What does it take to get saved?

The story of one thief on the cross Luke 23

By JanEgil Gulbrandsen – Nov. 2013gulbrandsen@islandnet.com

Updated March 2015

• Let The New Testament (the Bible) be the basis for our beliefs and theology

• Don’t let religious traditions and “mans wisdom” blur your vision

• Fear God Luke 23:40

• Acknowledge that you are a sinner and deserve to die Luke 23:41

• Acknowledge that Jesus was without sin Luke 40:41

• “Lord, remember me” when you come into your kingdom Luke 23:42

• Based on this: Jesus grants him entry to paradise (heaven) Luke 40:43

Let’s study the story of the thief on the cross – Luke 23: 39-43

• What took place here:

• To fear God means to recognise that Jesus was (is) the Christ

• You have to acknowledge that you are a sinner (in need of a saviour) (1 John 1:9)

• You have to believe that Jesus is “the Lord” – the God-man that was sent to save mankind from their sins – and were going to his heavenly kingdom ( resurrection and ascension)

• Notice:

• There is no mention of confession of sins - list of specific sins – singular or plural

• There is no “I’m sorry”

• There is no promise “never to sin again”

• All you have to do is to “believe in Him”

• Then he does the rest:

• He saves us

• He gives us new life (you are born again)

• He gives us eternal life (starting immediately)

• We become “one with Christ”

• His Holy Spirit takes up permanent residency in us

• The Spirit now teaches us to say “no to sin”

• Our life now becomes filled with love, joy, peace and patience (the fruit of the Spirit)