February 14 2016 The Word Of Assurance

THE WORD OF ASSURANCE

“One of the criminals hanging beside Jesus hurled insults at Him, ‘So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself, and us, too while you’re at it!’ But the other criminal rebuked him, ‘Don’t you fear God even when you are dying? We deserve to die for our evil deeds, but this Man has not done anything wrong!’ Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when You come into Your Kingdom.’ And Jesus replied, ‘I assure you, today you will be with Me in paradise.’” Luke 23:39-43

Five Facts The Dying Man Knew

1. He knew he would face God after death.

Luke 23:40 – Don’t you fear God even when you are dying?

Hebrews 9:27 – Everyone must die once, and after that be judged by God.

2. He knew Jesus was more than a man.

Verse 41 – This Man has done nothing wrong.

Verse 42 – Jesus, remember me when You come into Your Kingdom.

John 1:29 – Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.

Paul – He became sin for us on the cross.

3. He knew Jesus would forgive him.

Verse 43 – Today you will be with Me in Paradise.

Isaiah 53:12 – He bore the sin of many.

4. He knew Jesus could change his life.

Verse 42 – Remember me when You come into Your Kingdom.

Acts 26:17 & 18 – I am sending you to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of satan to God.

5. He knew Jesus could give him a home in heaven.

Verse 43 – You will be with Me in Paradise.

John 14:1-3 – Let not your heart be troubled, if you believe in God, believe also in Me.  In my Father’s house are many mansions, and I go to prepare a place for you , and if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto Myself that where I am there you may be also.

Four Important Truths

1. It is immediate.

2. It is certain.

3. It is a relationship.

4. It is a place.

Romans 10:13 – Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.