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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: My buddy and I were arrested for a petty crime and did a few days in jail. Upon release, I parted ways with my friend because he was still devising ways we could make some money and skirt the law. As he walked away, he screamed at me and said, “Guess you’re the good thief and I’m the bad one!” That has never left my mind. But what does that have to do with the two thieves at the cross? – T.C.

A: The thieves on either side of Jesus at Calvary represented all that is sinful and loathsome in humanity. They had lived selfishly, greedily, and murderously. But one of them, repentant and broken, had the faith to turn to Jesus and confess Him as Lord. “Then he said to Jesus, ‘Lord, remember me’” (Luke 23:42, NKJV). Christ, ever ready to save, assured him saying, “Today you will be with Me in Paradise” (v. 43, NKJV).

Sin’s masterpiece of shame and hate became God’s masterpiece of mercy and forgiveness. Through the death of Jesus upon the cross, sin itself was crucified for those who believe in Him. Jesus came for the express purpose of dying for sinners. The cross shows the seriousness of our sin – but it also shows us the immeasurable love of God. Like the thief on the cross, when we come to the point of realizing our need of cleansing, God shows us that “the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7, NKJV).

Many today are living selfishly and godlessly and are wondering what they can do to undo the past and change the future course of their lives. They can come by repentance of sin and faith to the cross and receive Christ as their Lord and Savior.

The cross is the only way to salvation, and the cross gives a new purpose to life.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

©2025 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

(c)2025 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.