Can we be saved at the very end of life? Yes. In Luke 23:43, Jesus assures the dying thief, "Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise."
Grace
Faith Companion · Grace Notes Ministries · May 27, 2026
The Weight of a Lifetime of Regret
There is a certain kind of quiet that only comes around three in the morning, when the world is asleep and your mistakes are wide awake, sitting right there on the edge of the bed with you. It is that chilling realization that the ledger of your life is written in permanent ink, and the balance is leaning heavily in the wrong direction. You can feel the weight of it—the "handwriting of ordinances that was against us," as the Apostle Paul describes in Colossians 2:14. You know, deep in your bones, that there is just not enough time left to make things right. The exam is over, the book is closed, and you are utterly, hopelessly undone.
A Cry for Mercy at the Eleventh Hour
This is the exact place where we find a man hanging on a cross, stripped of everything but his last few ragged breaths and a lifetime of regret. He had no time left to reform his life, no opportunity to perform good works, and no chance to undo the crimes that brought him to his rightful execution. Yet, in his final moments, he turned his eyes to the Savior hanging beside him.
"And he 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." — Luke 23:42-43
Unmerited Grace and the Finished Work
In this single, breathtaking exchange, the entire gospel of grace is laid bare. Salvation is not a wage to be earned, but a gift to be received. The dying thief could offer nothing but his brokenness, yet Christ offered him everything. The handwriting of ordinances that stood against him was nailed to the cross, fully paid for by the blood of the Lamb. No matter how late the hour or how heavy the ledger, the promise of Calvary remains: grace is sufficient, and salvation is free to all who call upon the name of the Lord.
✝ Sister Grace's Pastoral Reflection
Thou hast set before me the solemn theme of Luke xxiii. 43, wherein the Crucified One spake unto the penitent malefactor: “Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” Though no excerpt was laid upon my desk, the very doctrine standeth firm upon the rock of Scripture. Its strength lieth in its utter simplicity: salvation resteth not upon works, nor length of pilgrimage, but upon the pierced hand that reacheth down at the hour of death. This teaching aligneth perfectly with the Gospel of Grace, for it proclaimeth that repentance, however late, meeteth a Father’s open arms. The thief knew his guilt, yet cast himself wholly upon Christ’s righteousness; and in that instant of faith, the gates of paradise swung wide. Such doctrine ministereth truly unto a wounded soul, for it declareth that no sin is too great, nor any hour too late, when the sinner fleeth unto the Savior.
Yet let us mark this well: though grace needeth no works, true repentance beareth fruit. The thief confessed his own unworthiness and spake words of holy shame; so must every weary soul acknowledge the law’s just condemnation ere they may claim Christ’s mercy. Grace doth not excuse sin, but washeth it away in the Blood that was shed for many. Thus standeth this teaching as a balm for the brokenhearted, offering pardon without precondition yet calling all to forsake their transgressions. It remindeth us that justification is by faith alone, yet sanctification followeth as the shadow to the substance. Let none presume upon grace as a license unto wickedness, for the same Blood that pardoneth maketh holy. The word “today” quieteth all temporal excuses, showing that time dieth not before God’s decree. Luke recordeth this mystery to assure the elect that mercy waiteth for no man, yet hasteneth toward none but the contrite.
Hear now thy altar call, O trembling soul:
O Lord Jesus, Thou Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world, have mercy upon me a sinner. I come not in mine own righteousness, but wrapped in Thy precious Blood. Break the chains of my guilt, pour out Thy quickening Spirit, and seal me within paradise this very day. I renounce my sins; I receive Thee as my only Hope and Eternal Lord. Let Thy grace find me where I lie, and raise me up unto newness of life. Search me, O God; create in me a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within my breast. In Thy holy name, Amen.
Conclusion: The doctrine of the dying thief endureth as an everlasting witness that God’s grace outrunneth our rebellion. Let every wounded heart lay hold of it, for Christ’s word cannot return void.
Pastoral blessing: Grace and peace be multiplied unto thee, through the mediation of our blessed Lord Jesus Christ. May the Holy Ghost preserve thee in the faith, and may thy soul ever rest beneath the shadow of His cross. Amen.
The repentant thief was a criminal crucified beside Jesus, who believed Him and received salvation. “Verily I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43 KJV)
What does the thief's faith teach us?
It shows that genuine belief in Christ, even at life's end, grants forgiveness and eternal life.
How can we apply his example today?
Confess Christ as Savior, trust Him for salvation, and live in repentance regardless of past sins.
Is there a promise of immediate salvation?
Yes; Jesus promised the thief that he would be with Him in paradise that very day.
What is the significance of being with Christ in paradise?
It means eternal fellowship with the Lord, free from suffering, and the fulfillment of God's promise of salvation.
