the thief going to paradise

The thief repentant, on the cross,
acknowledged all his sin and loss,
and asked the Saviour mercy free,
and humbly trusted Him, and we
can share his hope eternally:

    People holy tell the story
    of the glory of the Saviour;
    praising ever, sinning never,
    – Hallelujah!

‘Today you will be with me there’,
and in Christ’s glory he would share,
among the angels pure, and saints;
complete the blessings, no complaints,
for no-one suffers there, or faints.

Does this attract you, do you long
to go there, serve and raise your song
to him who reigns, salvation wrought    
for those in Satan’s bondage caught,
to life and freedom, mercy brought?

    People holy tell the story
    of the glory of the Saviour;
    praising ever, sinning never,
    – Hallelujah!

“… we are getting what our sins deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong. … Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." … ‘Today you will be with me in paradise’ Luke 23:41, 42

Tune: ‘Pwy sydd o fewn y nef yn byw?’ Joseph Parry (I found this tune, with Welsh words by a T Levi - some of which inspired the above some time ago -  in a programme of a singing festival of 1963-4. I don't know of anywhere else it exists, but Joseph Parry was a famous tune writer)