April 13

PART III.

WE have already witnessed the peculiar situation of the suppliant, and the nature of the prayer he presented to Jesus. Let us now consider the answer which he received. I.—The answer was GRACIOUS—Christ did not reject his prayer—he did not refuse his petition—he did not upbraid him with his crimes; but, with all the majesty of unbounded compassion, he regarded his supplication, and gave him a positive assurance of his gracious regards. II.—The answer was IMMEDIATE—He did not keep him in anxious suspense, or in a state of distressing doubt. The poor petitioner was expiring—he was on the margin of the eternal world—a few moments more, and his state would be irrevocably fixed. Jesus therefore promptly regarded his request, and immediately promised him a place in Paradise. III.—The answer was superabundantly GLORIOUS. He merely desired to be remembered—but Christ promises him an abode in Paradise. He engages that he shall accompany himself, and that very day be a participant with him in the joys of eternity. Then, IV.—The answer was exceedingly STRONG and POSITIVE. Christ places beneath his feet the immutable rock of his repeated promise, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, to-day shalt thou be with me in Paradise.” In this interesting case, we see the fulness, the freeness, and the efficacy of divine grace. No humble penitent after this need despair. No case after this can be deemed too desperate. Christ can save the vilest, yea, and to the uttermost, and under all circumstances, those who come unto God by him. But to secure this salvation, we must come humbly, and earnestly, and by faith, to the fountain opened for sin and uncleanness.

“The dying thief rejoiced to see

That Fountain, in his day;

And there may I, as vile as he,

Wash all my sins away!”