Questions for further study:

1.  Read the conversation between Jesus and the two criminals on the cross in Luke 23:32-43. What is the difference between the men on either side of Jesus?  What does this teach us about salvation?

2.  Study Galatians 6:7-9.  What are the consequences of sin?  What are the consequences of pleasing God?  How does one please God? (see also Hebrews 11:6).

3.  Romans 3:23 talks about how “all have sinned and fall short”.  In what way are we similar to the men on the crosses?  Now read verses 24 and 25.  What happens to the sinner who confesses his sin and puts his faith in Christ?

4.  Jesus saved just one of the men who hung on the cross.  What “good deeds” did that man do to deserve this salvation?  What does Ephesians 2:8 say about how we are saved?

5.  Look at 1 John 1:8-18 and James 5:16.  What is the importance of confessing our sins to God and to one another?  Is there anything you need to confess today?