Who is Whosoever?

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, 
that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." 
~ John 3:16 KJV

Image by Baggeb from Pixabay 

During the agonizing hours of Jesus' crucifixion, an important conversation occurred, and this brief dialogue reveals the truth behind who exactly is included in the whosoever from John 3:16.

Each of the gospels record that two others were crucified with Jesus, one on each side of him. Luke 23:39-43 records the following account:

"One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him [Jesus]: 'Aren't you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!'

But the other criminal rebuked him. 'Don't you fear God,' he said, 'since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.'

Then he said, 'Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.'

Jesus answered him, 'Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.'"

So, Jesus declared from the cross that this criminal was included in the whosoever of John 3:16. 

Let's replay the scene to explore what this criminal did to be joining Jesus Christ in paradise that very day.

• Acknowledged God: "Don't you fear God..."
• Admit his own sin: "...for we are getting what our deeds deserve."
• Recognize Jesus as the sinless Savior: "But this man has done nothing wrong."
• Believe and have faith: "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."

Since Jesus was willing to extend this invitation to one of the criminals on the cross, can we try to realize that our own sins do not have to separate us from our eternal home? 

We need to recognize that we ourselves are living each day as the criminals on the cross. 

Which one will we behave like? 

Will we deny Jesus and hurl insults, or will we acknowledge, admit, recognize, believe, and have faith? 

It is time to act. It is time to make a choice...

It is time to become whosoever!

Almighty God, you are the Creator of all things. I am flawed and in need of forgiveness. Thank you for offering Jesus Christ as a sacrifice for my wrongdoings. I believe in Jesus' death and resurrection. I thank you for allowing me the promise of heaven. In Jesus' Name. Amen.