**The thief was not judged for his crime but rewarded for his choice of Jesus.** In Red Church today, Pastor Bob Yandian teaches about the two thieves crucified with Jesus. He shares insights on grace, salvation without works, and the significance of Jesus' sacrifice. Understand how these biblical principles highlight the importance of faith over deeds and God's desire for all to be saved.

Pastor Bob teaches about the two thieves crucified alongside Jesus, as recorded in Luke 23:42-43. He explains that neither thief had heard Jesus preach or witnessed His miracles, though they may have heard of Him and His works. Both thieves observed how Jesus remained silent when He was beaten and crucified, and they heard Him pray, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they're doing."

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He goes on to reveal that the veil of the temple was torn from top to bottom at Jesus' death, not to let God out, but to allow us to enter. He encourages us to remain in God's presence and to repent of our sins whenever we fail Him. Pastor Bob illustrates that we represent the thieves on the cross, noting that they didn't perform any charitable works, yet still made it to the kingdom of God. Their salvation was not based on good works, as Ephesians 2:8-9 states, we are saved by grace through faith, and not by works, so that no one can boast.

Pastor Bob emphasizes that salvation is not dependent on our good works, nor are good works required to maintain our salvation. He explains that God chose two thieves to be crucified alongside Jesus to represent all of humanity and illustrate two responses to the gospel: one accepted Jesus, while the other rejected Him. He points us to Acts 17:26, which shows that God made all nations from one man, so they would inhabit the entire earth, and determined the appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands.

He further warns that our good works cannot take us to heaven; only through faith in Jesus can we be saved, as He alone makes us righteous and worthy of heaven. Pastor Bob emphasizes that heaven and hell are our choices, as God desires that all people be saved, as stated in 1 Timothy 2:4. He concludes by emphasizing that the thief was not punished for his crimes but was rewarded for his choice to accept Jesus.

May 31, 2026