Hi Brethren,
I'm contributing to the topic titled "What is the faith of the thief on the cross written in Luke 23:42-43? (Part 4 of 7)
Reading the bible passage that shows the importance of time element .
John 14:12 Verily, verily I say unto you, he that believe on me, the works that i do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my father.
From the bible verse, if you don't understand to the importance of time, you will not do greater things that the LORD Jesus Christ did.
Some Pastors even believe that they have done greater works than the LORD Jesus Christ and even greater than He!
You have to consider the time element even for you to have adequate understanding of the truth in the bible.
Jesus Christ preached for about three years. Definitely, Apostle Paul has done greater things than the LORD Jesus Christ did. But he is not greater than the LORD Jesus Christ.
The works that he did, do not show that he is greater than the LORD Jesus Christ. The time element is the essence of what Jesus Christ mean. The thief on the cross had minutes, he could not join the congregation to sing hymns, pray to the Lord.
Singing Praises to the LORD is a good thing in the sight of God.
Psalms 92:1 says; it is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD and to sing praises to thy name, O Most High.
You cannot do all these as the thief on the cross even with a broken legs and nails in the hands, you, cannot do the praise.
This is because it is painful to be hanged on the cross. The pain is unbearable. So, the faith of the thief was sufficient for him to make paradise. If the thief had more time then he would have done good works.
2Timothy 3:17 That the man of God may be thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
You have to do good works and the good works you do are not filthy rags in the sight of God.
This is because it is only through God, you can do good works.
Philippians 2:13 and John 15:5
How can anyone now say that our good works will look like filthy rags when we are doing it with God
Hebrews 6:10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your works and labour of love, which you have showed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints and do minister.
Your good works cannot be as filthy rags in the sight of God. Anyone saying that is a misinterpretation of the bible. Remember, faith alone is not enough to save. Preaching that faith alone without good works is a reckless way of thinking and interpreting the bible.
If anyone or preacher say such; then paying of tithes is not necessary anymore, which is a good work and you will see very sharp response.
May God help us to be fully manifesting good works in Jesus 'Name.
Thanks for reading.