God’s 7 Love Languages – Part 2: Assurance

(This is a condensed version of the sermon preached by Michael Larsen on October 12, 2025.)

Last week we began a series called God’s 7 Love Languages, exploring the seven powerful statements Jesus made on the cross. When someone speaks in their final moments, their words carry great weight. In the first message, Jesus said, “Father, forgive them,” showing us the language of forgiveness. Today we move to the second phrase—a message of assurance.
As Jesus hung on the cross between two criminals, one mocked Him, while the other saw something deeper. Facing his own death, this man turned to Jesus and said, “Remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
This short exchange captures the very heart of the gospel. It tells us how we can be certain of salvation—how we can know, without a doubt, that we’ll be with God forever. The dying thief didn’t have time for good works, baptism, or religious rituals. All he had was faith—and that was enough. From his story, we can discover five truths that lead to assurance.

1. We must know that we’ll face God after we die.
The repentant thief realized what his companion did not: death wasn’t the end. “Don’t you fear God?” he asked. We all have an appointment with God, and we won’t miss it. Life is temporary; eternity is forever. Ignoring that reality is the greatest mistake we can make.

2. We’ve all sinned against God.
The thief admitted, “We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve.” Acknowledging our sin is the first step toward grace. We all fall short of God’s perfection—but confession opens the door to forgiveness.

3. Jesus was more than a man.
The thief declared, “This man has done nothing wrong.” He recognized that Jesus was sinless—something no ordinary person could claim. Jesus wasn’t just a good teacher or prophet; He was God in human flesh, taking our sins upon Himself.

4. Only God’s grace can save us.
The thief could do nothing to earn salvation. Hanging there, helpless, he simply prayed, “Jesus, remember me.” His faith—not his words, not his deeds—was what mattered. Salvation isn’t about what we do for God; it’s about what God has done for us through Jesus Christ.

5. Jesus will save us.
Jesus didn’t hesitate. “Today you will be with me in paradise.” That’s assurance—certain, personal, and immediate. Salvation begins the moment we believe.
From this one conversation, we also learn four truths about salvation itself:
It’s immediate (“today”), certain (“you will be with me”), relational (“with me”), and eternal (“in paradise”).

God’s love language of assurance tells us that we don’t have to live in doubt or fear. When Jesus says you’re forgiven, you are forgiven. When He says you’ll be with Him, you will be.
So don’t wait until the end of life to seek His mercy. As Scripture reminds us, “Now is the day of salvation.” Jesus’ promise to the thief is His promise to you: “You will be with me in paradise.”