November 12, 2009
Thief on the Cross
We all know who the thief on the cross was, but I’m not sure we can say he was a thief. Scripture describes him and the other man crucified with Jesus, simply as criminals. We can’t call him by name, but the criminal who feared God said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” (Luke 23:42 ESV) That day Jesus granted his request and took him to Paradise. Because he was a changed man I can’t see Jesus saying to the saints in heaven, ‘Let me introduce you to my friend the thief on the cross.’ Thankfully when we get to heaven we won’t be known by our sins either.
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Gail;
-----We have heard often that it is not simply in the word “Jesus” that we pray and do things. The name involves the volition, authority, and character of the one named as well. Revelation 3:17 reveals that everyone who enters the Kingdom of Heaven will receive a new name which only he will know. What we were in this twisted life will be washed away, and we will be given a new character with new responsibilities and volition. Most likely, even the word by which we are called will be new. We will definitely be new creatures known by our new natures.
-----But the knowledge of each other won’t be total. It is interesting to note also that the new name inscribed upon the white rock each of us will receive will be known only to the one receiving it. From this I believe that we will maintain a portion of character individual and unique from all others, and that we will not be transparent completely through. We will be holy and righteous completely through, but we will carry on as individuals with unique volition, authority, and character. Even Jesus will have a name there that only He will know (Revelation 19:12). So I believe the social aspects of Heaven will be much like those of earth, but completely without sin or even mistake.
Love you all,
Steve Corey
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