[ ] 3/9/2008 #762

THE CROSS MADE A DIFFERENCE FOR ME:

CROSS OF MERCY

Luke 23:39-43

INTRODUCTION: The two thieves were guilty of robbery. They were receiving their just punishment for their crimes. Jesus was on the middle cross offering Himself as a sacrifice for sinners. Only one turned to Jesus for salvation. The cross made the difference between heaven and hell for this repentant thief.

I. PROMISE OF THE SAVIOR

A. GUARANTEE OF SALVATION. (v. 43; Verily)

The assurance of salvation came from the Savior. Only God can forgive sins. Salvation is of the Lord. Jesus, the Savior of sinners, gave His Word to this repentant sinner.

B. GRACE OF SALVATION. (v. 43; I say unto thee)

The cross reveals the grace of God. The grace of God made it possible for the thief to repent and have faith to believe. Both are gifts from God. Jesus spoke directly to the one thief who was asking for mercy. This thief recognized his guilt and his just punishment. The words of grace flowed from the lips of Jesus. “Verily I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with me in paradise.” The sinner who owns his sin and turns from it will be saved.

II. PRESENCE WITH THE SAVIOR

A. PURCHASED BY CHRIST. (1 Cor. 6:20)

When Jesus saved the thief, he became Christ’s possession. The thief’s soul was purchased by the blood of Jesus. (1 Cor. 6:20) Jesus was paying the wages of this man’s sins.

B. PRESENT WITH CHRIST. “Today shalt thou be with me”

Jesus told the thief that he would be with Him in Paradise. The thief would not have to wait for the future. It would be a reality before sundown. The thief was the first sinner to enter heaven washed in the blood of the Lamb.

III. PARADISE OF THE SAVIOR

A. GARDEN OF HIS PREPARING. (John 14:1-3; Rev. 22:1-5)

“Various commentators have pointed out that when a Persian king wished to bestow upon one of his subjects a special honor; he made him a ‘companion of the garden.’ The person chosen to walk in the king’s garden was a special friend and companion of the king. Thus, Jesus promised the thief that he would be a companion of the King of kings, walking with Christ in the garden of heaven.”

B. GLORY OF HIS PRESENCE.

1. Glory of His person. (Rev. 1:13-18)

John saw the vision of the Lord. He was clothed with a garment from head to foot. “His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.” “. . . His countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.”

2. Glory of His position. (Isaiah 6:1-3)

“I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.” The seraphim cried unto one another saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.”

In the morning in a state of Guilt,

At noon in a state of Grace,

During the night in a state of Glory!

LESSONS FOR LIFE:

1. This hopeless, helpless, hell bound sinner was saved because Jesus bore his sin on Himself on the cross. We are all like this thief in need of salvation.

2. The thief was saved because he honestly owned his sin. Grace is available to the one who places his faith in Jesus Christ.

3. The cross made the difference for this man spending eternity in heaven instead of hell. Has the cross made a difference in your life?