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Did One of the Robbers on the Cross Next to Jesus Repent?

By April 1, 1995November 9th, 2022No Comments

Q.

Why does Mark 15:32 say what it does? I thought one of the robbers repented.

A.
The second part of Mark 15:32 reads, “And they that were crucified with him reviled him.” Mark 15:32 does not contradict Luke 23:42 and 43, which state, “And he [one of the two robbers] said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” Both the Gospel writers were correct.
Mark noted that both robbers reviled Jesus. But Luke noted an obvious change of heart on the part of one of the robbers a little later as the men suffered on their crosses.

This account underscores two important facts. First, one is saved, not by anything he does, but by Christ’s work as the sinless Son of God. The thief had no chance to be baptized, walk an aisle, or sign a decision card.

Second, there is no such thing as universalism, the idea that everyone will somehow waddle into Heaven. One was saved, one wasn’t.

Praise God, one of the men came to see his need and the fact that the One in the middle was truly his Savior!

This article appeared in the “Q & A” column of the Baptist Bulletin (April 1995) by Norman A. Olson. 

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