We have before us in this portion of scripture two malefactors. In them we find examples of the two great classes of people into which the human race is divided. The believing thief represents those who are saved by the free and soverign grace of God through the blood and righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ. The unbelieving thief represents those who live and die in rebellion against Christ and perish in their sins. Let me show you two things.
1. There was no essential difference between these two men.
Their natures, their recorded histories, their circumstances were the same. At first, both were mockers of Christ (Matt.27:38-44 and Mark 15:32). I want to establish this point that there was no difference between them, because some have labored to prove that there was a distinction. Some say one was not as bad as the other, that the thief who believed had some redeeming qualities which led him to be more receptive to God's salvation in Christ. Yet, the Scriptures are clear: they were both alike at first. Both were guilty of horrible crimes against Rome. Each was a convicted malefactor, getting his just punishment. Both were unbelievers, both were unrepentant and both were opposed to Jesus Christ. I can see no reason to set forth a natural distinction between them except to tarnish the luster of the grace of God that shines so brilliantly in the salvation of one of these men!
Now, let us learn a lesson. What was true of these two men – no difference – is also true of all mankind. All of us are alike in our separation from a holy God. We are all under the dominion, power, control, and influence of sin (Rom. 3:9). "There is no difference, for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God" (Rom. 3:22-23). It is true that all have not manifested sinfulness to the same degree, but that is not due to some being better than others. It is because God in His providence has been pleased to restrain some from committing grosser sins while allowing others to give expression to their natural vileness. The fact is, we are all corrupt and capable of any sinful atrocity, if God lets us go. The human heart is the seed bed in which may be found the beginning of every sin that has ever stained the pages of human history. There is no difference; this puts us all on the same level.
I hope you realize how vital it is that we see this truth of "no difference." It is only when we see our vileness in the bright light of the holiness of God that we will take our place as worthless sinners who need an all-sufficient Savior. Then, and only then, can we begin to appreciate and enter in the fullness, the freeness and the completeness of God's gracious salvation. The message of Christ's completed work of redemption will become good news to us when we are made to realize that such is our condition. There was no other way for sinners to be reconciled to God except by the doing and the dying of the Lord Jesus Christ.
2. God made a difference between them. While there was no essential difference between these two men by nature, it is evident by the belief of the one and the unbelief of the other than God made a distinction between them.
A. The believing thief was made different by the sovereign choice of God. The Lord chose this man unto salvation before the foundation of the world and ordained him unto eternal life ( Thess. 2:13-14; Acts 13:48). "Who maketh thee to differ from another?" (I Cor. 4:7).
B. He was made different by the substitutionary sacrifice of Christ. God shows mercy to the sinful because Jesus Christ finished the transgressions, made an end of sins, made reconciliation for iniquity and brought in everlasting righteousness by His death upon the cross of Calvary (Dan. 9:24). Let's be clear: the saving grace of God comes to sinners, because Christ died that God might be just and Justifier. We are justified by the grace of God on the basis of the blood of Christ (Rom. 3:24; 5:9).
C. He was made different by the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit in him. The thief who believed had lived his life in unbelief and rebellion just like his partner in crime. But, God had put a difference between these two men (Ex. 11:7), and now the time for love had arrived (Ez. 16:8). The Holy Spirit quickened him by almighty grace and granted him faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. This effectual work of the Spirit is evidenced by his words. He condemned himself by saying, "We receive the due reward for our deeds." A sinner dealt with in grace will justify the Lord in the judgement of sin (Psa. 51:4). He honored the righteous character of the Savior: "This man hath done nothing amiss." He humbly bowed to the Lordship of Christ and cried, "Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom." While everbody else was railing on Christ, this man, in the face of all the oposition to the Savior, professed the spotless humanity and glorious Lordship of Christ. By the gracious work of the Spirit in him, one thief believed on Christ to the salvation of his soul. The marvelous answer to his cry was, "Today thou shalt be with me in paradise."
Conclusion: Who can estimate the contrast between these two men? To put it simply: one was saved and the other was lost. But who made the difference? For two thousand years one has been in paradise and the other in torment. Who made the difference? I say again, these two men represent the great classes into which mankind has been divided since the days of Abel and Cain until now. Some are saved. Others are lost. Some are recipients of God's special, distinguishing love. Others are not. Some are redeemed by the blood of Christ; others are not. Some are the objects of the powerful and continual intercessory work of Christ; others are not. Some will be brought to eternal happiness in the presence of the King; others will not.