Third Heaven Discourse

In a previous post Pure Grace Exemplified (1) , we saw how Barabbas enjoyed God's grace in its pureness. We saw that he was totally oblivious to and uninvolved in the 'work' that led to his release even though he was condemned to die. Further, there is a slight difference between the account of Barabbas and what transpired later that same fateful day on the cross between Jesus and the two thieves crucified with Him (Luke 23:32, 39-43). Therefore, in this post, a distinction is made between the case of Barabbas and the two thieves (particularly the one who entered into paradise). Firstly, according to the details of the law (Deut 21:22), these thieves were deserving of death by hanging, and so they were rightly crucified. However, they were crucified along side One who, in contrast, didn't deserve to be crucified. Moreover, from the way they spoke to Jesus, it is possible to extrapolate their temperaments. This is necessary to further our understanding of their...

The story of Barabbas - the notorious prisoner who gained freedom on a platter of gold -  presents the epitome of the workings of pure grace (Matt 27:15-26). It was fitting that Grace Himself - Jesus Christ - was on the scene to administer it. Barabbas was made free, not because he had the best lawyers at his disposal, or that he pleaded for pardon. Not at all. He was totally oblivious to and uninvolved in the 'work' that led to his freedom even though he was condemned to die. How ironic it was that the people became his staunchest supporter and were instrumental to his release. More paramount is the fact that his place of punishment was taken by One who was the least worthy of any form of punishment whatsoever. However, it all came perfectly together for Barabbas and before he knew it, he was a free man. So, how did it all happen? Let's find out. It was the feast of Passover, and it was customary for Pilate to release a prisoner whom the people wished. So, Pila...