In the nick of time or for the time? by Deon Crafford

Luke 23:42-43 And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

I am convinced that many believers find this event on the Cross a little difficult to stomach. Here is a man – a known criminal, who by his mere plea to be remembered, become saved – in the nick of time. No repentance of his sins, no track record of good works, no Christian credibility, and yet he is saved. Uncomfortable for many who have dedicated themselves to the Christian life, who have sacrificed much in order to retain their purity before Christ, and yet someone who has been living the complete opposite, gets saved too? Well, one could argue that Jesus foretold this in the parable of the labourers. Being saved is not like a post-graduate qualification, for which one has worked for a long time – but it happens in a moment when I throw open the door to my life to the knocking Christ and immediately experience the rebirth or renewal of my spirit. All it needs is faith in the assurance that Christ is who He is.

Is being saved a burden in life? Are many people actively resisting, putting up the “not in” sign to the knocking Christ, because being saved is a burden to carry in this world of selfish exploits? Is it fair to say that some fancy their chances on being saved – opening the door – in the nick of time? Or is there a glorious benefit to being saved now and not a moment later. Is the fact that I let Christ into my life and allowing my spirit to be renewed/reborn in Him, not the most empowering thing I can ever do? Does the presence of Christ not make me conquer fear (even though I may feel it); find hope (even though I may get gloomy); deliver forgiveness (even though I may still hurt) and pour out love (even if I remain vulnerable to selfishness)? Being saved is not about avoiding hell, but living the Kingdom life here and now.

Love to all