Here’s the story…

When Jesus was crucified there were a couple of criminals who also met the same fate.

“And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.

And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:39–43.)

What’s important to notice here is that this man didn’t have time to perform any religious works. He couldn’t get baptized. He couldn’t do works of charity. He couldn’t give money. He couldn’t feed the hungry or clothe the poor. In fact, the soldiers were going to come shortly and break his legs so that he would suffocate. This man had absolutely no hope.

But he turned to the one who would give him hope––the Lord Jesus Christ.

And in spite of all that that man ever did, in spite of all his sins, some of which he was being crucified for, this man received everlasting life as a free gift from the only one who could provide it.

What about you? Have you called upon the only one who can give you eternal life?