3) The repentant thief (often called Dismas"): fear of God, confession, and faith

Luke records three key movements in the second thiefs response. Do you not fear God", since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?" (Luke 23:40)He recognizes accountability before God, even in the middle of suffering. And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds…" (Luke 23:41)He does not blame-shift. He calls his punishment deserved.…but this man has done nothing wrong." (Luke 23:41)Then he says: Jesus", remember me when you come into your kingdom." (Luke 23:42)That request is remarkable. He believes Jesus has a kingdom beyond the cross.This is faith: turning to Jesus as the rightful King and Savior.

5) What this teaches about repentance and salvation

The unrepentant thief wants escape from pain. The repentant thief:fears Godconfesses sinturns to JesusRepentance is a heart change that agrees with God about sin and seeks mercy.The repentant thief cannot perform religious deeds to prove himself. He is dying.Yet Jesus saves him.This shows that salvation is not earned by a checklist. It is a gift given to those who trust Christ.The repentant thief does not merely say help me. He recognizes Jesus as King: your kingdom. This passage gives hope to anyone who feels too late. Jesus can save at the last hour.But it also warns against procrastination:we do not control the timing of deathhardened hearts can become more resistant, not lessThe thief's story is a door of hope, not a permission slip to delay repentance.

6) Pastoral comfort for those near death

If you are reading this because someone is dying, Luke 23:39–43 provides a gentle gospel: honest confessionsimple faitha clear promise from JesusA simple bedside prayer can be: Lord Jesus, remember me. I trust you. Have mercy on me."

Conclusion

The Dismas and Gestas Bible verse most closely refers to Luke 23:39–43, where two criminals respond to Jesus in opposite ways. One mocks and demands rescue without repentance.The other fears God, confesses guilt, and turns to Jesus in faith.Jesus answers with a sure promise: Today you will be with me in paradise. This scene is one of Scripture's clearest pictures of repentance and salvation: Christ saves sinners who turn to Him, even in their final moments.

Key Verses

• Luke 23:39 — Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!
• Luke 23:40 — Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?
• Luke 23:41 — And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds…
• Лука 23:41" — Но мы осуждены справедливо, потому что достойное по делам нашим приняли, а Он ничего худого не сделал. } ], reflectionQuestionRu: Размышляя над этим отрывком, какая истина выделяется больше всего сегодня — и как она могла бы изменить вашу жизнь на этой неделе?, authorNoteRu: Основано на тщательном изучении соответствующих библейских отрывков с перекрёстными ссылками по всему Писанию., lastUpdated: 2026-03-17