Christian hope

The Thief on the Cross: Proof That Grace Needs No Resume

Published July 26, 2025 | By amabaysidegiggers

️ The Thief on the Cross: Proof That Grace Needs No Resume

He was no saint. No scholar. No servant. His hands, now pierced, had held instruments of crime. His body, wrecked by punishment, bore the marks of justice delivered. And yet, in his final breath — while nailed beside the Savior of the world — something eternal unfolded.

The thief on the cross didn’t earn a place in paradise. He received it.

This isn’t just a footnote in the crucifixion story. It’s a declaration: salvation isn’t complicated — it’s impossible without grace.

A Glimpse of the Unexpected

At Calvary, three crosses stood, but only one bore innocence. The man in the middle, Jesus Christ, bled for sins He didn’t commit. On either side, criminals — condemned not just by Rome, but by their own choices — shared the moment.

One thief mocked Him: “If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.” (Luke 23:39 KJV)

The other rebuked his partner in crime. Something had awakened within him. Fear of God. Recognition of guilt. Awareness of truth.

“Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?” he asked. Then turning to Jesus, he spoke words that would echo for centuries:

“Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.” — Luke 23:42 (KJV)

He didn’t ask for healing. He didn’t demand freedom. He simply reached — with the kind of faith only desperation can inspire.

A Promise from the King

Then Jesus responded with divine finality:

“Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.” — Luke 23:43 (KJV)

He didn’t tell the thief to get baptized. Didn’t tell him to make restitution. No formula, no sacraments, no checklist. Just a promise.

This wasn’t a poetic sentiment or ambiguous comfort. It was either absolute truth — or a staggering lie. And since Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6 KJV), we accept it as the former.

Christ’s words answer one of Christianity’s most misunderstood questions: What does it take to be saved?

Understanding True Repentance

Critics have asked: was the thief truly repentant, or simply hedging bets in his final hour?

Let’s consider his posture:

He admitted guilt.
He feared God.
He acknowledged Jesus as King.
And he surrendered — with no expectation of physical reward.

That’s not manipulation. That’s repentance. A heart bowed low, awakened by grace.

His change wasn’t intellectual — it was spiritual. And what happened next confirms it. Jesus didn’t ignore him. He welcomed him.

“And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.” — Luke 23:43 (KJV)
Either the thief was truly saved — or Jesus is a liar. And we know He is the way, the truth, and the life.

⚖️ Not Saved by Works

In the thief’s final hours, he had no opportunity to come down and do good deeds. No charity. No service. No preaching.

He had nothing to offer — and that’s precisely the point.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast.” — Ephesians 2:8–9 (KJV)

The thief’s salvation stands as eternal proof: it is God who saves, not man who earns.

️ Can Last-Minute Salvation Be Real?

There’s a tendency among believers to be skeptical of late conversions. They question authenticity. Was it emotional? Was it sincere?

Scripture answers with clarity:

“And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.” — John 16:8 (KJV)

No soul turns toward God without the Holy Spirit’s prompting. And when the thief opened his lips to ask for mercy, Heaven had already begun the work in his heart.

Consider This

The thief never came down off his cross — but Jesus came up from the grave.

That’s the story.

The nail-scarred Savior who welcomed a criminal into paradise is the same one who welcomes anyone today — with no prerequisites beyond faith.

And for the skeptics who still ask, “Was the thief truly saved?” we simply offer Christ’s words:

“Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.” — Luke 23:43 (KJV)

Can Heaven Be Seen From Earth?

Published July 11, 2025 | By amabaysidegiggers

️ Can Heaven Be Seen From Earth? Biblical Accounts of Sightings

What does heaven look like? Can we see heaven from Earth? These questions have stirred the hearts of believers for generations. While heaven isn’t visible in the way we see stars or mountains, the Bible offers powerful glimpses into its reality—through spiritual visions, divine encounters, and prophetic revelations.

This article explores Christian beliefs about heaven and highlights Bible verses about heaven that show how God occasionally opened the eyes of His people to witness eternal truths. These moments weren’t ordinary—they were purposeful, personal, and deeply spiritual.

Isaiah’s Vision: A Glimpse of Glory

One of the most vivid heavenly encounters in the Bible comes from the prophet Isaiah. During a time of national mourning, Isaiah was given a vision that revealed the majesty of God’s throne.

“In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.”
— Isaiah 6:1 (KJV)

This wasn’t a physical journey into the sky—it was a spiritual unveiling. Isaiah saw seraphim proclaiming God’s holiness, and the vision led him to repentance and a divine calling. It’s one of the clearest examples of what heaven looks like according to Scripture.

Ezekiel’s Encounter: Symbolism and Awe

Ezekiel’s vision is rich with symbolism and mystery. He saw radiant beings, wheels within wheels, and the glory of God moving like a storm.

“And I looked, and, behold, a whirlwind came out of the north, a great cloud, and a fire infolding itself… also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures.”
— Ezekiel 1:4–5 (KJV)

This spiritual vision in Scripture wasn’t about geography—it was about divine presence. Ezekiel’s experience reminds us that heaven in the Bible is often revealed through imagery that points to God’s power and mobility, even in times of exile.

Stephen’s Final Glimpse: Heaven Opened

Stephen, the first Christian martyr, was granted a profound vision just before his death. As he was being stoned, he looked upward and saw heaven opened.

“But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God.”
— Acts 7:55 (KJV)

This wasn’t metaphorical—it was a direct biblical account of heaven. Jesus standing, rather than seated, is seen by many as a sign of divine welcome. It’s a deeply personal moment that affirms the reality of heaven and the reward of faith.

Paul’s Journey to the Third Heaven

The Apostle Paul described an experience so extraordinary that he spoke of it in the third person.

“I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago… such an one caught up to the third heaven.”
— 2 Corinthians 12:2 (KJV)

Though Paul didn’t detail what heaven looks like, his account confirms that heaven is real and accessible—not through human effort, but by divine grace. The “third heaven” refers to the highest realm, beyond the sky and stars, where God dwells.

John’s Revelation: Heaven’s Door Opens

The book of Revelation begins with John being invited into heaven’s realm—a vision that would shape Christian eschatology.

“After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven… and immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.”
— Revelation 4:1–2 (KJV)

John’s vision is one of the most detailed Bible verses about heaven, filled with worship, judgment, and redemption. It shows that heaven is not passive—it’s active, glorious, and central to God’s eternal plan.

Consider This

So, can we see heaven from Earth? Not with human eyes—but through spiritual visions in Scripture, we catch glimpses that stir our hearts and anchor our hope. These biblical accounts of heaven remind us that:

Heaven is real, even if unseen.
God is near, even when we feel far.
Faith is rooted in revelation, not speculation.

“For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face…”
— 1 Corinthians 13:12 (KJV)

As believers, we walk by faith, trusting that one day we will see fully what has only been partially revealed. Until then, we hold fast to the glimpses God has given—and the promise that heaven is our eternal home.

“Understanding the Rapture: Dr. David Jeremiah’s Insights and Common Misconceptions”

Published July 23, 2024 | By amabaysidegiggers

“Understanding the Rapture: Dr. David Jeremiah’s Insights and Common Misconceptions”

In the realm of Christian eschatology, few topics spark as much intrigue and debate as the Rapture. This prophesied event, where believers are caught up to meet Christ in the air, has captivated the minds of Christians for generations. Today, we’ll explore four essential truths about the Rapture, as highlighted by renowned Bible teacher Dr. David Jeremiah, and then delve into some common misconceptions surrounding this fascinating subject.

4 Essential Truths About the Rapture

1. Signs of the Times

Dr. Jeremiah emphasizes that while we cannot predict the exact timing of the Rapture, certain signs suggest its approach. One significant indicator is the increasing prevalence of deception, as Jesus warned:

“Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.” (Matthew 24:4-5, KJV)

This deception manifests in various forms, from false messiahs to misleading ideologies. As Christians, we must remain vigilant and discerning, anchoring ourselves firmly in God’s Word.

2. The Futility of Date-Setting

While it’s natural to wonder about the Rapture’s timing, Scripture is clear that its exact date is known only to God. Jesus Himself stated:

“But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.” (Matthew 24:36, KJV)

Dr. Jeremiah strongly cautions against attempts to predict the specific date of the Rapture. Instead, we should focus on living each day in anticipation of Christ’s return, fostering spiritual readiness and motivating us to serve God faithfully in the present.

3. The Inclusivity of the Rapture

A common concern among Christians is whether they will be part of the Rapture if their physical bodies have been destroyed or cremated. Dr. Jeremiah offers reassurance, emphasizing God’s unlimited power to resurrect and transform our bodies. The apostle Paul addressed this:

“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, KJV)

4. The Judgment Seat of Christ

After the Rapture, believers will stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ. This judgment is not about determining salvation but evaluating our earthly works and service to God. Paul describes this event:

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” (2 Corinthians 5:10, KJV)

Common Misconceptions About the Rapture

As we delve deeper into this topic, it’s crucial to address some widespread misconceptions that have emerged over time:

1. The Rapture is a Secret Event

Contrary to popular belief, the Rapture is not described as a silent, secret occurrence. The very passage that speaks of believers being “caught up” portrays it as a loud, public event with “a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, KJV).

2. The Rapture Teaching is Ancient and Universally Accepted

Interestingly, the concept of a pre-tribulation Rapture as commonly taught today did not exist before the 1800s. It was introduced by John Darby and gained popularity through the Scofield Reference Bible. This relatively recent origin doesn’t negate its potential validity but does highlight the importance of careful biblical study.

3. The Word “Rapture” Appears in the Bible

The term “rapture” is not found in English translations of the Bible. It comes from the Latin word “rapio,” used to translate the Greek word “harpazo” meaning “caught up” in 1 Thessalonians 4:17. While the concept is biblical, the term itself is not.

4. The Rapture and the Second Coming are Separate Events

Some teach that the Rapture and Second Coming are distinct events separated by years. However, many scholars argue that the Bible doesn’t make this clear distinction. This debate underscores the complexity of end-times prophecy and the need for humble, careful study.

5. Christians Should Fear Being Left Behind

This misconception has caused unnecessary anxiety among believers. Those who have accepted Christ as Savior are secure in God’s promise of salvation. As Paul reassures us:

“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39, KJV)

6. The Tribulation is Only About God’s Judgment

While judgment is indeed part of the Tribulation period, it’s also a time of salvation. God uses this period to bring many to faith in Christ, demonstrating His mercy even in times of great distress.

7. All Christians Believe in a Pre-tribulation Rapture

There are actually various views on the timing of the Rapture among Christians, including pre-tribulation, post-tribulation, and mid-tribulation perspectives. This diversity of thought reminds us to hold our views with humility and grace towards those who may interpret differently.

Consider This: Living in Light of the Rapture

As we contemplate these truths and address misconceptions about the Rapture, we should be inspired to live with greater faithfulness and anticipation. The apostle Peter exhorts us:

“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?” (2 Peter 3:10-12, KJV)

The study of the Rapture and other prophetic events should not lead to fear or anxiety, but to a renewed sense of purpose and hope. As we navigate the challenges of this world, let us keep our eyes fixed on Christ and the glorious future He has promised to those who love Him. Let us commit ourselves anew to living for Christ, sharing His love with others, and eagerly anticipating His return.

In the words of Paul, “Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” (1 Thessalonians 4:18, KJV) May the hope of the Rapture inspire us to live each day with purpose, love, and unwavering faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.