<p>“Today you will be with Me in Paradise,” said Jesus.</p><p> </p><p>Paradise is a place that fulfills everything people long for. The Kingdom of God is described as Paradise. This is also reflected in the depiction of the New Jerusalem. Paradise is heaven, and heaven is Paradise.</p><p> </p><p>This criminal had never followed Jesus, nor had he received the Holy Spirit to become a witness of Jesus in the world. Yet, Jesus said he would go to Paradise.</p><p> </p><p>The righteous shall live by faith. Faith does not require much time or many deeds. This criminal, though he had only a few hours left to live, believed in Jesus during the remaining moments of his life. While nailed to the cross, unable to do anything, he said, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom!” and entered the Kingdom of God.</p><p> </p><p>Therefore, being saved and receiving the Holy Spirit do not require a long process. It requires faith at that moment.</p><p> </p><p><i>Excerpt from the sermon by Pastor Lee, Dec 26, 2024.</i></p><p><i>Luke 23:39-43</i></p>
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