The First-Thief mocked Jesus and said "Aren't you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!" The Second-Thief retorted "Don't you fear God? You received the same sentence ...We are getting what we deserve for what we did; but he (Jesus) has done no wrong. And he said to Jesus, 'Jesus, remember me when you come in Your kingdom!'"
Jesus said to the Second-Thief "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise."
Now, let us examine this Lesson. Jesus' closest disciples/apostles fled or stayed away when He was nailed to the cross. (The disciples became fearless witnesses only after the power of the Holy Spirit came upon them on Pentecost.) The Second-Thief must had his doubts about Jesus too. But unlike the First-Thief, he used kind words even though he had his doubts. His kind words came from his sincere heart.
The Second-Thief did not know Jesus as well as the 11 closest disciples/apostles. Most likely, he did not know the Scriptures. He did not follow Jesus for 3 years and was not baptized. But he had a sincere heart!
So you see, like the Second-Thief, a non-christian may be saved through Jesus. In his dying moment, a non-christian may encounter Jesus and recognise Him. When he ask "Remember me, Jesus, in Your kingdom." Jesus would admit him to Paradise. OR, after his last breath, a non-christian soul may recognize Jesus. If he says "Remember me, Jesus, in Your kingdom!", Jesus may admit him to Paradise too.
Jesus' Last Lesson while He was on the cross was the best, the most magnanimous, the most comforting. Who says non-christians cannot go to Heaven? God can admit non-christians, anytime, through Jesus Christ. My interpretation.
We have Hope. 1 Cor 13:13. Merry Christmas.
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