BETRAYAL OF THE CODE-A THIEF’S CONVERSION

A recent article in the British publication, Telegraph, caused me to look afresh at the account of the two thieves crucified with Christ.  All the Synoptic writers make reference to the two, but it is only Luke that gives the account of the conversation in the waning moments of their lives.

And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, ‘Art not thou the Christ? save thyself and us’. But the other answered, and rebuking him said, ‘Dost thou not even 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 to Jesus, ‘Remember me when thou comest in thy kingdom.’  And he said unto him, ‘Verily I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with me in Paradise.’ (Luke 23:39-43)

Men # 3 The Better Destination

Historian Paul Johnson, in his book, “The Quest for God”, states the essential importance of the spiritual questions in life. He says,

The existence or the non-existence of God is the most important question we humans are ever called to answer(emphasis mine).  If God does exist, and if in consequence we are called to another life when this one ends, a momentous set of consequences follows, which should affect every day, every moment almost, of earthly existence.  Our life then becomes a mere preparation for eternity.

If, on the other hand, God does not exist, another momentous set of consequences follows.  This life then becomes the only one we have, we have no duties or obligations except our own interests and pleasures.  There are no commands to follow except what society imposes on us , and even those we may evade if we can get away with it.  In a Godless world, there is no obvious basis for altruism of any kind, moral anarchy takes over and the rule of self prevails.¹