“Salvation is a mightier work than creation."

Luke 23:32-43

Do you recall how we left the account of Jesus crucifixion yesterday?  Remember I stated you have yet to see the greatest miracle, the miracles Jesus has done up to now seem small as we reflect on the miracle that took place on this day, a day where the devil and his angels believed they had won the victory, where the high priest and most of the crowd witnessed the death of Jesus, and believed they had seen the last of this man called Jesus.

On the day of the crucifixion of Jesus Dr. Luke gives this report; “Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.”  (Luke 23:32-34 ESV)  The greatest of all miracles happened on that day, it was God forgiving you and me, “for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.”  (Romans 3:23)  Have you ever stopped reading too soon, often I have, but this is what Jesus did for you on the cross and it is found in the next verses of Romans 3:24,25, “and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith.”

Dr. Luke goes on to share how the soldiers mocked Jesus and, “One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!”  “But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”  (Luke 23:39-43 ESV)  That is grace and the criminal acted on the same faith as all who have been justified by God’s grace.

T.W. Hunt in his book “The Mind of Christ” states; “Salvation is a mightier work than creation.  In creation, Christ did not need to defeat enemies.  In accomplishing our salvation, He defeated sin, death, and Satan.”  Many refer to it as a free gift, but it came with a high price only one without sin could pay.  It is not passed down in families, it is not related to schooling or denomination and it cannot be earned by your action.  The apostle Paul tells the church at Ephesus the bottom line; “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”  (Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV)

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice