Luke 23:43
And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
Luke 23:43
Jesus responds to the thief with an assurance: “To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” In the midst of execution, Jesus promises immediate, intimate fellowship with God. This short declaration reveals the immediacy of God’s grace and the certainty of Christ’s promise to believers, even at the final moments of life.
This verse underscores the Gospel’s core: salvation is by grace through faith, not by time or works. Paradise (a present or future state of blessed communion with God) is granted to the penitent believer. It also foreshadows the reversal of expectations—those overlooked by society (a dying criminal) are welcomed into the Kingdom, highlighting the inclusive reach of God’s mercy.
For readers today, the verse offers assurance that God’s grace can reach us at any stage of life. It invites you to trust Jesus’ promise even when you feel unworthy or late to faith. In practical terms, this could mean embracing repentance, forgiveness, and the hope of eternal life as you navigate late-season life decisions, aging, or difficult circumstances. Share this message with others who feel they’ve messed up beyond repair—God’s grace meets the penitent in their moment of need.
Cross-References: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10; Romans 8:38-39; Revelation 22:17