Jesus was crucified between two criminals, and according to one of them, they deserved that punishment.

Luke 23:32 Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. 33 When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals one on his right, the other on his left.

Why did God choose Jesus to be crucified between two criminals instead of being crucified, for example, between two apostles?

The answer is simple: Those two criminals and their attitudes on the cross represent, nothing more than we do, our attitudes and our decisions.

Luke 23:39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!

Luke 23:40 But the other criminal rebuked him. Don't you fear God, he said, since you are under the same sentence?

1st We were all condemned to death for our sins and were worthy of God's curse and death sentence.

2nd Every day we have the opportunity to:

• Repent of our sins, recognize Jesus as the one, who innocently gave his life for us, so that our death sentence was cancelled, to receive salvation and eternal life by God's side.

• Or if we reject Jesus' sacrifice, blaspheming against God, with words or attitudes, then there will be definitive separation from God and the condemnation to death will be fulfilled.

The Bible says that: Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

The Bible also says: 1 John 3:8 ...He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work.

Jesus said: John 5:24 I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.

One of the criminals who was crucified with Jesus chose to remain in sin, did not recognize his mistakes and consequently did not repent.

This criminal mocked Jesus and tempted Jesus, asking that salvation be independent of his faith and repentance, only for Jesus to show his power.

The other criminal, on the contrary, showed:

• Fear of God.
Luke 23:40 ... Don't you fear God ...

• Acknowledge your mistakes and demonstrate repentance.
Luke 23:41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.

• he recognized the holiness and sovereignty of Jesus.
Luke 23:41 ... But this man has done nothing wrong. 42 Then he said, Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.

Jesus' response was immediate, the repentant criminal received the promise of salvation for that very day.
Luke 23:43 Jesus answered him, I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.

The attitudes that lead to salvation remain the same, for God does not change.

Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

AND THESE ATTITUDES ARE:

• Repentance from the practice of sin.

• Stop sinning.

• Be faithful to God.

• Believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that He gave His life for us and only He has the power to save.

Practice these attitudes out of faith and love for God and you will be SAVED.

The Lord bless you and keep you.

Pastor Val Martins