SAVED BY GRACE

"The scandalous mathematics of grace"

Fortunately, the kingdom of God does not operate according to the principles of fairness.

Two others, both criminals, were led out to be executed with him. When they came to a place called The Skull, they nailed him to the cross. And the criminals were also crucified—one on his right and one on his left. Luke 23:32-33 NLT

The crowd watched and the leaders scoffed. “He saved others,” they said, “let him save himself if he is really God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” Luke 23:35 NLT

They called out to him, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” Luke 23:37 NLT

One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!” Luke 23:39 NLT

But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” Luke 23:40-41 NLT

Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” Luke 23:42 NLT

Jesus trumped justice and decided to be extravagantly unfair.

And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43 NLT

Grace = better than fair

We fall short of our own expectations; we don’t need religion to tell us that we really aren’t all that good.

Christ’s death and resurrection signaled to the world that the kingdom of God isn't reserved for good people but for forgiven people.

Grace = far better than fair