The Theology of a Thief
Volume 37 – March/April/May 2009
By Michael C. Gaudiosi
I wanted to focus on something that took place at the crucifixion, which I believe, is not mentioned very often from most church pulpits. I want to discuss “The Theology of a Thief”.
Yes, a thief! Actually as the scriptures mention, there were two thieves crucified with Jesus that day, and I wanted to show the difference between the two of them and how only one got it right. I know this may sound a little strange, but please bear with me here.
As we read in Matthews gospel, There were those who mocked Jesus while He was on the cross…including BOTH of the thieves crucified with Him.
Matthew 27: 39-44 -Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left. And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross. Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God. The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.
Notice how the last verse stated both thieves also went along with the people who were mocking Jesus? Luke goes into greater detail. In his gospel, we actually read what both thieves were saying…
Luke 23:39 – And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
However, the other thief , who initially was mocking Jesus, finally came to his senses and recognized the reality of his situation…he was about to die! Knowing this fact, he was not mocking Jesus anymore:
Luke 40: 40-43 – But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.
Notice this thief did not say “dost not thou fear death?” but rather “dost not thou fear GOD?” The most important thing to notice is what he says next…This is truly sound biblical theology and doctrine at it’s best….he says: “…seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.”
Four things to note here:
First, this thief recognized his sinful condition before a Holy God and his desperate need for salvation.
Second, he also recognized the punishment for his crime he was receiving was just and he was getting what he truly deserved.
Third, he also knew Jesus did not deserve to be with them for He was sinless and had not done anything wrong.
Fourth, and most important, this thief knew, and believed, Jesus Christ is truly God! He was saved that very day…as Jesus assured him: And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.”
SOLA SCRIPTURA – THE SCRIPTURE ALONE!
This is sound theology! Yes, I know…theology is a dirty word in many churches today, however, unless we first confess we are sinners and need to be forgiven, we will never have eternal life. Like it or not, we are all criminals in the eyes of the Lord and deserve to be punished for our crimes!
Romans 3:10-12 – As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
Romans 3:23 – For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God
It’s not enough to simply repeat a prayer as most churches do today. We don’t want to tell people they are sinners and have need of a Savior. I came to this reality more than 20 years ago. I knew I was lost in sin and of need of salvation, but I could not save myself. I needed Jesus! There is absolutely nothing you nor I could do to work our way to Heaven:
Isaiah 64:6 – But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
Nobody wants to be told they are sinners and will face Gods wrath for their sins, however scripture says we are sinners:
1 John 1:8 -If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
1 John 1:10 -If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us
However, if we go back to verse nine, there’s hope for the lost sinner:
1 John 1:9 – If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
This was all provided by the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! What glorious and wonderful news this is! Take this example from this thief…he truly knew his theology! We must always be very thankful that because of Jesus Christ and the finished work of the cross of Calvary, we will never get we all truly deserve!
May the Lord bless you!
