Yes, Jesus meant TODAY in his message to the thief on the cross

[DeighAnn]

On 3/9/2025 at 7:43 PM, Marston said:

Most people argue about where that comma in the verse is supposed to be. Let's forget about the comma. 

If it was Jesus's intention to communicate that the thief would be in his kingdom eventually in the future, he likely would have said "You will be with me in paradise", which of course, doesn't designate when.

However, Jesus used "TODAY" because that is exactly what he meant. Jesus told him "You'll be with me in paradise TODAY"!

22  And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; 23  And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24  And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. 


What do they both have in common?  A now DEAD flesh and blood body going back to dust as they both live on in their spiritual one.  They have both suffered the first death.  They have become 'angelic beings', NEITHER of them yet 2nd death dead, both just 'dead' to this flesh and blood life.

While living in the flesh and blood body, ONE of the two now 'angelic' body beings CHOSE LIFE.  The other didn't, chose the way of the world, death.  So, the one  'knew the way, the resurrection, the life', the other didn't know anything.  So, the one FOLLOWED Jesus Christ to where He is, to the PLACE of the LIVING, while the other was buried and found himself in the PLACE of the DEAD.  

One was raised up in glory, and in power, and in an incorruptible body having ATTAINED to eternal life, and basically 'put on their IMMORTALITY'.  This one goes on to stand at the judgment seat of Christ, GOD gives the eternal body as HE sees fit. This one was RAISED in the likeness of Christ.  He is now where HE is, he has gone to the place prepared for him by Christ, our Saviour from the penalty of sin, our Saviour from DEATH.  As promised, he will never see DEATH nor the place of death, HELL.  

The other one gets buried.  No glory, no power, although an incorruptible body, he remains mortal until the GWTJ. 

The one who NEVER DIED, (just 'changed') will be returning with Christ to rule and reign with Him for the Lords Day.  

The one who remained spiritually dead before his flesh and blood body died, who was buried and went to the place of the spiritually DEAD,  will resurrect EITHER when Christ returns for the Lords Day or will resurrect for the GWTJ.  

When Jesus 'died' on the cross, He went to the place of the DEAD, Hell, in His 'flesh and blood body' TRANSFORMED into His spiritual body.   When He was raised UP from hell he ascended to the Father (led the once 'captives to death' by sin now repented and forgiven up to heaven with Him) and then returned to the earth for His final days as the 'Saviour' in that transformed body, and that is what I believe is written.   

 

[christsavedme]

7 hours ago, DeighAnn said:

22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; 23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.

What do they both have in common? A now DEAD flesh and blood body going back to dust as they both live on in their spiritual one. They have both suffered the first death. They have become 'angelic beings', NEITHER of them yet 2nd death dead, both just 'dead' to this flesh and blood life.

While living in the flesh and blood body, ONE of the two now 'angelic' body beings CHOSE LIFE. The other didn't, chose the way of the world, death. So, the one ‘knew the way, the resurrection, the life,’ the other didn't know anything. So, the one FOLLOWED Jesus Christ to where He is, to the PLACE of the LIVING, while the other was buried and found himself in the PLACE of the DEAD.

One was raised up in glory, and in power, and in an incorruptible body having ATTAINED to eternal life, and basically 'put on their IMMORTALITY'. This one goes on to stand at the judgment seat of Christ, GOD gives the eternal body as HE sees fit. This one was RAISED in the likeness of Christ. He is now where HE is, he has gone to the place prepared for him by Christ, our Saviour from the penalty of sin, our Saviour from DEATH. As promised, he will never see DEATH nor the place of death, HELL.

The other one gets buried. No glory, no power, although an incorruptible body, he remains mortal until the GWTJ.

The one who NEVER DIED, (just 'changed') will be returning with Christ to rule and reign with Him for the Lords Day.

The one who remained spiritually dead before his flesh and blood body died, who was buried and went to the place of the spiritually DEAD, will resurrect EITHER when Christ returns for the Lords Day or will resurrect for the GWTJ.

When Jesus 'died' on the cross, He went to the place of the DEAD, Hell, in His 'flesh and blood body' TRANSFORMED into His spiritual body. When He was raised UP from hell he ascended to the Father (led the once 'captives to death' by sin now repented and forgiven up to heaven with Him) and then returned to the earth for His final days as the 'Saviour' in that transformed body, and that is what I believe is written.

For those seeking to deepen their walk with Christ and avoid the path of spiritual death, resources like prayer points with scriptures can offer guidance. Exploring the Beatitudes can also provide insight into living a life aligned with God’s will.

 
 

 

 

Your breakdown of the Lazarus and rich man story really brings out the contrast between choosing life in Christ and ending up spiritually dead. I love how you highlight that both faced the first death, but their choices led to totally different places—one to glory with Abraham, the other to torment. It’s a stark reminder of how our decisions now echo into eternity.

Your take on Jesus transforming into His spiritual body and leading the forgiven to heaven is powerful. It makes me think of how His victory over death changes everything for us. I’m curious, though—when you talk about the spiritually dead resurrecting later, do you see that as a chance for redemption at the GWTJ, or is it more about facing judgment? I’d love to hear your thoughts on that! 

 

[Your closest friendnt]

Jesus said that he will soon preach the Gospel of Life to the place of the dead. That also includes that Jesus had to die first to descend to the place of the dead. 

The dead will hear my voice the voice of the Son of God. And those who hear will live.

Jesus

John 5:25

 New International Version

Very truly I tell you, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live.

new living translation
“And I assure you that the time is coming, and indeed uit’s here now, when the dead will hear my voice—the voice of the Son of God. And those who listen will live.

English Standard Version
“Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live.

Berean Standard Bible
Truly, truly, I tell you, the hour is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live.

 

Edited Wednesday at 04:19 PM by Your closest friendnt

[Locust]

16 hours ago, DeighAnn said:

22  And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; 23  And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24  And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. 


What do they both have in common?  A now DEAD flesh and blood body going back to dust as they both live on in their spiritual one.  They have both suffered the first death.  They have become 'angelic beings', NEITHER of them yet 2nd death dead, both just 'dead' to this flesh and blood life.

While living in the flesh and blood body, ONE of the two now 'angelic' body beings CHOSE LIFE.  The other didn't, chose the way of the world, death.  So, the one  'knew the way, the resurrection, the life', the other didn't know anything.  So, the one FOLLOWED Jesus Christ to where He is, to the PLACE of the LIVING, while the other was buried and found himself in the PLACE of the DEAD.  

One was raised up in glory, and in power, and in an incorruptible body having ATTAINED to eternal life, and basically 'put on their IMMORTALITY'.  This one goes on to stand at the judgment seat of Christ, GOD gives the eternal body as HE sees fit. This one was RAISED in the likeness of Christ.  He is now where HE is, he has gone to the place prepared for him by Christ, our Saviour from the penalty of sin, our Saviour from DEATH.  As promised, he will never see DEATH nor the place of death, HELL.  

The other one gets buried.  No glory, no power, although an incorruptible body, he remains mortal until the GWTJ. 

The one who NEVER DIED, (just 'changed') will be returning with Christ to rule and reign with Him for the Lords Day.  

The one who remained spiritually dead before his flesh and blood body died, who was buried and went to the place of the spiritually DEAD,  will resurrect EITHER when Christ returns for the Lords Day or will resurrect for the GWTJ.  

When Jesus 'died' on the cross, He went to the place of the DEAD, Hell, in His 'flesh and blood body' TRANSFORMED into His spiritual body.   When He was raised UP from hell he ascended to the Father (led the once 'captives to death' by sin now repented and forgiven up to heaven with Him) and then returned to the earth for His final days as the 'Saviour' in that transformed body, and that is what I believe is written.   

 

ya missed some thing in the story , Jesus was not talking about something he believed . he was referring to a belief they held to be true. 

[Frits]

3 hours ago, Your closest friendnt said:

Jesus said that he will soon preach the Gospel of Life to the place of the dead.

Hello br. Your closest friendnt, Could you please explain in your own words what you mean by "the Gospel of Life"?

[Your closest friendnt]

The Gospel of Life is that the one who is forgiven by Jesus Christ the living Lamb of God he also receives of his Eternal Life. By default when he believes. They are alive with Jesus Christ this is a fact for everyone who believes. 

Through Jesus Christ we are in the Life of the Heavenly Father. Jesus the Son of God partook of his Life. 

The only one who at the beginning he was from God and he was also God and he was towards the Father. 

And through him The Father created all things and Adam. 

When someone says I am in The Life of Jesus Christ or in the Eternal Life which is Jesus Christ because that set up will never change and that includes that his sins are forgiven. He is free of his sins. His sins cannot be used against him to give him death. The one who believes in me has passed from death unto Life. This applies to anyone who was not born from a believer parent.

To those who are born at least from one believing parent are  born in the Life of Jesus Christ. This scripture is not for those who are born to believing parents. Because their children were born in the Life of Jesus Christ. And they were never considered to be in the place of the Gentiles first generation. To whom Paul wrote this letter. 

 

Edited yesterday at 12:09 AM by Your closest friendnt

[DeighAnn]

16 hours ago, christsavedme said:

 

 

Your breakdown of the Lazarus and rich man story really brings out the contrast between choosing life in Christ and ending up spiritually dead. I love how you highlight that both faced the first death, but their choices led to totally different places—one to glory with Abraham, the other to torment. It’s a stark reminder of how our decisions now echo into eternity.

Your take on Jesus transforming into His spiritual body and leading the forgiven to heaven is powerful. It makes me think of how His victory over death changes everything for us. I’m curious, though—when you talk about the spiritually dead resurrecting later, do you see that as a chance for redemption at the GWTJ, or is it more about facing judgment? I’d love to hear your thoughts on that! 

 

I believe GOD is just and His wish that all come to repentance, leaves no other choice but for those who died the first death NEVER HAVING been able to choose for themselves 'life or death' the dead who resurrect at Christs return.  They are raised up for 'the Lords Day/1000 years' so they can be taught Gods truth and through works can get their name in the book of life (can't do it through faith at that point) IF they are not deceived when Satan is let loose for the short season at the end of that day.  


For those who DIED their first death, having 'chose DEATH' over life, having received GODS TRUTH but chose the ways of the world... they remain in 'the sea, death and hell' and are only raised up and judged for their 'works' at the very end.  

11And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 12And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

Again, the dead that rose up at Christs return and have been trying to get their names in the book of life, ARE JUDGED


AND THEN
13  And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.


I believe the GWTJ is for both.  Redemption or Salvation for some, final judgment for others.  
 

[DeighAnn]

8 hours ago, Locust said:

ya missed some thing in the story , Jesus was not talking about something he believed . he was referring to a belief they held to be true. 

He was speaking on something He knew to be true, remember 

44   Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. 45   And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me. 46  I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. 47  And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. 48  He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. 49  For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. 50  And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.



Luke 20
34  And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage: 35  But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage: 36  Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection. 37  Now that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. 38  For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him. 39  Then certain of the scribes answering said, Master, thou hast well said. 40  And after that they durst not ask him any question at all.


What did the work of Christ Jesus on the cross ACCOMPLISH?  What did it change?  What happened to those found in faith before the NC and/or those who died 'perfect' under the law?   

Remember the PENALTY for SIN was death.  So if there was NO SIN under the law, then there could be no DEATH under the law either.   

I will qualify that with this to avoid questions....THE FLESH and Blood body DIES the first death...as in Adam all die, but we have 2 bodies, one for this world and another for the next...else how could the rich man, and Lazarus, and Abraham, the the angel 'fellowservant' showing John around heaven, and/or the souls under the altar be talking and having feet and needing robes and crying out etc...