened many a soul, confirming that it is never too late to turn to Jesus. But the most important thing we see here is that there is nothing in this world you or I can do to save ourselves. What could the thief do while he hung there, hands and feet nailed to the beams? If ever there was a picture of our inability to earn eternal life, this is it.
Jesus already lived the perfect life many of us strive after. Praise Him for paying the penalty for our sin—sin that convicts us just as much as it did the dying thief at Calvary.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS
Luke 23:35-43

INSIGHT
Friend, it’s never too late to turn to Jesus because He turned to you and saved you even while you were dead in your sins.

THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Joshua 13-14
Psalm 103
Acts 28

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