Indeed, I promise you, today you will be with me in paradise.  Luke 22 vs.43.

This was a promise made by Jesus to a man who asked him to remember him when he came into his heavenly kingdom.  The man was a thief who hung next to him on a cross.  The thief by his own admission never did anything worthy of salvation.  In fact, by his own admission he deserved to be punished by death on a cross.  However, Jesus had a place for him in paradise,not because he was worthy but because he believed.  He professed his faith in Christ and asked to be remembered in God's Kingdom.  It was only a few hours from the time he received Jesus as his savior until he died.  He never had the opportunity to do any great works for God or live a good life.  He only had time to accept God's favor and yet because he truly believed he joined Jesus in paradise that night

It's the same for us.  God loves us so much that when we receive him into our life we are marked for salvation.  It doesn't matter what we have done, no matter how serious our mistakes or failures, God forgives us and God loves us.  One of my favorite stories is from James Michener's novel Hawaii.  When the missionaries first went to the Islands they tried to scare the natives with the power of God. They told Old Testament stories about God's punishment and destruction in places like Egypt and Sodom and Gomorra.  The old tribal Chief would respond that is nothing. We have gods that would and could do much worse than that.  It was when a priest told about Jesus' love and forgiveness that the chief and his tribe were converted.  God's power is in his love for his children.  Jesus explains God's love in his three parables The Lost Sheep, The Lost Coins, and The Prodigal Son.  God rejoices when we return to him and accept his salvation.

The scriptures are filled with examples of people who have failed miserably and yet received Gods salvation.  People like the prodigal son.  In our own time we would call them drunkards, drug addicts, and adulteresses.  Women who were possessed.  In our time we would call them insane.  People like Peter who others were ashamed or afraid to be associated with him.  Men like Paul who judged others so harshly that he condemned to death people who believed differently than himself.  In every case Jesus forgave and their life turned 180 degrees to follow and serve God all of the remaining days of their life.  They now celebrate with him in Paradise.

Salvation is no different for us today.  If we will reach out to the hand that God has extended to us through Jesus Christ, we will know the same salvation.  If you have not accepted Jesus as your savior simply pray:  Jesus I love you and accept you as my Lord and Savior.  Your life will be changed and you will know the promise of eternal life.  You may not know an instant change but if you read the Holy Bible and set your sights on God, you will know a new life in Christ Jesus.