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Heaven & Christ’s Return

He Said I Could Come

Listen first. Then read the words, explore the Scripture pathway, and follow the song beyond itself to Jesus.

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[Verse 1] No time to change my story, No tomorrow to live, Nothing good to offer, Nothing I could give. My hands nailed beside Him, For all I had done— I hung guilty, Beside God’s spotless Son. [Verse 2] I couldn’t climb down from that cross Or make my wrongs right, Couldn’t find the ones I’d wounded Or undo my wasted life. I couldn’t join a church that Sunday, Couldn’t kneel down there and pray— All I had was Jesus And just one chance to say: [Pre-Chorus] “Jesus, when You reach Your Kingdom, Lord, remember me…” Then the Man dying there between us Turned His eyes—and answered me. [Verse 3] Maybe you’ve been faithful Half your life or more, Maybe you know every hymn Always at the church-house door. Maybe you quote Scriptures, The whole congregation knows your name— But standing at the gates of Heaven, Everyone’s answer must be the same. [Verse 4] Or maybe you’ve been running, Shame has marked your years, Or you think you’ve gone too far For God to even hear But that dying sinner— Had nothing he could do. But he called out to the Savior But right now—the Savior’s calling you. [Chorus] He said I could come— I was all I had to bring. No record in my favor, No offering for the King. Nothing in my hands But plenty I’d done— But Heaven opened up to me Cause of God’s own Son. You may wonder how I made it, And all I can say: It’s the same way you’ll get to Heaven— That Jesus made the way. There is no other answer, Nothing else to be done It’s all because— The Man upon the middle cross Said—you could come. [Bridge] Not because I was good enough— Or cleaned myself up. Not because I knew or gave enough. Not because I served for years. Or nconquered my fears. Or any awards I won Because of Jesus. Because of Jesus. Because of Jesus— God’s only Son. [Final Chorus] He said I could come— Ohhh, that’s everything to me. The guilty found forgiveness While the Savior paid the fee. My sin was all I brought Him, His blood was all I need— The hands that I saw nailed beside me Are the hands that set me free. And when I stand in Heaven And they ask me why I’ve come, I won’t point to what I’ve given, I won’t name a thing I’ve done. I’ll point back toward Calvary And God’s own beloved Son— The Man on the middle cross… The Man who died and rose again… He Said I could come— Ohhh—come right now to Jesus God’s holy and risen Son.
Ministry Devotional

He Said I Could Come

Can you imagine knowing you had only moments left to live—and nothing you could do to improve your record? No time to pay back what you owed. No opportunity to prove that you had changed. No chance to start over and build a respectable life.

One of the men crucified beside Jesus faced exactly that kind of moment. Luke 23:39–43 records two very different responses to the Savior. One mocked Him. The other acknowledged his own guilt and recognized that Jesus had done nothing wrong. Then he said, “Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom” (Luke 23:42, KJV).

Jesus answered, “To day shalt thou be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43, KJV).

Have you ever wondered whether you've done enough to be accepted by God? Some people look back over years of church attendance, service, and good intentions. Others look back over years they would rather forget. Yet both must come to the same place: neither a religious résumé nor a desperate last-minute promise can purchase salvation.

The dying man had no good works left to offer. He could not climb down and make restitution. He could only entrust himself to the One dying beside him. His hope was not the strength of his own faith but the mercy and authority of Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 2:8–9 says salvation is by grace through faith, not of works, so that no one can boast. That truth humbles the person who thinks they've earned heaven and gives hope to the person who believes they've ruined every chance.

Please don't misunderstand the thief's story as an invitation to postpone trusting Jesus. None of us knows how much time remains. It is an invitation to come now, without bargaining, hiding, or boasting.

Here's something I want you to read: Luke 23:32–43 and Ephesians 2:1–10. Then ask yourself, If I stood before God today, what would I be trusting in? Your goodness? Your church? Your family's faith? Or Jesus Christ, crucified and risen for sinners?

Would you be willing to turn to Him today? Tell Him you need His mercy. Trust what He has done rather than what you could never accomplish on your own.

Let's pray. Jesus, thank You that salvation is Your gift and not our achievement. Strip away our pride and our despair. Help us see the cross clearly, confess our need, and place our trust in You alone. Give assurance grounded in Your promise, not in our performance. Amen.

Our desire at UnrelentingJesus is that you know the door of mercy is open through Jesus Christ. We will be praying for you.

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