You Shall Be With Me In Paradise

When Jesus was crucified on Calvary, there were two other malefactors or criminals that were crucified with Him (v. 33). The one that rejected and “railed on Him” (v. 39), was not mentioned again until the Roman soldiers came to deliver a crushing blow of the hammer to shatter his legs so he could no longer push himself up to breathe (Jn 19:32). It was the last agonizing pain that he felt before leaving this world and spending an endless torment in the “everlasting fire” (Mt 25:41), of hell! While the other criminal who looked to Jesus by faith (v. 42), received the precious promise that he shall be with Him “in paradise.”

There was no waiting, no soul-sleep, and not even some time spent in a mythical place called purgatory. There was only the promise of joy in the presence of our Saviour (1 Thes 2:19). While hanging on the cross, this man was immediately saved, “not by works” (Titus 3:5), or by baptism, but solely by God’s grace “through faith” (Eph 2:8). Just because this man was saved right before he died, doesn’t mean that people who aren’t saved yet have to wait until the last minute. Because now is “the day of salvation” (2 Cor 6:2)!

Jesus told him, “Verily I say unto thee,” a phrase that is similar to the word “Amen” (Ps 41:13); an expression of agreement and support. He also told him “shalt thou be with Me.” This man who was unloved and rejected by society, was already in the presence of our Lord (2 Cor 5:8), Who showed him genuine grace, mercy, and love (2 Jn 1:3), even before he was pronounced dead by the soldiers! Regardless of your past, if you’re not yet saved, then realize that Jesus loves you (Rom 5:8). He would guarantee you a home in Heaven (Jn 14:3), if you would humbly trust Him as your Saviour by faith (Rom 10:9). You too shall be with Him for all eternity! God bless you!

- Pastor Melito Barrera