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The Second Word from the Cross: The Word of Salvation

 


The Second Word from the Cross: The Word of Salvation

Introduction

The second word spoken by Jesus Christ on the cross is one of the most beautiful and hopeful statements in the Bible. While Jesus was suffering on the cross, a criminal who was crucified beside Him asked for mercy. Jesus responded with words of grace and salvation:

“Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

This statement is known as the Word of Salvation because it shows that salvation is given by grace, through faith, and not by human works. Even in the final moments of a person’s life, God’s mercy is still available.

This event teaches us about repentance, faith, grace, and the promise of eternal life.

The Two Criminals on the Cross

Jesus was crucified between two criminals. Both of them were guilty and were being punished for their crimes. At first, both criminals mocked Jesus along with the crowd. But after some time, one of the criminals realized that Jesus was innocent and that He was truly a king.

One criminal continued to mock Jesus and said, “If you are the Messiah, save yourself and us.” But the other criminal rebuked him and said that they were being punished justly for their crimes, while Jesus had done nothing wrong.

This moment shows the difference between two kinds of people: one who rejects Christ and one who turns to Christ in repentance and faith.

The Prayer of the Repentant Criminal

The criminal who believed in Jesus then said:
“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

This was a very simple prayer, but it showed deep faith. The criminal believed that Jesus was a king, that He had a kingdom, and that He had the power to save even after death. He did not ask to come down from the cross. He did not ask for a long life. He only asked to be remembered by Jesus.

This is a powerful example of true repentance. He admitted his guilt, recognized Jesus’ innocence, believed in His kingdom, and asked for mercy.

Jesus’ Response: The Promise of Paradise

Jesus replied to the criminal with these words:
“Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

These words are full of hope and grace. Jesus did not say “maybe,” or “after some time,” or “if you do good works.” He said today. Salvation was immediate. Forgiveness was immediate. The promise of eternal life was immediate.

This shows that salvation is not earned by good works, long prayers, or religious rituals. Salvation is a gift of grace given through faith in Jesus Christ.

The criminal had no time to perform good works, attend religious services, or change his life. Yet Jesus promised him paradise because of his faith.

The Meaning of the Word of Salvation

The second word from the cross teaches several important spiritual truths.

First, no one is too sinful to be forgiven. The criminal was a guilty man who was being executed for his crimes, yet he received salvation. This shows that God’s mercy is greater than human sin.

Second, salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ. The criminal believed in Jesus and trusted Him, and that was enough for salvation.

Third, salvation is a gift of grace, not something we earn. The criminal could not earn salvation; he simply received it.

Fourth, salvation is personal. The criminal spoke directly to Jesus, and Jesus responded directly to him. Salvation is not just a group experience; it is a personal relationship with Christ.

A Lesson for Believers Today

The second word from the cross gives hope to every person. It tells us that it is never too late to turn to God. As long as a person is alive, there is still an opportunity for repentance and faith.

It also teaches us not to judge others, because we do not know when someone may turn to God. The criminal on the cross may have lived a sinful life, but in his final moments, he found salvation.

This word also reminds believers that our hope is not in this world but in paradise with Christ. Earthly life is temporary, but eternal life with God is forever.

Conclusion

The second word from the cross is the word of salvation. It shows us the grace, mercy, and love of Jesus Christ. While hanging on the cross and suffering greatly, Jesus still had time to save a sinner who turned to Him in faith.

This word reminds us that salvation is not about how good we are, but about how great God’s grace is. It teaches us that faith, repentance, and trust in Jesus lead to eternal life.

The story of the criminal on the cross is a story of hope for all humanity. No matter who we are, what we have done, or how far we have gone, we can still turn to Christ and receive forgiveness, mercy, and the promise of paradise.

 


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