"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?