In the sermon on Sunday, I referenced the change that took place in the heart of one of the two rebels hanging on crosses to the left and right of Jesus, as recorded in Luke 23:39-43. Something that man saw and heard during Jesus’ six hours on the cross transformed his reviling into believing. There is no clearer picture of the means by which we are declared righteous before God (it is not by good works or religious rituals, but by faith alone), and there is no clearer picture of the blessings that Jesus offers (it is about eternal life in the world to come, not about living the good life here and now).

After the service, someone mentioned a famous line from a portion of a sermon that was preached at a conference back in 2019. A four minute clip of that sermon went somewhat viral, and for good reason. I knew exactly what this person was referring to when he said, “The man on the middle cross said I can come.” If you haven’t at least seen that brief clip, please watch it.

As Alistair Begg imagines the scene when this “thief” on the cross approaches the so-called “pearly gates”, the story reaches a climax with these words:

• Eventually, in frustration, [the guarding angel] says, “On what basis are you here?”
  
  And [the redeemed rebel] said, “The man on the middle cross said I can come.”
  
  Now, that is the only answer. That is the only answer. And if I don’t preach the gospel to myself all day and every day, then I will find myself beginning to trust myself, trust my experience, which is part of my fallenness as a man. If I take my eyes off the cross, I can then give only lip service to its efficacy while at the same time living as if my salvation depends upon me.

Blessings in Christ,

Pastor Evan