The Thief on the Cross and Our Walk

Canaan Fellowship

The Thief on the Cross and Our Walk

00:00 / 00:20:29

Eric Schnackenberg explores the internal tension between faith and works in the Christian life, prompted by the story of the thief on the cross. He argues that while salvation is by grace through faith alone, genuine faith will naturally produce good works as evidence. The sermon encourages self-reflection to avoid the ditches of complacent laziness or self-reliant moralism.

[00:01:05] The sermon begins by setting the context of Good Friday and reading Luke 23:39-43, focusing on the thief who placed his faith in Jesus.
[00:03:09] The thief on the cross demonstrates salvation by grace alone, as he had no time to perform any good works before his death.
[00:03:52] Key verses like Ephesians 2:8-9 and Titus 3:5 are cited to reinforce that salvation is not a result of works but a gift of God’s grace.
[00:05:49] This raises a practical question: If works don’t save us, how critical is it to live a holy life and work hard for God?
[00:06:31] A one-sided view can lead to a comfortable, lazy Christianity, taking the burden off ourselves.
[00:08:20] This “lukewarm” attitude is warned against in Revelation 3:15-16.
[00:09:01] The other side of the tension is presented: walking with the Lord does require work and sacrifice.
[00:09:18] James 2:14-17, 26 is read to show that faith without works is dead, implying that a lack of works may indicate one is not truly walking with God.
[00:11:05] The core summary is presented: “Works are a necessary evidence but not the cause of our salvation.”
[00:11:56] Ephesians 2:10 is highlighted, showing believers are created in Christ for good works.
[00:12:48] Self-reflection is encouraged, noting that while man looks at outward actions, God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).
[00:14:17] 1. If you lean toward complacency, believing your actions don’t matter much, you are playing a risky game.
[00:15:30] Hebrews 10:26 offers a sober warning about deliberately sinning after receiving knowledge of the truth.
[00:16:02] 2. If you lean toward trying to “help God” earn your salvation through good behavior, you may lack childlike faith and the joy of trusting fully in God’s grace.
[00:17:22] Without God’s forgiveness, our chances of heaven are no better than the thief’s, regardless of our moral deeds.
[00:18:07] The conclusion urges listeners to examine which ditch they might skew toward and to seek a balance of humble faith that results in an obedient, active life.

Scripture References

Luke 23:39-43
Ephesians 2:8-9
Titus 3:5
Isaiah 64:6
Revelation 3:15-16
James 2:14-17
James 2:26
Ephesians 2:10
1 Samuel 16:7
Hebrews 10:26

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