"For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those
who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the
aroma of life leading to life." (2 Cor. 2:15-16)
"The same sun that melts the wax hardens the clay." The preaching of the gospel softens the
hearts of some, but hardens the hearts of others. The hardening and softening effect is seen in the
reaction of the two thieves on the crosses. One was not touched as he witnessed the suffering and
dying Savior. He continued to multiply his sins by railing on the Lord. He refused to listen to his
fellow thief, and went to his death with an hardened and impenitent heart. The other thief is
moved and touched by the sight of the suffering Savior. He rebuked his dying comrade,
acknowledged his own sinfulness, proclaimed the innocence of the Lord, and made humble a plea
to the Lord to remember him. Thus, he went to his death with the kind of heart that brings
marvelous and glorious rewards.
What is your reaction to the gospel of Christ?