C. CRIES FROM THE CROSS
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C. CRIES FROM THE CROSS
C. CRIES FROM THE CROSS
Seven Utterances on the Cross
Seven Utterances on the Cross
—Three about others; four about himself
—Three about others; four about himself
The Seven Utterances of Jesus, while he was dying on the cross, have been a subject of meditation for all Christians.
The Seven Utterances of Jesus, while he was dying on the cross, have been a subject of meditation for all Christians.
The first three utterances that Jesus made were about others.
The first three utterances that Jesus made were about others.
The last four utterances were about himself.
The last four utterances were about himself.
Utterances about others
Utterances about others
1 “Father forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing” (Luke 23.34).
1 “Father forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing” (Luke 23.34).
34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
THE ADDRESS THE FIRST OF THE STATEMENTS IS FOUND IN LUKE 23:33,34
THE ADDRESS THE FIRST OF THE STATEMENTS IS FOUND IN LUKE 23:33,34
33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.
34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
One of the most difficult things for us to do is to forgive others.
One of the most difficult things for us to do is to forgive others.
It is easy to harbor an unforgiving spirit. Someone hurts us, some-one says something against us & in our hearts we cannot forgive that person.
It is easy to harbor an unforgiving spirit. Someone hurts us, some-one says something against us & in our hearts we cannot forgive that person.
Listen to this prayer, "FATHER, FORGIVE THEM; FOR THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO." V34
Listen to this prayer, "FATHER, FORGIVE THEM; FOR THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO." V34
If we grasp the wonders of this statement, it will enable us to forgive & to experience the joy that comes when we forgive.
If we grasp the wonders of this statement, it will enable us to forgive & to experience the joy that comes when we forgive.
We live in a culture that says and practice, Do not forgive, Get even.
We live in a culture that says and practice, Do not forgive, Get even.
Do not forgive, sue. Do not forgive make them pay.
Do not forgive, sue. Do not forgive make them pay.
Jesus forgave those whom He knew deliberately put him to death.
Jesus forgave those whom He knew deliberately put him to death.
They wanted Him crucified because of the awful torture that went with the death;
They wanted Him crucified because of the awful torture that went with the death;
Crucifixion was one of the most painful ways to die. T
Crucifixion was one of the most painful ways to die. T
hey wanted Him crucified because the object was to make an example by displaying the dead man's body slowly falling to pieces.
hey wanted Him crucified because the object was to make an example by displaying the dead man's body slowly falling to pieces.
Through out the Roman Empire men were being crucified & left to rot on the cross.
Through out the Roman Empire men were being crucified & left to rot on the cross.
For this reason it was customary to set the crosses at some distance from the city because of the odor created.
For this reason it was customary to set the crosses at some distance from the city because of the odor created.
Jesus knew what their intentions were & yet He forgave them.
Jesus knew what their intentions were & yet He forgave them.
Crucifixion was the only death by which a person could remain alive long enough to bear the sins of the world.
Crucifixion was the only death by which a person could remain alive long enough to bear the sins of the world.
All other forms of execution are fairly swift.
All other forms of execution are fairly swift.
STONING -after a few seconds the person is unconscious.
STONING -after a few seconds the person is unconscious.
DECAPITATION -the person dies instantly
DECAPITATION -the person dies instantly
BURNING -the person dies in a few minutes after losing consciousness.
BURNING -the person dies in a few minutes after losing consciousness.
HANGING -the person dies in a few seconds, after their neck breaks.
HANGING -the person dies in a few seconds, after their neck breaks.
CRUCIFIXION -is the only method by which our Lord could bear our sins & suffer in agony for 3 hours and chose when to die.
CRUCIFIXION -is the only method by which our Lord could bear our sins & suffer in agony for 3 hours and chose when to die.
All the other methods the executioner sets the time of death.
All the other methods the executioner sets the time of death.
But with crucifixion Our Lord set the time of His own death.
But with crucifixion Our Lord set the time of His own death.
Jesus said "NO MAN TAKETH (MY LIFE) FROM ME, I LAY IT DOWN OF MYSELF". John10:18
Jesus said "NO MAN TAKETH (MY LIFE) FROM ME, I LAY IT DOWN OF MYSELF". John10:18
Phil. 2:8 "HE HUMBLED HIMSELF & BECAME OBEDIENT UNTO DEATH".
Phil. 2:8 "HE HUMBLED HIMSELF & BECAME OBEDIENT UNTO DEATH".
Our Lord chose the form of death by which he could suffer the full weight of the wrath of God.
Our Lord chose the form of death by which he could suffer the full weight of the wrath of God.
That is why just as He died He cried out in triumph "TETELESTAI PAID IN FULL
That is why just as He died He cried out in triumph "TETELESTAI PAID IN FULL
The debt of our sins has been marked in bold letter PAID IN FULL.
The debt of our sins has been marked in bold letter PAID IN FULL.
WE ARE HUMBLED IN DEATH:
WE ARE HUMBLED IN DEATH:
HE HUMBLED HIMSELF.
HE HUMBLED HIMSELF.
WE ARE SUBJECT TO DEATH;
WE ARE SUBJECT TO DEATH;
HE BECAME SUBJECT TO DEATH.
HE BECAME SUBJECT TO DEATH.
WE ARE OFFERED IN DEATH;
WE ARE OFFERED IN DEATH;
HE OFFERED HIMSELF.
HE OFFERED HIMSELF.
WE SURRENDER TO DEATH;
WE SURRENDER TO DEATH;
HE EMBRACED DEATH.
HE EMBRACED DEATH.
WE RELINQUISH OUR SPIRIT;
WE RELINQUISH OUR SPIRIT;
HE DISMISSED HIS SPIRIT
HE DISMISSED HIS SPIRIT
OUR DEATH IS PASSIVE;
OUR DEATH IS PASSIVE;
HIS DEATH WAS ACTIVE.
HIS DEATH WAS ACTIVE.
WE CAN ONLY SHORTEN OUR LIVES; HIS LIFE WAS POTENTIALLY ENDLESS AND COULD NEVER BE SHORTED.
WE CAN ONLY SHORTEN OUR LIVES; HIS LIFE WAS POTENTIALLY ENDLESS AND COULD NEVER BE SHORTED.
OUR DEATH IS THE FINAL TRIUMPH OF FLESH OVER SPIRIT;
OUR DEATH IS THE FINAL TRIUMPH OF FLESH OVER SPIRIT;
HIS DEATH WAS THE TRIUMPH OF SPIRIT OVER FLESH.
HIS DEATH WAS THE TRIUMPH OF SPIRIT OVER FLESH.
WE ARE DEFEATED BY DEATH;
WE ARE DEFEATED BY DEATH;
HE CONQUERED DEATH.
HE CONQUERED DEATH.
HE DIED ON THE CROSS BUT NOT BECAUSE OF IT.
HE DIED ON THE CROSS BUT NOT BECAUSE OF IT.
HE MAY POSSIBLY HAVE DIED WITH A BROKEN HEART BUT NOT BECAUSE OF IT.
HE MAY POSSIBLY HAVE DIED WITH A BROKEN HEART BUT NOT BECAUSE OF IT.
HE DISENGAGED SPIRIT & BODY IN HIS DEATH & RE-ENGAGED THEM IN HIS RESURRECTION.
HE DISENGAGED SPIRIT & BODY IN HIS DEATH & RE-ENGAGED THEM IN HIS RESURRECTION.
HIS LIFE BY HIS OWN WILL WAS CUT OFF NOT CUT SHORT.
HIS LIFE BY HIS OWN WILL WAS CUT OFF NOT CUT SHORT.
THE ADDRESS
THE ADDRESS
First, there is the wonder of the address- " FATHER " v34
First, there is the wonder of the address- " FATHER " v34
Our Lord addresses God three times when He was upon the cross.
Our Lord addresses God three times when He was upon the cross.
Statement was "FATHER FORGIVE THEM; FOR THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO" and then the:
Statement was "FATHER FORGIVE THEM; FOR THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO" and then the:
Statement was "MY GOD, MY GOD WHY HAST THOU FORSAKEN ME? " Matt. 27:46 and then that final statement
Statement was "MY GOD, MY GOD WHY HAST THOU FORSAKEN ME? " Matt. 27:46 and then that final statement
"FATHER INTO THEY HANDS I COMMEND MY SPIRIT." Luke 23:46
"FATHER INTO THEY HANDS I COMMEND MY SPIRIT." Luke 23:46
When our Lord entered into His suffering, & when our Lord was enduring suffering, and our Lord emerged victoriously from His suffering, He spoke to His Father in Heaven.
When our Lord entered into His suffering, & when our Lord was enduring suffering, and our Lord emerged victoriously from His suffering, He spoke to His Father in Heaven.
Some Christian's will say "I can't talk to God!
Some Christian's will say "I can't talk to God!
I can't pray! I don't believe anymore-after the way people have treated me!"
I can't pray! I don't believe anymore-after the way people have treated me!"
But look at the way they treated the Lord Jesus! His nation sinned against Him.
But look at the way they treated the Lord Jesus! His nation sinned against Him.
His own disciples failed Him & fled.
His own disciples failed Him & fled.
The Father was willing for the Son to suffer.
The Father was willing for the Son to suffer.
Yet Jesus was able to look up and say, " FATHER " He lived in fellowship with His Father.
Yet Jesus was able to look up and say, " FATHER " He lived in fellowship with His Father.
When He began His ministry the Father said, "THIS IS MY BELOVED SON." Matt. 3:17.
When He began His ministry the Father said, "THIS IS MY BELOVED SON." Matt. 3:17.
They enjoyed a fellowship of love.
They enjoyed a fellowship of love.
Perhaps you are hurting now. You are saying. "I wonder if God really loves me."
Perhaps you are hurting now. You are saying. "I wonder if God really loves me."
He does & He always will, & He is working out His purpose for you.
He does & He always will, & He is working out His purpose for you.
When you can pray " FATHER " then you too can receive from God the power, grace & help the father has for you when you are suffering.
When you can pray " FATHER " then you too can receive from God the power, grace & help the father has for you when you are suffering.
It is not easy to suffer. Pain hurts. A broken heart hurts even worse than a broken arm.
It is not easy to suffer. Pain hurts. A broken heart hurts even worse than a broken arm.
But when you say " FATHER " then you are able to look up to heaven & know that God is watching over you.
But when you say " FATHER " then you are able to look up to heaven & know that God is watching over you.
If you want to be able to forgive others, here is the place to start-make sure you have a right relationship with your Father in Heaven.
If you want to be able to forgive others, here is the place to start-make sure you have a right relationship with your Father in Heaven.
During the civil war a soldier in the southern army was selected by the General & sent to spy on the Northern army.
During the civil war a soldier in the southern army was selected by the General & sent to spy on the Northern army.
As you know armies have no mercy on spies if they are caught.
As you know armies have no mercy on spies if they are caught.
This man was caught tried by court-marshal & ordered shot.
This man was caught tried by court-marshal & ordered shot.
While he was in the guardhouse awaiting the day of execution he would call Abraham Lincoln by ever vile name that he could think of.
While he was in the guardhouse awaiting the day of execution he would call Abraham Lincoln by ever vile name that he could think of.
On day while he was in prison, a Northern officer came into his cell.
On day while he was in prison, a Northern officer came into his cell.
The prisoner, full of rage, thought his time was come to be shot.
The prisoner, full of rage, thought his time was come to be shot.
The officer, when he opened the door, handed him a free pardon, signed by ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
The officer, when he opened the door, handed him a free pardon, signed by ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
He was given liberty & could go to his wife & children.
He was given liberty & could go to his wife & children.
The man who had before been so full of bitterness & malice & rage suddenly quieted down, & said
The man who had before been so full of bitterness & malice & rage suddenly quieted down, & said
"What! has Abraham Lincoln pardoned me?"
"What! has Abraham Lincoln pardoned me?"
I have never said a good word about him."
I have never said a good word about him."
The officer replied: If you got what you deserved, you would be shot.
The officer replied: If you got what you deserved, you would be shot.
But someone interceded for you at Washington & obtained your pardon.
But someone interceded for you at Washington & obtained your pardon.
You are now at liberty.,'
You are now at liberty.,'
In this utterance, we see the purpose of Jesus.
In this utterance, we see the purpose of Jesus.
A terrible cruelty and injustice is being done to him, but he is more concerned for the souls of those doing it than he is for his own body.
A terrible cruelty and injustice is being done to him, but he is more concerned for the souls of those doing it than he is for his own body.
His suffering and bloodshed were making forgiveness of sins possible for the world.
His suffering and bloodshed were making forgiveness of sins possible for the world.
It was to fulfill this compassionate purpose that he submitted himself to the cruel death.
It was to fulfill this compassionate purpose that he submitted himself to the cruel death.
As he said on his encounter with Zacchaeus, "the Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost" (Luke 19:9-10).
As he said on his encounter with Zacchaeus, "the Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost" (Luke 19:9-10).
9 And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.
10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
That was his purpose.
That was his purpose.
2 “Today you shall be with me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43).
2 “Today you shall be with me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43).
43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
In this utterance, we see the hope of Jesus.
In this utterance, we see the hope of Jesus.
He believed in a better place beyond this world, not only for himself but also for sinners who believed in him and his righteousness.
The place that Jesus called “Paradise” may not be heaven itself, but it is certainly a safe place along the way.
The sure hope of the righteous Lord, and of those made righteous by him, is that death does not separate the righteous from God (Romans 8:37-39).
37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
III AMAZING SALVATION
There is a 3rd aspect of his coversion that is amazing-not only tha amazing situation & the amazing supplication but also the amazing salvation.
There is a 3rd aspect of his coversion that is amazing-not only tha amazing situation & the amazing supplication but also the amazing salvation.
The Lord Jesus Christ came"TO SEEK AND TO SAVE THAT WHICH WAS LOST" Luke 19:10
The Lord Jesus Christ came"TO SEEK AND TO SAVE THAT WHICH WAS LOST" Luke 19:10
Luke 19:10
Luke 19:10
10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
You cannot save people who don't know that they are lost.
You cannot save people who don't know that they are lost.
One of the problems today is that people will not admit that they are lost.
One of the problems today is that people will not admit that they are lost.
People are lost sheep, & they don't realize it.
People are lost sheep, & they don't realize it.
They are traveling with the flock, and the flock is going in the wrong direction.
They are traveling with the flock, and the flock is going in the wrong direction.
They are lost sons, lost daughters, who turn their backs on their fathers and have gone into the far country.
They are lost sons, lost daughters, who turn their backs on their fathers and have gone into the far country.
This thief was a lost man who knew he was lost. He was condemned man who knew he was condemned.
This thief was a lost man who knew he was lost. He was condemned man who knew he was condemned.
Because of this, he turned to the Lord Jesus & said, " LORD REMEMBER ME WHEN THOU COMEST INTO THEY KINGDOM" Luke 23:42
Because of this, he turned to the Lord Jesus & said, " LORD REMEMBER ME WHEN THOU COMEST INTO THEY KINGDOM" Luke 23:42
42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
And Jesus gave to him an amazing salvation;
And Jesus gave to him an amazing salvation;
VERILY I SAY UNTO THEE, TO DAY SHALT THOU BE WITH ME IN PARADISE" Luke 23:43
VERILY I SAY UNTO THEE, TO DAY SHALT THOU BE WITH ME IN PARADISE" Luke 23:43
43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
A. WHOLLY BY GRACE
A. WHOLLY BY GRACE
What are the characteristics of this salvation that make it so amazing?
What are the characteristics of this salvation that make it so amazing?
To begin with, this salvation was wholly by grace.
To begin with, this salvation was wholly by grace.
This man did not deserve to be save, and he admitted it.
This man did not deserve to be save, and he admitted it.
He said, WE ARE IN THE SAME CONDEMNATION. AND WE INDEED JUSTLY; FOR WE RECEIVE THE DUE REWARD OF OUR DEEDS Luke 23:40-41 He admitted that he did not deserve to be saved.
He said, WE ARE IN THE SAME CONDEMNATION. AND WE INDEED JUSTLY; FOR WE RECEIVE THE DUE REWARD OF OUR DEEDS Luke 23:40-41 He admitted that he did not deserve to be saved.
40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
The 1st man that God made became a theif: Adam & Eve took from the tree & disobeyed God.
The 1st man that God made became a theif: Adam & Eve took from the tree & disobeyed God.
The 1st Adam became a thief and was cast out of Paradise.
The 1st Adam became a thief and was cast out of Paradise.
The Last Adam = JESUS.CHRIST turned to a thief & said, " TO DAY SHALT THOU BE WITH ME IN PARADISE " v43
The Last Adam = JESUS.CHRIST turned to a thief & said, " TO DAY SHALT THOU BE WITH ME IN PARADISE " v43
That is grace.
That is grace.
God in His mercy, does not give us what we do deserve- Hell; and God in His grace gives us what we don't deserve-heaven.
God in His mercy, does not give us what we do deserve- Hell; and God in His grace gives us what we don't deserve-heaven.
This thief could not earn his salvation. I have heard people tell others that in order to go to heaven you have to keep the 10 commandments.
This thief could not earn his salvation. I have heard people tell others that in order to go to heaven you have to keep the 10 commandments.
The dying thief did not have time to keep the 10 commandments.
The dying thief did not have time to keep the 10 commandments.
Someone else says "In order to get to heaven you have to be baptised.
Someone else says "In order to get to heaven you have to be baptised.
This man didn't have opportunity for any religious ritual.
This man didn't have opportunity for any religious ritual.
Someone else say "In order to get to heaven you have to join a certain Church.
Someone else say "In order to get to heaven you have to join a certain Church.
This man didn't have opportunity. Lets not complicate salvation.
This man didn't have opportunity. Lets not complicate salvation.
This man's conversion was wholly by the grace of God.
This man's conversion was wholly by the grace of God.
The man did not deserve it, the man did not earn it, the man simply receive it by faith.
The man did not deserve it, the man did not earn it, the man simply receive it by faith.
Wherever you have faith, you have to have grace; wherever you have law, you have to have works.
Wherever you have faith, you have to have grace; wherever you have law, you have to have works.
This man could not work for his salvation; all he could do was receive it as a gracious gift from God.
This man could not work for his salvation; all he could do was receive it as a gracious gift from God.
Have you receive salvation as a gracious gift from God?
Have you receive salvation as a gracious gift from God?
Are you bragging about your religion?
Are you bragging about your religion?
Are you saying. "I say so many prayers, I attend so many meetings, I do so many good works."
Are you saying. "I say so many prayers, I attend so many meetings, I do so many good works."
If that's your situation, you may not be save; because when we are saved by grace, we don't brag about it.
If that's your situation, you may not be save; because when we are saved by grace, we don't brag about it.
FOR BY GRACE ARE YE SAVED THROUGH FAITH; AND THAT NOT OF YOURSELVES; IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD; NOT OF WRIKS, LEST ANY MAN SHOULD BOAST " Eph 2:8-9
FOR BY GRACE ARE YE SAVED THROUGH FAITH; AND THAT NOT OF YOURSELVES; IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD; NOT OF WRIKS, LEST ANY MAN SHOULD BOAST " Eph 2:8-9
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
B. CERTAIN & SECURE
B. CERTAIN & SECURE
There is something else about this amazing salvation- it was secure.
There is something else about this amazing salvation- it was secure.
It was not a "hope-so" salvation, not a I guess-so salvation.
It was not a "hope-so" salvation, not a I guess-so salvation.
It is a I know for sure salvation.
It is a I know for sure salvation.
How did this thief know this salvation was secure?
How did this thief know this salvation was secure?
Because Jesus told him so. You may say, BUT JESUS IS NOT HERE TO TELL ME- I DON'T HEAR HIS VOICE AUDIBLY."
Because Jesus told him so. You may say, BUT JESUS IS NOT HERE TO TELL ME- I DON'T HEAR HIS VOICE AUDIBLY."
But you have His Word!
But you have His Word!
The same word that we have in the Scriptures is secure &certain.
The same word that we have in the Scriptures is secure &certain.
FOR EVER, O LORD THY WORD IS SETTLED IN HEAVEN "Ps 119:89
FOR EVER, O LORD THY WORD IS SETTLED IN HEAVEN "Ps 119:89
89 LAMED. For ever, O Lord, Thy word is settled in heaven.
Jesus himself said to this man TODAY SHALT THOU BE WITH ME IN PARADISE . LUKE 23:43. His salvation was certain, & it was secure.
Jesus himself said to this man TODAY SHALT THOU BE WITH ME IN PARADISE . LUKE 23:43. His salvation was certain, & it was secure.
I have had people tell me, YOU WON'T KNOW IF YOU'R SAVED UNTIL YOU DIE."
I have had people tell me, YOU WON'T KNOW IF YOU'R SAVED UNTIL YOU DIE."
That is just a little bit too close for me!
That is just a little bit too close for me!
That's taking a chane.
That's taking a chane.
I want to know before I die that i'm going to heaven.
I want to know before I die that i'm going to heaven.
Before I go to the airport to catch a airplane I want to know if I have my tickets. I don't want to wait & say i can't know until I get on the plane.
Before I go to the airport to catch a airplane I want to know if I have my tickets. I don't want to wait & say i can't know until I get on the plane.
This man knew were he would spend eternity because He had the word of Our Lord.
This man knew were he would spend eternity because He had the word of Our Lord.
We sing the song "Jesus love me! this I know, For the Bible tells me so."
We sing the song "Jesus love me! this I know, For the Bible tells me so."
We could sing it "Jesus saves me! this I know, For the Bible tells me so."
We could sing it "Jesus saves me! this I know, For the Bible tells me so."
C. PERSONAL
C. PERSONAL
There is a 3rd characteristic to this salvation.
There is a 3rd characteristic to this salvation.
It was wholly by grace, it was certain & secure, & it was personal.
It was wholly by grace, it was certain & secure, & it was personal.
Jesus spoke to this man personally:
Jesus spoke to this man personally:
VERILY I SAY UNTO THEE . Luke 23:43
VERILY I SAY UNTO THEE . Luke 23:43
43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
You see, God loves us personally.
You see, God loves us personally.
Paul wrote: HE LOVED ME, & GAVE HIMSELF FOR ME. Gal 2:20
Paul wrote: HE LOVED ME, & GAVE HIMSELF FOR ME. Gal 2:20
20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
The Lord Jesus Christ died for us personally. God's love is shown to us personally, & God saves us personally.
The Lord Jesus Christ died for us personally. God's love is shown to us personally, & God saves us personally.
God doesn't deal with us as part of a crowd. God does not save people en masse. God saves people individually, one by one. This was a personal salvation given to this theif. D. PRESENT
God doesn't deal with us as part of a crowd. God does not save people en masse. God saves people individually, one by one. This was a personal salvation given to this theif. D. PRESENT
It was a personal salvation, & it was a present salvation TO DAY SHALT THOU BE WITH ME IN PARADISE. Luke 23:43 Notice the word TODAY.
It was a personal salvation, & it was a present salvation TO DAY SHALT THOU BE WITH ME IN PARADISE. Luke 23:43 Notice the word TODAY.
43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
The man had said, "LORD REMEMBER ME WHEN THOU COMEST INTO THEY KINGDOM ." Luke 23:42
The man had said, "LORD REMEMBER ME WHEN THOU COMEST INTO THEY KINGDOM ." Luke 23:42
42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
It was as though the thief said, "Sometime in the future, you are going to have a kingdom.
It was as though the thief said, "Sometime in the future, you are going to have a kingdom.
Please remember me when that happens." But Jesus said, "Why wait until the future? I'll give you salvation right now today."
Please remember me when that happens." But Jesus said, "Why wait until the future? I'll give you salvation right now today."
Salvation is not a process.
Salvation is not a process.
You don't get a little bit save today, a little more saved next week, a little more saved next yr.
You don't get a little bit save today, a little more saved next week, a little more saved next yr.
Salvation is an instantaneous spiritual experience by the power of God when you put your faith in J.C. TO DAY SHALT THOU BE WITH ME IN PARADISE V43
Salvation is an instantaneous spiritual experience by the power of God when you put your faith in J.C. TO DAY SHALT THOU BE WITH ME IN PARADISE V43
A personal, present salvation,
A personal, present salvation,
E. CENTERED IN CHRIST
E. CENTERED IN CHRIST
Salvation was centered in the Lord Jesus Christ. TODAY SHALT THOU BE WITH ME IN PARADISE. LK 23:43 Salvation means being related to Jesus.Christ.
Salvation was centered in the Lord Jesus Christ. TODAY SHALT THOU BE WITH ME IN PARADISE. LK 23:43 Salvation means being related to Jesus.Christ.
Jesus.Christ. was identified with this man in condemnation, & this man was identified with Jesus.Christ. in salvation.
Jesus.Christ. was identified with this man in condemnation, & this man was identified with Jesus.Christ. in salvation.
That's what the cross is all about. Salvation is not centered in Moses, or keeping the law. It is not centered in John the Baptist. It is not centered in some preacher, some church or some revered person from the past.
That's what the cross is all about. Salvation is not centered in Moses, or keeping the law. It is not centered in John the Baptist. It is not centered in some preacher, some church or some revered person from the past.
Salvation is centered in Jesus.Christ.
Salvation is centered in Jesus.Christ.
This thief could not turn to the other thief & say REMEMBER ME WHEN THOU COMEST INTO THY KINGDOM, because his friend did not have a kingdom.
This thief could not turn to the other thief & say REMEMBER ME WHEN THOU COMEST INTO THY KINGDOM, because his friend did not have a kingdom.
This thief could not turn to one of the soldiers & say, REMEMBER ME WHEN YOU COME INTO YOUR KINGDOM."
This thief could not turn to one of the soldiers & say, REMEMBER ME WHEN YOU COME INTO YOUR KINGDOM."
He could not turn to one fo the religious leaders or to the preists- they could do nothing for Him.
He could not turn to one fo the religious leaders or to the preists- they could do nothing for Him.
He had to turn to Jesus.Christ. Have you ever turned to Jesus.Christ. & asked Him to save you?
He had to turn to Jesus.Christ. Have you ever turned to Jesus.Christ. & asked Him to save you?
This was a salvation wholly by grace, certain & secure, personal, present and centered in Jesus.Christ. .
This was a salvation wholly by grace, certain & secure, personal, present and centered in Jesus.Christ. .
F.GLORIOUS
F.GLORIOUS
Notice also that this salvation was glorious.
Notice also that this salvation was glorious.
TO DAY SHALT THOU BE WITH ME IN PARADISE." LK 23:43 All the man had hoped for was to share in some kind of a future kingdom about which he knew very little.
TO DAY SHALT THOU BE WITH ME IN PARADISE." LK 23:43 All the man had hoped for was to share in some kind of a future kingdom about which he knew very little.
Jesus said "I'm going to give you far more than you ever asked for or hoped for- you're going to be with Me in Paradise."
Jesus said "I'm going to give you far more than you ever asked for or hoped for- you're going to be with Me in Paradise."
The Apostle Paul, in II Cor. 12 tells us that Paradise is the 3rd heaven, here God dwells, Jesus said to the thief, "You are going to be with Me in a place of glory & praise where there will be no pain, no sorrow no tears, & no death."
The Apostle Paul, in II Cor. 12 tells us that Paradise is the 3rd heaven, here God dwells, Jesus said to the thief, "You are going to be with Me in a place of glory & praise where there will be no pain, no sorrow no tears, & no death."
You may say.
You may say.
Well I'm going to be like that thief- I'm going to wait unto the very last minute. & then I'm going to trust Jesus as my saviour. If you say that you have 2 problems to solve.
Well I'm going to be like that thief- I'm going to wait unto the very last minute. & then I'm going to trust Jesus as my saviour. If you say that you have 2 problems to solve.
Number 1: you don't know when the "last minute" is going to be. Would you sign a paper right now saying, I will postpone the salvation of my soul until just a few minutes before I die"?
Number 1: you don't know when the "last minute" is going to be. Would you sign a paper right now saying, I will postpone the salvation of my soul until just a few minutes before I die"?
Of course not because you don't know when your last minute will come.
Of course not because you don't know when your last minute will come.
But the big problem is this: The dying thief was not saved at the last opportunity he had- he was saved the 1st opportunity he had!
But the big problem is this: The dying thief was not saved at the last opportunity he had- he was saved the 1st opportunity he had!
We have no reason to believe that this man had heard Jesus preach before they met at Calvary.
We have no reason to believe that this man had heard Jesus preach before they met at Calvary.
When he had his 1st opportunity, the thief trusted in Jesus.Christ. The only difference between you & this thief is this- he got caught!
When he had his 1st opportunity, the thief trusted in Jesus.Christ. The only difference between you & this thief is this- he got caught!
You haven't gotten caught yet but one day you will.
You haven't gotten caught yet but one day you will.
THE DYING THIEF REJOICED TO SEE THAT FOUNTAIN IN HIS DAY, AND THERE MAY I, THOUGH VILE AS HE, WASH ALL MY SINS AWAY.
THE DYING THIEF REJOICED TO SEE THAT FOUNTAIN IN HIS DAY, AND THERE MAY I, THOUGH VILE AS HE, WASH ALL MY SINS AWAY.
3 “Behold your son! Behold your mother!” (John 19:26,27).
3 “Behold your son! Behold your mother!” (John 19:26,27).
In this utterance we see the love of Jesus. In his love for the whole world, he did not forget his special love for his mother and the disciple into whose care he gave her.
As John himself tells us, "Jesus, knowing that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end" (John 13:1). We can have confidence in his demonstrated love, and say with Paul, "He loved me, and gave himself for me" (Galatians 2:20).
Utterances about himself
4 “My God! My God! Why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46).
4 “My God! My God! Why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46).
In this utterance we see the faith of Jesus. Many teach that Jesus felt abandoned by God, and some even say that he was. However, I think we quite misunderstand this utterance if we think it expresses despair.
It is a direct quote from the beginning of the 22nd Psalm. This is a Messianic psalm. The religious leaders quoted this psalm against Jesus: "Let God rescue him if he delights in him" (Psalms 22:7-8, Matthew 27:41-43).
The Psalm contradicts the idea that God turned away from Jesus: "For God has not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted, nor has he hidden his face from him, but when he cried to him for help, God heard" (Psalms 22:24).
Although uttering only the anguished first words of the Psalm, Jesus was drawing upon the spirit of the whole Psalm: "In you our fathers trusted; they trusted and you delivered them; to you they cried out and were delivered; in you they trusted and were not disappointed" (Psalms 22:4-5).
5 “I am thirsty” (John 19:28).
5 “I am thirsty” (John 19:28).
In this utterance we see the suffering of Jesus. If we think that the Son of God was perhaps exercising some power by which he could avoid enduring the pain, we know we are mistaken.
Jesus complains of feeling one of the agonies of crucifixion —a terrible thirst: "My strength is dried up like a broken clay pot, and my tongue sticks to my jaws" (Psalms 22:15).
It is part of the Christian belief that we have our "salvation through sufferings" which Jesus endured to bring many sons to glory (Hebrews 2:10).
6 “It is finished!” (John 19:30).
6 “It is finished!” (John 19:30).
In this utterance we see the satisfaction of Jesus. The question of what Jesus meant by "it" is a cause for much discussion. It is natural to take it that he meant the ordeal of crucifixion was finished.
It is also natural to suppose he meant his whole journey through earthly life, from birth to death, was finished. What we do know for certain, is that Jesus is both "the author and finisher of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2), and what he started he saw through to the very end.
7 “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46).
7 “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46).
In this utterance we see the submission of Jesus. Jesus "humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross" (Philippians 2:8).
Now with one last cry, he yields up his spirit to his Father, bows his head, breathes his last, and dies —in total submission he has committed himself body and spirit to God. Such surrender! Is it too much for him to ask that we surrender ourselves wholly to him?