Luke 23:39-43

1. We see the sovereignty of God in saving sinners.
2. We see the unvarying character of repentance unto salvation.
3. We see the amazing power and willingness of Christ to save sinners.
4. We see how near a dying believer is to eternal rest and glory.

"One thief was saved so that no sinner might despair. But only one was saved so that no sinner might presume."

"Let us beware of a repentance without evidences."

"Do we want proof that salvation is of grace and not of works? WE have it in the case before us. The dying thief was nailed hand and foot to the cross. He could do literally nothing for his own soul. Yet even he, through Christ's infinite grace, was saved."

"Let us remember these things when our believing friends fall asleep in Christ. We must not sorrow for them as those who have no hope. While we are sorrowing, they are rejoicing."

Questions:

1. We see in this famous account that both men were equally near to Christ, and both heard the same things, but only one repents and believes, and the other dies in his sins. Ryle points out that this should greatly humble us and cause us to diligently use all the means of grace that God has appointed. Do we take Bible reading and the pastoral ministry of preaching and teaching for granted? Do we treat fellowship cheaply or do we value it?
2. Ryle points out what many leave out, namely the 6 various evidences of repentance seen in the dying thief: his concern for his companion's wickedness, full acknowledgement of his own sin, an open confession of Christ's innocence, faith in Christ's power and will to save, prayer, and humility. Are we guilty of not seeing these things and finding comfort in this dying thief's death-bed conversion without repentance?
3. Christ, who forgave the thief on the cross, still lives. Does this not give us hope that God can save even the most unlikely? Doesn't this give us hope to keep pursuing Christ?
4. Jesus tells the penitent thief that he will be with Him today in paradise. Ryle points out that this should give us hope in the midst of sorrowing over a believer's death, and also gives us joy in looking forward to our own deaths. As Philippians 1:23 says, "to live is Christ and to die is gain." How does that encourage us in our walk with Christ today?