Did the thief realize the power of Jesus’ blood to atone for sins? Even Jesus’ closest disciples hardly understood at the time, despite hearing about His blood on two occasions (John 6:53-56 and Matthew 26:28, with Mark 14:24 and Luke 22:20). At the time, the thief’s theology could not be so far advanced as to consciously place trust in the atoning sacrifice of God’s Son.
Are we saved exactly like the thief—by asking alone, without trusting in the cleansing blood? Today, Christ expects us to respond through faith in His blood (Romans 3:25). You see, something has changed since the time of the thief. The Lord has revealed more truth since then, just as He promised (John 16:13). He expects our call, our faith response, to include the fundamental truth of the atonement.
Did the thief believe in the resurrection of Jesus? Jesus had alluded to His resurrection (Matthew 12:40; John 2:19). He had spoken privately with His disciples about it (Matthew 16:21). Yet they neither comprehended it nor expected it (Matthew 17:23; Mark 8:32; 9:10, 32). Did the thief know more than the apostles? If not, he was in no position to trust in the saving Gospel as we know it: “Christ died for our sins…was buried… was raised on the third day” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). These facts were beyond the grasp of the thief for a very simple reason: they had not happened yet.
Faith in Christ’s death and resurrection is essential.
Are you saved exactly like the thief? Does God save you by calling alone, without faith in Christ’s death, burial and resurrection? No, for Paul says that those Gospel truths save you “if you hold fast” to them (1 Corinthians 15:1-2). He reveals that the Lord’s resurrection is now central to your response.
If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved (Romans 10:9).
God expects your call, your faith response, to include the fundamental truth of the resurrection.