"Analyzing the essential elements of the conversion of the penitent criminal on the cross at Golgotha."
Recorded on: Sunday, 02/08/2026 at 10:00 AM
Description:
Delivered during the Sunday Morning Worship Service, 2/8/2026. We have before us a rare and beautiful passage that is peculiar to Luke's Gospel alone-- the conversion and eternal salvation of a man under the most extraordinary circumstances. Luke enjoys conversion experiences and we find them scattered throughout both his Gospel and the book of Acts. But the wicked nature of this man, the crimes he has committed, the guilt that he admits, the intensity of his circumstances, and the sudden repentance and belief, all work together to make this a stunning example of the Christian conversion experience. We will carefully analyze the words of this criminal, noticing the inexplicable crystalline clarity with which he suddenly sees his spiritual condition, despite his physical pain and imminent death. We will seek to understand Jesus' second "word" from the Cross as He promises eternal salvation to one criminal but not the other. Ultimately we will celebrate as we witness the glorious Gospel at Golgotha, through the regeneration of the Holy Spirit, the redemption of the Son and the election of the Father-- of a sinner who is no less unworthy than you or me!
