Another example in the Holy Scriptures which shows us faith alone justifies the sinner, is when Jesus is being crucified along with two criminals:
"And when one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him saying, If thou be the Christ, save thyself and us. But, the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost thou not fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise." - Luke 23:39-43
This man obviously led such a wicked life, he was being put to death for his crimes against humanity. He had been living contrary to all of God's commandments with no care for the ways of God. Caring only for himself, he rarely did anything unselfishly for another. He lived his entire life thwarting both laws of man and God. There were five things he did in order to be forgiven by the Lord:
1. He recognized his lost condition and broken relationship with God.
2. He fully acknowledged this to himself and God.
3. He was sorry for and repented of his rebellion against God.
4. He believed Jesus Christ was the blameless and perfect sacrifice for his sins.
5. After realizing and acknowledging all of this, he called upon the Lord to forgive and save him, not from his earthly, mortal death, but the spiritual one, eternity in Hell, which was just around the corner. And by FAITH ALONE, his salvation was secured instantaneously and for all time!
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