## Today in Paradise

## Luke 23:39-44

FATHER FORGIVE THEM

1. Should make us forgiving ... forbearing ... faithful

2. The word that withheld the wrath of God

THE SECOND WORD FROM THE CROSS

1. "Today thou shalt be with me in paradise"

2. A word of personal assurance ... and challenge

I. IT IS A WORD OF PARDON

A. This word spoken to a man fully aware of his sin

B. Many things we do not know about this thief

1. Name

2. Age

3. Crime

C. Evidence of God's working in his heart

1. Aware of God's knowledge of his heart

2. Has become reverent toward God (v. 40)

3. Sees himself as guilty (v. 41)

D. Assurance that sins are forgiven

1. Prayer answered

2. Promise of life from the Lord

II. IT IS A WORD THAT IS PERSONAL

A. "With me"

B. The thief cries out for personal salvation

C. Lord! Remember me!

1. The prayer of faith: "Lord!"

2. Never saw a miracle or heard a sermon

3. Looked at the crucified and called Him Lord

4. "Remember me." Expects Him to complete His work

D. J. C. Ryle, "Surely such faith was never since the world began"

III. A WORD ABOUT PARADISE

A. "In paradise"

B. We will be with Jesus in heaven when we die

C. The promises and problems solved by this statement

1. Eternity is just a step away

2. No soul sleep and no unconscious state

3. Salvation not by works or religious acts. No time for these left

4. Believers are going to a better place

D. What heaven should mean to us

IV. The Cry of Salvation: I Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise' Luke 23:39-43

A. It proves salvation is all of grace. cf. Eph.2:8-9

B. It proves that salvation is by Christ. I Tim. 2:5, 'For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus'

C. It proves that salvation comes instantly, the moment one believes. cf. Romans 10:9

1. Believe in the heart.

2. Confess with the mouth.

Jesus wins one more soul to take to glory as he dies on the cross. We have our petty excuses for not reaching others. In all the discomfort and agony of the cross, Christ wins one more. Do you have the sure hope of the dying thief?