THE CROSS---THE GREAT DIVIDE

We know from reading scripture that the Cross of Calvary, where Jesus died for the sins of mankind, is the central point of history. As you know two thieves were crucified that day with Jesus, one on either side of Him. This was not a coincidence, but was meant to show us a tremendous truth. Today one of those men is in hell, while the other is in paradise with Jesus. (Luke 23:39-43). Their eternal destiny depended on the choice they made that day.

That was over 2000 years ago, but the truth brought out by that event, has not, and will never change. Our eternal destination depends on the choice we make in regards to Jesus. One man rejected Christ and railed out against Him in unbelief, while the other cried out "Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom", and we read in (Luke 23:43) Jesus replied to him "I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise". This man had no opportunity to be baptised or join a church, he simply believed that Jesus could, and would save him, when he cried out to Him in faith. And we have it recorded in the words of Jesus the message that should bring assurance to every person who truly believes in their heart that Jesus is who He says He is!

We should be able to learn from this incident recorded in Holy Scripture, the importance of our decision in regards to Jesus. Religion and church doctrine may tell us a lot of different things about how we receive salvation, but here we have the basic truth. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved. We can expect to meet this thief one day when we either die and are resurrected, or are raptured when Jesus returns to earth to destroy the antichrist, and put an end to the great tribulation.

That is why we can refer to the cross as the "great divide" because we must believe that what Jesus did on that "old rugged cross" paid the price for our sin and separation from our Creator God. Our part in this transaction is to follow Paul's words as recorded in (Rom 10:9-10), confess, believe, and receive. Following this initial act there is much for us to learn about becoming a disciple, or a follower of Jesus. A lifetime is required to learn all there is to know about preparing ourselves to be a citizen of the Kingdom of God. And some day we will rule and reign with the King, when His Kingdom is fully manifested here on planet earth for eternity!

Sincerely submitted---Dave Jamer