THE THREE CROSSES OF CALVARY: ONE SAVED, ONE LOST, ONE SAVIOR

THREE CROSSES STOOD ON CALVARY

But only one man entered paradise that day.

The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ was crucified between two criminals.  This was not random—it fulfilled prophecy and revealed a powerful truth about salvation.

“Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with Him to be executed… One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at Him… But the other criminal rebuked him… Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.’ Jesus answered him, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in paradise.’”

— Luke 23:32, 39–43 (NIV)

THE TWO RESPONSES TO JESUS:

These two men represent two eternal responses:

·      One rejected Him, even in suffering

·      One acknowledged Him as King and asked for mercy

Both were guilty.

Both were near Jesus.

BUT ONLY ONE BELIEVED.

What can we learn from this:

·      Being close to sacred things does not replace personal faith.

·      A hardened heart can resist God even in moments of pain.

·      A humble heart can find God even at the edge of death.

WHO WERE THEY?

The Bible does not record their names. They are simply described as criminals under Roman judgement. Later Christian tradition refers to them as (these names are not found in Scripture but appear in historical writings.):

Dismas — the repentant thief

Gestas — the unrepentant thief

THE REVELATION OF THE CROSS

1. SALVATION IS BY GRACE, NOT WORKS

The repentant thief had no time to perform good works, restore what he had stolen, or live a changed life outwardly. Yet, by faith alone, he received eternal life.

·      Salvation is a gift given, not a wage earned (Ephesians 2:8–9).

·      God looks at the sincerity of the heart, not the length of time.

·      One genuine encounter with Christ can change an eternal destiny.

2. TRUE FAITH RECOGNIZES JESUS AS KING

The repentant thief said, “remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”

·      He saw royalty in a rejected Savior.

·      Faith perceives what the natural eye cannot see.

·      Honor for Christ opens the door for mercy from Christ.

3. THE FEAR OF GOD PRODUCES REPENTANCE

The repentant criminal rebuked the other criminal, saying, “Do you not fear God…?”

·      The fear of God aligns the heart with truth (Proverbs 9:10).

·      Acknowledging guilt is the beginning of transformation.

·      Justifying God instead of self invites divine mercy.

4. JESUS RESPONDS TO FAITH IMMEDIATELY

“Today you will be with Me in paradise.”

·      God does not delay in responding to genuine faith.

·      Salvation is not a gradual approval—it is a decisive moment.

·      When a sinner turns, heaven responds instantly (Luke 15:7).

5. THE CROSS IS THE GREAT DIVIDER OF HUMANITY

The three crosses stood:

·      One for the Savior

·      One for the one who believed

·      One for the one who rejected

The cross reveals the condition of every heart. Neutrality is not possible—every soul must respond. Eternity is shaped by the decision made at the cross.

6. IT IS NEVER TOO LATE—UNTIL IT IS

One thief was saved at the final hour:

·      God’s mercy reaches to the very end of life.

·      Delay is dangerous because tomorrow is not promised.

·      Opportunity must be received while it is still called “today” (Hebrews 3:15).

KEY INSIGHT

What can we take away from these insights? 

·      This moment on the cross reflects all humanity. Two people can be equally broken, equally close to Jesus, and yet respond differently.

·      The condition of the heart matters more than the history of the life.

·      Grace is available to all, but not all will receive it.

·      The same presence of Christ softens one heart and hardens another.

No one is beyond the reach of God’s mercy.  Even at the final moment, faith in Jesus opens the door to eternal life. Salvation is secured by faith, not by past performance. Romans 5:20 tells us God’s mercy is greater than the weight of sin, and a heart turned to Jesus will never be rejected by Him (John 6:37). 

You may be closer to Jesus than you realise. The question is not your past—but your response. Every encounter with Christ carries eternal significance so the opportunity to respond to Him is a gift that must not be ignored. Your decision about Jesus determines your eternal destination.

Blessings

Toby

Dr Marishjean Paton Dr.Div PhD

Melqowsh Ministries and Melqowsh Bible College

Our thanks to Toby for this month’s Blog contribution

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