Title
Wrong Theology, Right Heart
Scripture
Then he said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom."
(Luke 23:42)
Devotional
Less than ten words were spoken by this thief confessing Christ as Lord. Nevertheless, his faith was sufficient unto salvation. He wasn't in church, he didn't get baptized or do anything other than acknowledge Christ. To which Jesus responded, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise."[13] Faith in Christ and faith alone is what is needed to find everlasting favor with God. The thief's request was not even correct. He was most likely thinking of the messiah who the Jews believed was coming to overthrow the Roman occupation of Israel. We do not know what all was on his mind, but God knew what was in his heart. The thief who blasphemed said what sounded to be the most correct, "If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us."[14] Therefore it is not so much the words that we speak, as it is the attitude of the heart and the object of our faith.