TODAY YOU WILL BE WITH ME IN PARADISE

TODAY YOU WILL BE WITH ME IN PARADISE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Luke 23:39-43

Key Verse: “And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” — Luke 23:43

Supporting Texts: 2 Corinthians 6:2, Romans 10:9-10, Ephesians 2:8-9, Isaiah 1:18, John 5:24

Description: Salvation is a gift of grace available to all who sincerely turn to Christ, even at the final moment.

INTRODUCTION

The story of the thief on the cross is one of the clearest demonstrations of God’s mercy and the accessibility of salvation. It shows that no matter how far a person has gone in sin, the door of grace remains open as long as there is life. Salvation is not based on works, duration of service, or religious achievements, but on genuine faith in Jesus Christ.

In Luke 23:39-43, two criminals were crucified alongside Jesus. While one mocked Him, the other recognised his own guilt and acknowledged Jesus as Lord. In a moment of sincere repentance and faith, he received the promise of eternal life. This encounter proves that salvation can happen instantly when the heart truly turns to Christ.

This passage is both comforting and urgent. It assures us of God’s mercy but also reminds us not to delay our response. While salvation is available at the last moment, no one is guaranteed another opportunity. Therefore, the call to respond to Christ must be taken seriously and immediately.

1. SALVATION IS BY GRACE, NOT WORKS

Salvation is a gift that cannot be earned but must be received by faith.

a) No Record of Good Works (Luke 23:41)
The thief acknowledged his wrongdoing and had no works to present, showing that salvation is not based on merit.

b) Grace Through Faith (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Salvation is a gift from God, received through faith, not by human effort.

c) Justification by Belief (Romans 10:9-10)
Confessing and believing in Christ leads to salvation and righteousness.

d) Immediate Acceptance (John 5:24)
Those who believe in Christ pass from death to life instantly.

Biblical Example: The prodigal son returned empty-handed yet was fully accepted and restored by his father, illustrating grace (Luke 15:20-24).

2. TRUE REPENTANCE OPENS THE DOOR

A sincere turning of the heart brings divine forgiveness.

a) Acknowledging Sin (Luke 23:41)
The thief admitted his guilt, showing that repentance begins with honesty.

b) Reverence for God (Luke 23:40)
He recognised the fear of God, demonstrating a changed attitude.

c) Turning to Jesus (Luke 23:42)
He directed his plea to Christ, showing faith in His saving power.

d) God’s Readiness to Forgive (Isaiah 1:18)
Though sins are like scarlet, God makes them white as snow.

Biblical Example: The people of Nineveh repented at Jonah’s preaching, and God spared them from destruction (Jonah 3:5-10).

3. FAITH IN JESUS SECURES ETERNAL LIFE

Salvation comes through recognising and trusting Christ as Lord.

a) Recognition of Jesus’ Kingship (Luke 23:42)
The thief acknowledged Jesus as King, even in His suffering.

b) Simple Yet Powerful Faith (Hebrews 11:6)
Faith, even in its simplest form, connects to God’s power.

c) Trust Beyond Circumstances (2 Corinthians 5:7)
The thief believed despite seeing Jesus on the cross, showing deep faith.

d) Assurance of Salvation (Luke 23:43)
Jesus gave immediate assurance of eternal life, confirming the power of faith.

Biblical Example: Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness, showing the power of faith (Genesis 15:6).

4. SALVATION MUST NOT BE DELAYED

Though available at the last moment, salvation requires urgency.

a) The Urgency of “Today” (Luke 23:43)
Jesus emphasised immediacy, showing that salvation is a present reality.

b) Now Is the Accepted Time (2 Corinthians 6:2)
Salvation must not be postponed because tomorrow is not guaranteed.

c) The Danger of Delay (Proverbs 27:1)
Boasting about tomorrow is risky, as life is uncertain.

d) Responding Without Hesitation (Hebrews 3:15)
Harden not your heart when you hear His voice.

Biblical Example: Felix delayed his decision after hearing Paul, missing an immediate opportunity to respond (Acts 24:25).

CONCLUSION

The promise, “Today you will be with me in paradise,” reveals the depth of God’s mercy and the simplicity of salvation. No matter the past, a sincere moment of repentance and faith can secure eternal life. Salvation is not about how long you have served but about how genuinely you respond to Christ.

However, this truth should not lead to complacency but to urgency. Do not wait for a later time. Respond to Jesus now, receive His grace, and walk in the assurance of eternal life. Today can be your day of salvation.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, thank You for the gift of salvation made available through Jesus Christ in Jesus name.

2. Lord, help me to respond to Your grace without delay in Jesus name.

3. Holy Spirit, convict every heart that needs salvation in Jesus name.

4. Father, cleanse me from all sin and make me new in Jesus name.

5. Lord, strengthen my faith to believe fully in Your saving power in Jesus name.

6. Father, remove every hardness of heart that resists Your Word in Jesus name.

7. Lord, let my life reflect the reality of salvation in Jesus name.

8. Father, use me to bring others to the knowledge of salvation in Jesus name.

9. Lord, grant me the grace to remain steadfast in my walk with You in Jesus name.

10. Father, let me never take Your mercy for granted in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall experience the saving grace of God in your life.

2. Your heart shall respond quickly to the call of salvation.

3. Every barrier to your salvation is removed permanently.

4. You shall walk in the assurance of eternal life.

5. Your past shall not hinder your future in Christ.

6. You shall be a vessel for bringing others to salvation.

7. The grace of God shall sustain your walk with Him.

8. You shall not miss your moment of divine encounter.

9. Your life shall reflect the transformation of salvation.

10. From today, you shall walk in the fullness of God’s mercy and grace.