He saved others; Himself he cannot save. If he is the king of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. (Matthew 27:42)

Throughout history mankind saw many of God's wondrous ways. Even so, they chose to go back to their own sins. (Ps. 78:32) Coming down off the cross wouldn't have made a difference in what they believed. Their hearts were hardened. Throughout Christ's ministry they observed many signs and wonders and still did not believe. (John 10:25) With repeated rejection of the signs and wonders before them, they lost their capacity to believe. God blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts. (Is.6:10)

The offer to believe in Christ if he had come off that cross was a shallow and empty mockery. True evidence alone will not turn a soul toward God.

The thief on the cross next to Jesus gives us a wonderful example of true belief. As his companion in death mocked Jesus, he rebuked him warning that he should fear God. His heart was not hardened. He believed Jesus would live and rule. He knew his salvation was found only in Christ. (Luke 23:40)

As Christ told Thomas in John 20:29, "Thomas, because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

How prophetic those three words "he saved others" are. As we know, Christ could have come down off that cross at anytime. However, Christ chose to be obedient to God unto death so that his blood would wash away our sins bringing salvation unto all men.

With what earnestness will we who firmly believe the truth, as known by the sufferings of Christ, seek salvation?