Topical Bible: The Death of Saints: One Thief

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Topical Encyclopedia

The account of the penitent thief, often referred to as the "Good Thief," is a profound narrative found in the Gospel of Luke, which highlights themes of repentance, grace, and salvation at the moment of death. This event occurs during the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, where two criminals were crucified alongside Him, one on His right and the other on His left.

Biblical Account

The account is detailed in Luke 23:39-43 :

"One of the criminals who hung there heaped abuse on Him. 'Are You not the Christ?' he said. 'Save Yourself and us!' But the other one rebuked him, saying, 'Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same judgment? We are punished justly, for we are receiving what our actions deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.' Then he said, 'Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom!' And Jesus said to him, 'Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.'"

Theological Significance

1. Repentance and Recognition of Sin: The penitent thief acknowledges his own guilt and the justice of his punishment, contrasting with the other thief who mocks Jesus. This recognition of sin is a crucial step in the process of repentance, as seen in the thief's admission, "We are punished justly, for we are receiving what our actions deserve."

2. Faith in Christ: Despite his dire circumstances, the penitent thief demonstrates remarkable faith. He recognizes Jesus' innocence and divinity, addressing Him as "Jesus" and asking to be remembered in His kingdom. This request signifies a belief in Jesus' kingship and the reality of His kingdom beyond death.

3. Grace and Assurance of Salvation: Jesus' response to the penitent thief is a powerful testament to divine grace. By assuring the thief, "Today you will be with Me in Paradise," Jesus affirms that salvation is not earned by works but granted through faith. This moment underscores the immediacy of salvation and the promise of eternal life for those who believe.

4. Paradise: The term "Paradise" used by Jesus is significant. It reflects a place of blessedness and rest, often associated with the Garden of Eden or the heavenly realm where the righteous dwell with God. This assurance of Paradise provides comfort and hope for believers, emphasizing the eternal reward awaiting those who trust in Christ.

Historical and Cultural Context

Crucifixion was a common Roman method of execution reserved for the most heinous criminals and slaves. The presence of the two thieves alongside Jesus fulfills the prophecy found in Isaiah 53:12, which states, "He was numbered with the transgressors." The narrative of the penitent thief serves as a powerful illustration of the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and the inclusivity of Jesus' redemptive work.

Implications for Believers

The account of the penitent thief offers profound insights for believers. It serves as a reminder that it is never too late to turn to Christ, even in the final moments of life. The thief's experience underscores the importance of humility, repentance, and faith in Jesus as the pathway to salvation. It also highlights the boundless grace of God, who offers forgiveness and eternal life to all who call upon Him, regardless of their past.

In Christian tradition, the penitent thief is often venerated as a saint, symbolizing hope and redemption for all sinners. His account continues to inspire believers to seek God's mercy and to trust in the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 23:43
And Jesus said to him, Truly I say to you, To day shall you be with me in paradise.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

One of Paul's Thanksgivings
... Every one that doeth ... hell, to all eternity your heart will be with Him and His saints
in heaven ... And, when you are as near death as that thief was, keep on saying ...
/.../whyte/lord teach us to pray/xiii one of pauls thanksgivings.htm

A Believer's Privilege at Death
... Use one: See what little cause believers have to fear death, when it brings such
glorious benefits. Why should the saints fear their preferment? ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/2 a believers privilege at.htm

On Our Lord's Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension
... Before His death, and at it, Our Lord suffered ... Another person, one would think, would
have been satisfied ... been some persons in the world"saints, of course ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 8 on our lords.htm

The Believing Thief
... Would not saints cry, "Hallelujah! ... repentance and faith; you may be forgiven on your
death-bed." Sirs ... It is true that one thief was saved"but the other thief ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 35 1889/the believing thief.htm

There have Come to Me Ransomers from among the Saints, but None ...
... come to me ransomers from among the saints, but none ... which I saw there, which restored
but one youth to ... hindered Adam from life, and it hindered death from the ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn xxxix there have come.htm

Good News
... it is also good news from a far country when the saints one by one finish their ... get
tidings up there when another saint is crossing the Jordan of death. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/good news.htm

Our Hope is not Death.
... cause of joy and comfort""Wherefore comfort one another with ... for His Son from heaven" -
these Thessalonian saints were looking for Christ not death. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/3 our hope is not.htm

The Poor in Spirit are Enriched with a Kingdom
... A Christian at death shall be completely installed into his honour. ... The saints eat
ashes like bread ... are scattered at the grave's mouth, as when one cutteth and ...
/.../watson/the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/5 the poor in spirit.htm

The Death of Abraham
... because our citizenship is in heaven, then death will not ... because all are gathered
round the one shepherd. ... congruous with the inheritance of the saints in light ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the death of abraham.htm

Extracts from the Acts. Session I.
... much pains have you ever taken that you might find one of the ... end with their exit
from life, but after their death they are ... Therefore I ask you, O ye Saints! ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/extracts from the acts session 18.htm