I’m continually amazed at the depth of the scriptures, how a passage that is so short and familiar has riches that only reveal themselves after repeated reading, sometimes over the course of years! I had that very experience this morning, when I read through Luke 23:39-43, which relates the testimony of the “thief on the cross.” Often, we focus simply on the fact that he was saved at the last moment – which is, of course, true and miraculous! Yet, there is much more to be learned from his example. I was excited to see that one of my favorite authors, J. C. Ryle, thought along similar lines. Speaking of what we can learn from the thief’s conversation with Jesus, Ryle notes…
The first notable step in the thief’s repentance was his concern about his companion’s wickedness in reviling Christ. “Dost thou not fear God,” he said, “seeing thou art in the same condemnation.”—The second step was a full acknowledgment of his own sin. “We indeed are justly in condemnation. We receive the due reward of our deeds.”—The third step was an open confession of Christ’s innocence. “This man hath done nothing amiss.”—The fourth step was faith in Jesus Christ’s power and will to save him. He turned to a crucified sufferer, and called Him “Lord,” and declared his belief that He had a kingdom. The fifth step was prayer. He cried to Jesus when he was hanging on the cross, and asked Him even then to think upon his soul.—The sixth and last step was humility. He begged to be “remembered” by our Lord. He mentions no great thing. Enough for him if he is remembered by Christ. These six points should always be remembered in connection with the penitent thief. His time was very short for giving proof of his conversion. But it was time well used. Few dying people have ever left behind them such good evidences as were left by this man.
Ryle, J. C. 1879. Expository Thoughts on Luke. Vol. 2. New York: Robert Carter & Brothers.
Ryle’s notes later quote from a commentator named Ness regarding what the thief revealed of his beliefs through his words…
The remarks of Ness on this wonderful prayer are worth reading “This short prayer contained a very large and long creed, the articles whereof are these. 1. He believed that the soul died not with the body of man;—2. That there is a world to come for rewarding the pious and penitent, and for punishing the impious and impenitent;—3. That Christ, though now under crucifying and killing tortures, yet had right to a kingdom;—4. That this kingdom was in a better world than the present evil world;—5. That Christ would not keep this kingdom all to himself;—6. That He would bestow a part and portion hereof on those that are truly penitent;—7. That the key of this kingdom did hang at Christ’s girdle, though he now hung dying on the cross;—8. That he does roll his whole soul for eternal salvation upon a dying Saviour.
Ryle, J. C. 1879. Expository Thoughts on Luke. Vol. 2. New York: Robert Carter & Brothers.
