I want to challenge you to think about the question in the subject line. Can a murderer, a mass murderer, a serial killer go to heaven? While you are digesting this a moment let we ask these questions: Can a robber go to heaven? Can a thief go to heaven? Can a liar go to heaven? Can a hypocrite go to heaven?
Then comes the question - which is the lesser sin? OR, is there a lesser sin? What is the difference between a little 'white' lie and a bold face black lie?
Well, let us look at some sources that I would believe quite credible. First, Billy Graham shares with us that all life is sacred in God's eyes. In the Old Testament if a life was taken by a man, then he would give his life as well. Exodus 20:13 of the commandments says we shall not murder.
So, can a murderer be forgiven? Well, let us look further. Do you know, or know of someone who has intentionally killed? Well, I do believe we all have, specially if you are a Christian and have studied your Bible. One killer, murderer, that we all tend to hold is high esteem is a man who was named Saul of Tarsus; later becoming Paul. Here is a man who held or watched the cloaks of men who were stoning Stephen. Folks, he was as involved as if he had cast the first stone and he totally approved. He relished in persecuting the Christians as he was a zealous Pharisee. So, now we have a man who has killed.
Well, what about a "LESSER SIN" (if their be such a thing) such as stealing. When Jesus was hung on the cross, according to texts and tradition, he was hung between 2 thieves. Can a thief be saved? Well, let us look at what took place. The one thief chided Jesus saying if you really are the Christ save yourself and us. The other thief rebuffed the first thief saying: (Luke 23; 40-41) Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
This thief had the correct perspective, but see what happens next: (Luke 23: 42-43)42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. 43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.
So, now I ask you, can a thief be forgiven? Here is a quote from Billy Graham put out by his association, and I quote: "Never forget: None of us deserves God’s forgiveness and salvation. No matter who we are, the Bible says we all have sinned, and we all deserve only God’s judgment. But the good news is this: God loves us, and Christ came into the world to save us. When we repent of our sins and receive Him into our hearts, God has promised to forgive us—completely and fully."
Well, what about when we are saved? Don't we need to accept Christ early in life and then study the scriptures? The answer is NO. The thief went with Jesus that day; how awesome is that? Does it matter that one has been a Christian 40, 50, 60+ years and another only days? Jesus spoke this parable about the man who hired the workers in his vineyard - Matthew 20:1-16 The men who worked all day, 12 hours worked for a penny; the men who came in the 11th hour also received a penny.
Does it matter when we come to Christ? We have learned that we can be saved, even at the very hour of our death, and yet this is not the reality for all. It comes down to a matter of faith. It is never too late to repent, and to announce your faith in Jesus! The important fact is: Do you accept Jesus Christ as your saviour? Then you are now a true child of God, a believer, a Christian. So, whether I am a Billy Graham, spending my life working for Christ, OR, a thief on the cross who only accepted Christ a few hours - I am a child of God, raised from a spiritual death through the grace and power of Jesus' resurrection.
Thank you for reading with me today. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny
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