The Decision
We can have life today, because Jesus is alive. He lives. Now that first criminal who died right next to Jesus, missed out because he rejected Christ. But the criminal on the opposite cross, found life.”
– Pastor Tony Walliser
Jesus replied, “I assure you, today, you will be with Me in paradise.”
- Luke 23:43
We’ve been through Easter week.
We’ve talked through the triumphal entry,
the cleansing of the temple,
the Last Supper,
the Betrayal,
and Gethsemane.
We’ve talked of the “peaceful” arrest,
Peter’s denial,
the rooster’s crows,
the trials,
“Crucify Him, Crucify Him!”,
the scourging,
the beating,
the blood,
the cross,
the thieves,
the “you will be with me in paradise”,
the “it is finished”,
the death.
We’ve even celebrated the victory,
the resurrection,
the “He’s not here, He has risen”,
after we talked of the days in between.
But why did Jesus do all this?
Why didn’t He just stop it,
end it,
call on His angel warriors to make them all pay?
But He didn’t.
He allowed it.
He finished it.
He went through it all for you and me... so we may be free,
may be right with God,
may be forgiven,
may one day be with Him in heaven.
And now, we have a decision to make...
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
- John 3:16 NIV
Living for Jesus is challenging, but accepting Him as Lord and Savior is imperative, and it’s as simple as ABC:
A – Acknowledge that you have sinned: “Sin” means “missing the mark.” For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23).
B- Believe in Jesus: Believing in Jesus is more than just knowing that he exists. It is placing total trust and faith in Jesus. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved… (Acts 16:31).
C – Confess Jesus as Lord: Confessing Christ means accepting His plan for your life. If you say with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and if you believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9).
“Lord Jesus, I want to know You personally. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving me of my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of my life. Make me the kind of person that You want me to be. In Your name I pray. Amen.”
There is no magic in the words of this prayer, However, if you’ve read it, and it resonates, reach out to me, a pastor, a small group leader or others who are following Jesus. Talk through it and pray through it. It will be the greatest decision of your life.
Jesus replied, “I assure you, today, you will be with Me in paradise.”
- Luke 23:43
