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HOLY SATURDAY REFLECTION

The theme for our reflection is, it’s never too late for anyone. The repentant criminal’s encounter with Jesus on the cross shows that it’s never too late for anyone to repent and be saved.

There are two types of sinners; the unrepentant sinners and the repentant sinners. The first criminal who represents unrepentant sinners railed sarcastically or mocked at Jesus saying “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” (Luke 23:39). His conscience was completely dead and he was blinded by sin and pride. For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18). The other criminal, on the other hand, who represents repentant sinners said “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 23:40-43. In other words, a repentant sinner who is remorseful of his or her deeds and acknowledges Jesus Christ as the Master and Saviour shall be saved. It is never too late for anyone to be saved unless the person decides to be an unrepentant sinner. Salvation is for repentant sinners who come to Jesus for total redemption! Once a person is saved, he or she is no longer a slave to sin, but receives the power of the Holy Spirit and also become a child of God, it is for this reason Paul wrote to the Romans that “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. (Romans 8:14-17)

Both criminals were sentenced to death, the destination of their mortal remains or dead bodies will be the same (in the grave or tomb) but the destination of their souls will not be the same. The repentant sinner was assured eternal life in paradise by Jesus Christ when he repented and yearned for salvation. What kind of sinner are you? Remember it is not too late to repent and receive the gift of Salvation from Jesus free of charge, “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). It is important to note that once a person has repented and is saved by grace through faith in Christ he or she is no longer a sinner but a new creation. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17) Shalom.

PRAYER

Thank you Lord Jesus that your salvation is free for all who repent and acknowledge you as Lord and Saviour, we continue to pray for all who are still behind the walls of salvation that through the preaching of the Gospel it will not be too late for anyone to repent and be saved. Amen.