Title: The Two Thieves at the Cross Meta: There are only two responses to Jesus Christ, and these two responses are represented by the two thieves who were also crucified with Christ. Every single person stands in line behind one of the two thieves in how they respond to Jesus Christ. Tags: Cross,theif,death-bed,conversion,Jesus Christ 1 00:00:05,950 --> 00:00:11,800 You know you've heard good preaching 2 00:00:11,800 --> 00:00:16,184 when the preacher finishes 3 00:00:16,184 --> 00:00:20,207 and he has faded away into the background, 4 00:00:20,207 --> 00:00:25,034 and Christ is magnified and exalted. 5 00:00:25,034 --> 00:00:26,809 And that's what the Lord 6 00:00:26,809 --> 00:00:29,409 just worked through our brother there. 7 00:00:29,409 --> 00:00:31,360 I say this with all sincerity. 8 00:00:31,360 --> 00:00:34,394 It almost feels like a distraction 9 00:00:34,394 --> 00:00:37,112 to get up and preach right now. 10 00:00:37,112 --> 00:00:41,164 Because, we just beheld the truths 11 00:00:41,164 --> 00:00:44,313 of the glory of Jesus Christ. 12 00:00:44,313 --> 00:00:47,779 And those are things we should 13 00:00:47,779 --> 00:00:49,270 really ponder upon 14 00:00:49,270 --> 00:00:53,167 and let them resonate in our hearts. 15 00:00:53,167 --> 00:00:54,798 Thank you, brother. 16 00:00:54,798 --> 00:00:56,709 Thank you. 17 00:00:56,709 --> 00:00:58,668 We're going to go before the Lord 18 00:00:58,668 --> 00:01:01,124 and ask for His grace once again. 19 00:01:01,124 --> 00:01:05,770 He's been very kind to us this morning. 20 00:01:05,770 --> 00:01:07,897 Let's ask again. 21 00:01:07,897 --> 00:01:16,714 Bow with me. 22 00:01:16,714 --> 00:01:21,698 Oh Father, 23 00:01:21,698 --> 00:01:25,964 in the precious name of Jesus 24 00:01:25,964 --> 00:01:27,564 we come. 25 00:01:27,564 --> 00:01:28,913 Thank You, God. 26 00:01:28,913 --> 00:01:31,132 Thank You for answering prayers 27 00:01:31,132 --> 00:01:33,286 prayed this morning 28 00:01:33,286 --> 00:01:36,250 for the preaching of Your Word. 29 00:01:36,250 --> 00:01:38,328 Thank You for working in my heart, 30 00:01:38,328 --> 00:01:42,470 and I'm sure in the hearts of all of us here. 31 00:01:42,470 --> 00:01:47,899 God, continue to apply those truths 32 00:01:47,899 --> 00:01:53,951 and work in our midst. 33 00:01:53,951 --> 00:01:56,317 Father, we're coming again now to Your Word, 34 00:01:56,317 --> 00:02:01,740 and we confess again the need for help. 35 00:02:01,740 --> 00:02:03,642 Lord, we'll be looking at a passage 36 00:02:03,642 --> 00:02:09,450 we've all read or heard countless times, 37 00:02:09,450 --> 00:02:14,696 but would you keep it from being common? 38 00:02:14,696 --> 00:02:16,510 That's what we need, God. 39 00:02:16,510 --> 00:02:18,076 You to come 40 00:02:18,076 --> 00:02:20,134 and bring alive Your Word 41 00:02:20,134 --> 00:02:21,796 as I strive by Your grace 42 00:02:21,796 --> 00:02:24,605 to be faithful to it. 43 00:02:24,605 --> 00:02:27,279 That You would work in every heart. 44 00:02:27,279 --> 00:02:30,784 And we pray again for salvation, Lord, 45 00:02:30,784 --> 00:02:34,842 for the lost among us. 46 00:02:34,842 --> 00:02:37,332 And for greater revelation, 47 00:02:37,332 --> 00:02:40,738 assurance, hope, and joy 48 00:02:40,738 --> 00:02:44,235 for those who You've granted life to. 49 00:02:44,235 --> 00:02:46,592 So, feed us and work through Your Word 50 00:02:46,592 --> 00:02:50,475 for Your glory we pray and ask these things, 51 00:02:50,475 --> 00:02:52,226 in the name of Jesus, 52 00:02:52,226 --> 00:02:55,385 Amen. 53 00:02:55,385 --> 00:02:59,763 Beloved, if the Gospel of Jesus Christ 54 00:02:59,763 --> 00:03:03,151 ever becomes common to us, 55 00:03:03,151 --> 00:03:06,664 we're in a dangerous place. 56 00:03:06,664 --> 00:03:08,504 When those things begin to happen, 57 00:03:08,504 --> 00:03:13,107 you've started to forget who you once were, 58 00:03:13,107 --> 00:03:15,977 who He is, what He's accomplished, 59 00:03:15,977 --> 00:03:21,348 and your daily need for grace to be seeing these things. 60 00:03:21,348 --> 00:03:24,620 We are going to be in a very familiar passage. 61 00:03:24,620 --> 00:03:30,349 If you'll turn in your Bibles to Luke 23. 62 00:03:30,349 --> 00:03:48,752 The Gospel of Luke chapter 23. 63 00:03:48,752 --> 00:03:52,029 We'll start reading in verse 26. 64 00:03:52,029 --> 00:03:54,440 We'll read through verse 43. 65 00:03:54,440 --> 00:03:59,305 And then we'll focus back on 32-43. 66 00:03:59,305 --> 00:04:03,596 Follow along for the reading of God's Word. 67 00:04:03,596 --> 00:04:05,711 "And as they led Him away, 68 00:04:05,711 --> 00:04:08,823 they seized one Simon of Cyrene 69 00:04:08,823 --> 00:04:10,777 who was coming in from the country, 70 00:04:10,777 --> 00:04:13,821 and laid on him the cross 71 00:04:13,821 --> 00:04:16,465 to carry behind Jesus. 72 00:04:16,465 --> 00:04:17,603 And there followed Him 73 00:04:17,603 --> 00:04:19,640 a great multitude of the people 74 00:04:19,640 --> 00:04:20,803 and of women who were 75 00:04:20,803 --> 00:04:23,157 mourning and lamenting for Him. 76 00:04:23,157 --> 00:04:24,806 But turning to them, 77 00:04:24,806 --> 00:04:27,496 Jesus said, 'Daughters of Jerusalem, 78 00:04:27,496 --> 00:04:30,523 do not weep for Me, 79 00:04:30,523 --> 00:04:33,711 but weep for yourselves and for your children. 80 00:04:33,711 --> 00:04:36,115 For behold, the days are coming 81 00:04:36,115 --> 00:04:37,447 when they will say 82 00:04:37,447 --> 00:04:39,100 'Blessed are the barren 83 00:04:39,100 --> 00:04:41,370 and the wombs that never bore 84 00:04:41,370 --> 00:04:44,357 and the breasts that never nursed.' 85 00:04:44,357 --> 00:04:46,585 Then they will begin to say to the mountains, 86 00:04:46,585 --> 00:04:47,902 'fall on us.' 87 00:04:47,902 --> 00:04:50,687 And to the hills, 'cover us.' 88 00:04:50,687 --> 00:04:54,113 For if they do these things when the wood is green, 89 00:04:54,113 --> 00:04:57,433 what will happen when it is dry?'' 90 00:04:57,433 --> 00:05:00,392 Two others, who were criminals 91 00:05:00,392 --> 00:05:03,935 were led away to be put to death with Him. 92 00:05:03,935 --> 00:05:05,451 And when they came to the place 93 00:05:05,451 --> 00:05:08,119 that is called 'the skull,' 94 00:05:08,119 --> 00:05:13,406 there they crucified Him and the criminals. 95 00:05:13,406 --> 00:05:16,429 One on His right and one on His left. 96 00:05:16,429 --> 00:05:17,600 And Jesus said, 97 00:05:17,600 --> 00:05:20,215 'Father, forgive them, 98 00:05:20,215 --> 00:05:22,457 for they know not what they do.' 99 00:05:22,457 --> 00:05:25,658 And they cast lots to divide His garments. 100 00:05:25,658 --> 00:05:30,352 And the people stood by watching, 101 00:05:30,352 --> 00:05:33,357 but the rulers scoffed at Him saying, 102 00:05:33,357 --> 00:05:37,167 'He saved others. Let Him save Himself. 103 00:05:37,167 --> 00:05:39,023 If He is the Christ of God, 104 00:05:39,023 --> 00:05:41,212 His Chosen One.' 105 00:05:41,212 --> 00:05:42,883 The soldiers also mocked Him 106 00:05:42,883 --> 00:05:45,905 coming up and offering Him sour wine 107 00:05:45,905 --> 00:05:48,691 and saying, 'If You are the King of the Jews, 108 00:05:48,691 --> 00:05:50,207 save Yourself.' 109 00:05:50,207 --> 00:05:53,350 There was also an inscription over Him: 110 00:05:53,350 --> 00:05:55,808 'This is the King of the Jews.' 111 00:05:55,808 --> 00:05:58,847 One of the criminals who were hanged 112 00:05:58,847 --> 00:06:00,281 railed at Him saying, 113 00:06:00,281 --> 00:06:02,363 'Are you not the Christ? 114 00:06:02,363 --> 00:06:04,265 Save Yourself and us.' 115 00:06:04,265 --> 00:06:06,456 But the other rebuked him saying, 116 00:06:06,456 --> 00:06:08,221 'Do you not fear God? 117 00:06:08,221 --> 00:06:10,032 Since you are under the same sentence 118 00:06:10,032 --> 00:06:11,462 of condemnation? 119 00:06:11,462 --> 00:06:14,069 And we indeed justly. 120 00:06:14,069 --> 00:06:16,814 For we are receiving the due reward of our deeds. 121 00:06:16,814 --> 00:06:19,183 But this man has done nothing wrong.' 122 00:06:19,183 --> 00:06:22,042 And he said, "Jesus, remember me, 123 00:06:22,042 --> 00:06:24,037 when You come into Your Kingdom.' 124 00:06:24,037 --> 00:06:26,305 And He (being Jesus) said to Him, 125 00:06:26,305 --> 00:06:28,118 'Truly, I say to you, 126 00:06:28,118 --> 00:06:33,796 today, you will be with Me in paradise.'" 127 00:06:33,796 --> 00:06:35,353 Here in Luke's account, 128 00:06:35,353 --> 00:06:39,051 we have before us three crosses 129 00:06:39,051 --> 00:06:40,364 at Golgotha. 130 00:06:40,364 --> 00:06:44,499 In verse 33, known as "the skull." 131 00:06:44,499 --> 00:06:46,298 From the disciples' perspective, 132 00:06:46,298 --> 00:06:48,771 remember they're scattered at this time. 133 00:06:48,771 --> 00:06:50,447 From the disciples' perspective, 134 00:06:50,447 --> 00:06:54,902 it appears that everything is falling apart. 135 00:06:54,902 --> 00:06:58,170 The One they've been following for three years; 136 00:06:58,170 --> 00:07:01,930 the One Who they have embraced as Savior and Lord 137 00:07:01,930 --> 00:07:06,535 is now impaled to a cross. 138 00:07:06,535 --> 00:07:08,713 But what they fail to see, 139 00:07:08,713 --> 00:07:11,847 along with everyone else at this point, 140 00:07:11,847 --> 00:07:17,951 is that the predetermined plan of God the Father 141 00:07:17,951 --> 00:07:28,611 is being played out just as He planned. 142 00:07:28,611 --> 00:07:32,405 Gathered together in this city, 143 00:07:32,405 --> 00:07:34,368 Herod, 144 00:07:34,368 --> 00:07:36,538 Pontius Pilate, 145 00:07:36,538 --> 00:07:38,742 along with the Gentiles 146 00:07:38,742 --> 00:07:40,917 and the people of Israel, 147 00:07:40,917 --> 00:07:43,490 to do whatever the Father's hand 148 00:07:43,490 --> 00:07:48,735 had planned and predestined to take place. 149 00:07:48,735 --> 00:07:50,024 If you're wondering, 150 00:07:50,024 --> 00:07:55,038 that's Acts 4:27-28. 151 00:07:55,038 --> 00:07:58,592 The crucifixion of Jesus Christ 152 00:07:58,592 --> 00:08:01,736 is the predetermined, sovereign plan 153 00:08:01,736 --> 00:08:04,594 of the Father. 154 00:08:04,594 --> 00:08:08,069 This isn't the backup plan. 155 00:08:08,069 --> 00:08:12,107 This is the plan. 156 00:08:12,107 --> 00:08:14,675 All of human history, 157 00:08:14,675 --> 00:08:18,322 orchestrated by the sovereign hand of God, 158 00:08:18,322 --> 00:08:21,095 has been working towards this day 159 00:08:21,095 --> 00:08:22,302 that we are reading, 160 00:08:22,302 --> 00:08:27,033 and particularly, this precise moment. 161 00:08:27,033 --> 00:08:28,885 And rejoice with me that nothing 162 00:08:28,885 --> 00:08:34,138 can stay the hand of our sovereign God. 163 00:08:34,138 --> 00:08:37,363 What was foretold starting in Genesis 3 164 00:08:37,363 --> 00:08:39,135 immediately after the fall, 165 00:08:39,135 --> 00:08:43,328 when God spoke to the serpent, 166 00:08:43,328 --> 00:08:47,298 saying, "I will put enmity between you and the woman, 167 00:08:47,298 --> 00:08:50,960 between your offspring and her offspring. 168 00:08:50,960 --> 00:08:53,385 He shall bruise your head, 169 00:08:53,385 --> 00:08:57,496 and you shall bruise His heel." 170 00:08:57,496 --> 00:08:59,415 It's coming to this head now, 171 00:08:59,415 --> 00:09:04,090 the pinnacle of all of human history. 172 00:09:04,090 --> 00:09:06,959 All that God was doing in sustaining His people 173 00:09:06,959 --> 00:09:08,595 as we read those accounts 174 00:09:08,595 --> 00:09:10,108 throughout the Old Testament, 175 00:09:10,108 --> 00:09:11,625 and we see God upholding 176 00:09:11,625 --> 00:09:13,601 and sustaining His people. 177 00:09:13,601 --> 00:09:15,202 Why? 178 00:09:15,202 --> 00:09:17,110 That the line through which He would 179 00:09:17,110 --> 00:09:20,058 bring His own Son Jesus Christ 180 00:09:20,058 --> 00:09:22,881 for this very purpose 181 00:09:22,881 --> 00:09:25,078 is unfolding before us here 182 00:09:25,078 --> 00:09:28,913 in chapter 23. 183 00:09:28,913 --> 00:09:31,638 I told you yesterday 184 00:09:31,638 --> 00:09:33,368 that Jesus met with the men 185 00:09:33,368 --> 00:09:34,751 on the road to Emmaus 186 00:09:34,751 --> 00:09:37,617 and opened up the Scriptures to them. 187 00:09:37,617 --> 00:09:42,071 How Moses: Genesis through Deuteronomy - 188 00:09:42,071 --> 00:09:43,663 the Pentateuch, 189 00:09:43,663 --> 00:09:45,276 and the Prophets - 190 00:09:45,276 --> 00:09:47,686 the entirety of the Old Testament, 191 00:09:47,686 --> 00:09:50,294 pointed to Jesus. 192 00:09:50,294 --> 00:09:54,200 I'm not one that says Jesus is in every verse, 193 00:09:54,200 --> 00:09:56,226 but I am one that when I read a verse, 194 00:09:56,226 --> 00:09:58,315 I say how does this point back 195 00:09:58,315 --> 00:10:03,850 or look to or find its fulfillment in Jesus. 196 00:10:03,850 --> 00:10:06,036 This is when God the Father, beloved, 197 00:10:06,036 --> 00:10:09,006 will demonstrate His love for His people, 198 00:10:09,006 --> 00:10:12,092 through His Son Jesus Christ - 199 00:10:12,092 --> 00:10:14,779 the innocent Lamb of God, 200 00:10:14,779 --> 00:10:19,151 as Jesus here is numbered among the transgressors. 201 00:10:19,151 --> 00:10:21,562 Standing in the criminal's place. 202 00:10:21,562 --> 00:10:23,720 The sin of Jesus' people 203 00:10:23,720 --> 00:10:27,123 will be laid upon Him. 204 00:10:27,123 --> 00:10:32,037 He will suffer and die in their place. 205 00:10:32,037 --> 00:10:33,502 What we refer to as 206 00:10:33,502 --> 00:10:37,621 substitutionary atonement. 207 00:10:37,621 --> 00:10:40,365 The wrath of God, as my brother just preached, 208 00:10:40,365 --> 00:10:42,530 will be poured out upon Jesus. 209 00:10:42,530 --> 00:10:47,363 It is not the Romans who atone for the sin. 210 00:10:47,363 --> 00:10:49,478 It is not their wrath. 211 00:10:49,478 --> 00:10:52,084 It is the Father bruising the Son. 212 00:10:52,084 --> 00:10:53,416 It is the wrath of God 213 00:10:53,416 --> 00:10:55,759 being poured out upon the Son 214 00:10:55,759 --> 00:11:00,257 that will atone for the sins of His people. 215 00:11:00,257 --> 00:11:02,865 Justice will be satisfied 216 00:11:02,865 --> 00:11:05,671 as He bears the wrath of His people, 217 00:11:05,671 --> 00:11:10,136 He dies their death. 218 00:11:10,136 --> 00:11:12,276 And if we were to continue reading here 219 00:11:12,276 --> 00:11:15,578 in the Gospel of Luke into chapter 24, 220 00:11:15,578 --> 00:11:17,749 we would see that three days later, 221 00:11:17,749 --> 00:11:21,929 Jesus Christ will rise from the dead 222 00:11:21,929 --> 00:11:26,908 conquering sin and death, 223 00:11:26,908 --> 00:11:30,984 and through His death, burial, and resurrection 224 00:11:30,984 --> 00:11:36,727 offer forgiveness of sins and eternal life 225 00:11:36,727 --> 00:11:43,544 to all who will repent and put their faith in Him alone. 226 00:11:43,544 --> 00:11:48,889 Jesus Christ accomplishes salvation. 227 00:11:48,889 --> 00:11:53,459 He purchases salvation. 228 00:11:53,459 --> 00:11:55,223 Think about that. 229 00:11:55,223 --> 00:11:59,302 He doesn't purchase a potential salvation. 230 00:11:59,302 --> 00:12:00,686 He accomplishes. 231 00:12:00,686 --> 00:12:03,704 He redeems a people 232 00:12:03,704 --> 00:12:06,945 through the shedding of His own blood. 233 00:12:06,945 --> 00:12:09,294 Beloved, the three most important days 234 00:12:09,294 --> 00:12:14,720 in all of human history, 235 00:12:14,720 --> 00:12:18,324 the Incarnation: 236 00:12:18,324 --> 00:12:22,393 the day when God the Son took on flesh 237 00:12:22,393 --> 00:12:26,151 and was born of the virgin; 238 00:12:26,151 --> 00:12:30,278 the crucifixion which we are reading about here: 239 00:12:30,278 --> 00:12:32,946 the day when Jesus Christ stood in the place 240 00:12:32,946 --> 00:12:37,154 willfully of guilty sinners as the innocent Lamb 241 00:12:37,154 --> 00:12:42,475 to be slaughtered that they may have life; 242 00:12:42,475 --> 00:12:44,935 and the resurrection: 243 00:12:44,935 --> 00:12:48,745 the day when Jesus would be raised from the dead 244 00:12:48,745 --> 00:12:52,773 conquering sin and death. 245 00:12:52,773 --> 00:12:54,809 Beloved, we now here sit 246 00:12:54,809 --> 00:12:58,675 looking at these things fulfilled, 247 00:12:58,675 --> 00:13:04,950 in anticipation of His return. 248 00:13:04,950 --> 00:13:09,435 Come, Lord Jesus. Come. 249 00:13:09,435 --> 00:13:12,038 There are two other crosses mentioned in the account 250 00:13:12,038 --> 00:13:13,744 and I want to spend our time today 251 00:13:13,744 --> 00:13:16,576 considering these two other crosses. 252 00:13:16,576 --> 00:13:19,170 The account of the two thieves 253 00:13:19,170 --> 00:13:20,909 is a true account. 254 00:13:20,909 --> 00:13:22,134 These were two men. 255 00:13:22,134 --> 00:13:23,867 This isn't just a parable. 256 00:13:23,867 --> 00:13:26,027 These are two men who lived. 257 00:13:26,027 --> 00:13:29,639 Two men who were crucified next to Jesus. 258 00:13:29,639 --> 00:13:32,188 But in another sense, 259 00:13:32,188 --> 00:13:34,349 everyone in this room 260 00:13:34,349 --> 00:13:36,462 and everyone in the world 261 00:13:36,462 --> 00:13:38,575 for all of human history 262 00:13:38,575 --> 00:13:42,192 is in line behind one of these two men; 263 00:13:42,192 --> 00:13:45,798 to the right or to the left of Jesus. 264 00:13:45,798 --> 00:13:47,285 I want to consider them both 265 00:13:47,285 --> 00:13:48,369 and I want to see, 266 00:13:48,369 --> 00:13:50,609 first, the warning given, 267 00:13:50,609 --> 00:13:53,997 and then the glorious hope shown 268 00:13:53,997 --> 00:13:57,082 to guilty sinners. 269 00:13:57,082 --> 00:14:01,191 Work with me starting in v. 32. 270 00:14:01,191 --> 00:14:03,982 "Two others who were criminals 271 00:14:03,982 --> 00:14:07,701 were led away to be put to death with Him," 272 00:14:07,701 --> 00:14:09,870 that's Jesus. 273 00:14:09,870 --> 00:14:12,403 There are three crosses. 274 00:14:12,403 --> 00:14:15,313 V. 33, "And when they came to the place 275 00:14:15,313 --> 00:14:16,614 called 'the skull,' 276 00:14:16,614 --> 00:14:19,737 there they crucified Him (being Jesus) 277 00:14:19,737 --> 00:14:21,426 and the criminals, 278 00:14:21,426 --> 00:14:25,779 one on His right and one on His left. 279 00:14:25,779 --> 00:14:28,621 Luke makes a distinction 280 00:14:28,621 --> 00:14:32,176 of Jesus' crucifixion from the other two. 281 00:14:32,176 --> 00:14:35,071 Crucifixion is not uncommon at this time. 282 00:14:35,071 --> 00:14:38,889 Seeing three people put on crosses at Golgotha 283 00:14:38,889 --> 00:14:42,544 is not uncommon at this time. 284 00:14:42,544 --> 00:14:45,336 But Luke sees the need to make a distinction 285 00:14:45,336 --> 00:14:48,390 and set Jesus' crucifixion apart from 286 00:14:48,390 --> 00:14:50,147 all that have come before Him 287 00:14:50,147 --> 00:14:51,566 and the two criminals. 288 00:14:51,566 --> 00:14:52,780 Why? 289 00:14:52,780 --> 00:14:56,484 Because an innocent man is being crucified, 290 00:14:56,484 --> 00:14:58,030 and that innocent man 291 00:14:58,030 --> 00:14:59,793 is God Incarnate. 292 00:14:59,793 --> 00:15:01,380 Immanuel. 293 00:15:01,380 --> 00:15:06,582 The Messiah who will take away the sins of His people. 294 00:15:06,582 --> 00:15:08,803 Jesus, being full of mercy and compassion, 295 00:15:08,803 --> 00:15:11,399 says in v. 34, look with me, 296 00:15:11,399 --> 00:15:13,803 "Father, forgive them, 297 00:15:13,803 --> 00:15:17,233 for they know not what they do." 298 00:15:17,233 --> 00:15:20,275 Jesus is not implying innocence here 299 00:15:20,275 --> 00:15:25,568 to those who partook in the crucifixion of Him. 300 00:15:25,568 --> 00:15:29,206 Those people are responsible and culpable. 301 00:15:29,206 --> 00:15:30,545 But what He's stating here 302 00:15:30,545 --> 00:15:34,475 is that they are not fully aware 303 00:15:34,475 --> 00:15:40,252 of the extent of what they are about to do. 304 00:15:40,252 --> 00:15:42,427 They are culpable, 305 00:15:42,427 --> 00:15:45,580 but unknowing of the extent of their sin 306 00:15:45,580 --> 00:15:51,672 and that they are crucifying the Son of God. 307 00:15:51,672 --> 00:15:53,410 At the end of v 34, it says, 308 00:15:53,410 --> 00:15:58,445 "And they cast lots to divide His garments." 309 00:15:58,445 --> 00:16:02,483 Brother Mack mentioned Messianic psalms. 310 00:16:02,483 --> 00:16:07,016 This is Psalm 22:18. 311 00:16:07,016 --> 00:16:10,662 A fulfillment pointing, again, to Jesus Christ 312 00:16:10,662 --> 00:16:14,159 being the prophesied Messiah. 313 00:16:14,159 --> 00:16:16,391 Then in v. 35, 314 00:16:16,391 --> 00:16:19,204 "And the people stood by watching, 315 00:16:19,204 --> 00:16:22,078 but the rulers scoffed at Him, saying, 316 00:16:22,078 --> 00:16:23,780 'He saved others. 317 00:16:23,780 --> 00:16:25,641 Let Him save Himself, 318 00:16:25,641 --> 00:16:28,567 if He is the Christ of God, 319 00:16:28,567 --> 00:16:31,607 His Chosen One.'" 320 00:16:31,607 --> 00:16:33,773 The rulers scoff. 321 00:16:33,773 --> 00:16:37,727 The soldiers also mocked Him. 322 00:16:37,727 --> 00:16:39,753 Coming up and offering Him sour wine 323 00:16:39,753 --> 00:16:42,402 and saying, "if you are the King of the Jews, 324 00:16:42,402 --> 00:16:45,885 save Yourself." 325 00:16:45,885 --> 00:16:48,222 There was also an inscription over Him. 326 00:16:48,222 --> 00:16:52,791 V. 38, "This is the King of the Jews." 327 00:16:52,791 --> 00:16:57,556 Now in v. 39, we get to one of the thieves. 328 00:16:57,556 --> 00:16:59,428 And this is where we're going to pause 329 00:16:59,428 --> 00:17:02,250 and consider some things. 330 00:17:02,250 --> 00:17:05,991 Beloved, before I start, 331 00:17:05,991 --> 00:17:07,573 I want you to know this. 332 00:17:07,573 --> 00:17:11,486 There are only two responses to Jesus Christ. 333 00:17:11,486 --> 00:17:13,422 They're both before us today 334 00:17:13,422 --> 00:17:15,429 in the representation of these two men, 335 00:17:15,429 --> 00:17:17,445 who are actual men. 336 00:17:17,445 --> 00:17:18,885 But they are representations 337 00:17:18,885 --> 00:17:22,299 of the two responses to Christ. 338 00:17:22,299 --> 00:17:23,647 Every one in this room, 339 00:17:23,647 --> 00:17:25,051 youngest to oldest, 340 00:17:25,051 --> 00:17:27,996 is in line behind one of these two men 341 00:17:27,996 --> 00:17:32,038 in how you have responded to Jesus Christ. 342 00:17:32,038 --> 00:17:37,223 You fit in one of these two categories here. 343 00:17:37,223 --> 00:17:41,027 V. 39, "One of the criminals 344 00:17:41,027 --> 00:17:44,002 who were hanged, railed at Him, 345 00:17:44,002 --> 00:17:47,576 saying, 'Are You not the Christ? 346 00:17:47,576 --> 00:17:50,961 Save Yourself and us.'" 347 00:17:50,961 --> 00:17:52,861 The word "railed" here 348 00:17:52,861 --> 00:17:56,329 in the New King James is translated: 349 00:17:56,329 --> 00:17:57,613 "blasphemed." 350 00:17:57,613 --> 00:17:59,974 And that's the actual word. 351 00:17:59,974 --> 00:18:05,751 This criminal blasphemed Jesus. 352 00:18:05,751 --> 00:18:13,141 It means to revile, to vilify, to speak evil of. 353 00:18:13,141 --> 00:18:15,757 It's an accusatory word. 354 00:18:15,757 --> 00:18:17,350 It's almost as if he's saying, 355 00:18:17,350 --> 00:18:20,297 "If You are the Christ, then do something." 356 00:18:20,297 --> 00:18:21,640 But in a mocking tone, 357 00:18:21,640 --> 00:18:23,284 blaspheming Him, 358 00:18:23,284 --> 00:18:28,847 not believing He really is the Christ. 359 00:18:28,847 --> 00:18:31,679 Know this for sure: 360 00:18:31,679 --> 00:18:36,408 Although he says, "if you are the Christ, 361 00:18:36,408 --> 00:18:39,794 save us and Yourself," 362 00:18:39,794 --> 00:18:47,935 this is not a man turning to Jesus in faith. 363 00:18:47,935 --> 00:18:52,038 This is not a confession of sin. 364 00:18:52,038 --> 00:18:57,908 But rather, this is a mocking and reviling of Jesus. 365 00:18:57,908 --> 00:19:01,746 This is a man who has lived his entire life 366 00:19:01,746 --> 00:19:04,344 devoid of God. 367 00:19:04,344 --> 00:19:08,532 Denying any revelation that he has had of God. 368 00:19:08,532 --> 00:19:11,007 And it's important that we know this: 369 00:19:11,007 --> 00:19:16,442 Everyone has had revelation of God. 370 00:19:16,442 --> 00:19:18,361 Some through the creation, 371 00:19:18,361 --> 00:19:20,273 seeing His divine power, 372 00:19:20,273 --> 00:19:22,774 and what revelation they do have of God, 373 00:19:22,774 --> 00:19:24,135 Paul says in Romans 374 00:19:24,135 --> 00:19:27,192 that they suppress it and reject it 375 00:19:27,192 --> 00:19:29,131 and begin to worship the creation 376 00:19:29,131 --> 00:19:31,096 rather than the Creator. 377 00:19:31,096 --> 00:19:34,167 So, whatever revelation this man has had, 378 00:19:34,167 --> 00:19:36,448 now He's standing next to Jesus, 379 00:19:36,448 --> 00:19:38,327 but maybe this is the first time, 380 00:19:38,327 --> 00:19:40,819 but he's had revelation of God, 381 00:19:40,819 --> 00:19:42,925 seeing God's creation, 382 00:19:42,925 --> 00:19:46,345 and He has rejected what can be known of God, 383 00:19:46,345 --> 00:19:47,741 and as we see here, 384 00:19:47,741 --> 00:19:50,483 when he has further revelation, 385 00:19:50,483 --> 00:19:53,967 God Incarnate standing next to him, 386 00:19:53,967 --> 00:19:56,314 he continues on with his rejection 387 00:19:56,314 --> 00:20:00,492 and blaspheming of God. 388 00:20:00,492 --> 00:20:05,002 If there is any sincerity in this man, 389 00:20:05,002 --> 00:20:08,919 it is one of self-preservation. 390 00:20:08,919 --> 00:20:10,207 Hey, if You are the Christ, 391 00:20:10,207 --> 00:20:16,372 then get down and do something. 392 00:20:16,372 --> 00:20:19,391 This would be likened to the atheist 393 00:20:19,391 --> 00:20:21,767 in the foxhole. 394 00:20:21,767 --> 00:20:23,348 Have you heard that before? 395 00:20:23,348 --> 00:20:25,388 There's no atheist in a foxhole? 396 00:20:25,388 --> 00:20:26,794 Well, we know from Scripture 397 00:20:26,794 --> 00:20:28,629 there are truly no atheists. 398 00:20:28,629 --> 00:20:29,955 All men know of God, 399 00:20:29,955 --> 00:20:33,799 they just suppress the truth of God in unrighteousness. 400 00:20:33,799 --> 00:20:36,457 But it's not uncommon for someone who rejects 401 00:20:36,457 --> 00:20:38,493 any acknowledgement of God 402 00:20:38,493 --> 00:20:40,541 to find themselves situationally 403 00:20:40,541 --> 00:20:42,145 in an area where they realize 404 00:20:42,145 --> 00:20:43,582 it's out of my control, 405 00:20:43,582 --> 00:20:45,350 and in that moment begin to say, 406 00:20:45,350 --> 00:20:48,053 "Oh God, help me!" 407 00:20:48,053 --> 00:20:50,075 Fully aware though, in their heart, 408 00:20:50,075 --> 00:20:52,601 that again, it is self preservation 409 00:20:52,601 --> 00:20:55,123 that has nothing to do with who God is, 410 00:20:55,123 --> 00:20:57,116 and that the moment God would get them 411 00:20:57,116 --> 00:20:59,142 out of the bullets flying over their heads 412 00:20:59,142 --> 00:21:00,153 in the foxhole, 413 00:21:00,153 --> 00:21:03,064 they would return to the sin that they love. 414 00:21:03,064 --> 00:21:05,401 In this situation, God is nothing more 415 00:21:05,401 --> 00:21:10,015 than a means to their own end. 416 00:21:10,015 --> 00:21:12,233 Again, this is not saving faith, 417 00:21:12,233 --> 00:21:14,005 but rather someone who doesn't want 418 00:21:14,005 --> 00:21:19,641 the just punishment for their crimes given to them. 419 00:21:19,641 --> 00:21:24,006 Here's an important point with this thief. 420 00:21:24,006 --> 00:21:32,710 How does Jesus respond to him? 421 00:21:32,710 --> 00:21:36,381 He doesn't. 422 00:21:36,381 --> 00:21:39,500 He doesn't respond. 423 00:21:39,500 --> 00:21:42,541 I'm reminded in John 2, I think, 424 00:21:42,541 --> 00:21:44,901 where it says many believed upon Him, 425 00:21:44,901 --> 00:21:46,758 speaking of Jesus, but He did not 426 00:21:46,758 --> 00:21:49,016 entrust Himself to them. 427 00:21:49,016 --> 00:21:49,869 Why? 428 00:21:49,869 --> 00:21:54,604 It says because He knew what was in their heart. 429 00:21:54,604 --> 00:21:59,661 You see, Jesus knows the heart of everyone. 430 00:21:59,661 --> 00:22:03,030 This man says something. 431 00:22:03,030 --> 00:22:06,905 If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us. 432 00:22:06,905 --> 00:22:10,648 Jesus seeing the reality of his heart 433 00:22:10,648 --> 00:22:16,969 doesn't even respond. 434 00:22:16,969 --> 00:22:21,663 Beloved, something important to take from this text - 435 00:22:21,663 --> 00:22:23,213 this is very important, 436 00:22:23,213 --> 00:22:26,008 whether you're saved or not to hear. 437 00:22:26,008 --> 00:22:29,577 The human heart is so depraved - 438 00:22:29,577 --> 00:22:31,656 dead in sin - 439 00:22:31,656 --> 00:22:34,966 that men can stand next to Jesus, 440 00:22:34,966 --> 00:22:37,685 God Incarnate, 441 00:22:37,685 --> 00:22:43,131 and be unmoved from their love of sin and self. 442 00:22:43,131 --> 00:22:46,365 Maybe you've heard some people say things like this, 443 00:22:46,365 --> 00:22:49,848 "Well, if Jesus is real, if He were to appear to me right now, 444 00:22:49,848 --> 00:22:51,728 and maybe do some of those miracles 445 00:22:51,728 --> 00:22:54,017 that we read about or hear about in the Bible, 446 00:22:54,017 --> 00:22:58,448 then I would believe in Him." 447 00:22:58,448 --> 00:22:59,957 No. 448 00:22:59,957 --> 00:23:03,909 You would not believe in Him. 449 00:23:03,909 --> 00:23:11,009 Circumstances have never 450 00:23:11,009 --> 00:23:14,351 humbled the depraved heart 451 00:23:14,351 --> 00:23:19,952 bringing about genuine repentance. 452 00:23:19,952 --> 00:23:22,952 There isn't a more dire circumstance 453 00:23:22,952 --> 00:23:26,847 than this man is in right now. 454 00:23:26,847 --> 00:23:30,202 He is nailed to a tree. 455 00:23:30,202 --> 00:23:32,558 In a few moments, some soldiers 456 00:23:32,558 --> 00:23:36,010 are going to come by and club his legs 457 00:23:36,010 --> 00:23:40,508 and break them so he can no longer breathe. 458 00:23:40,508 --> 00:23:44,218 He is gasping for air right now. 459 00:23:44,218 --> 00:23:47,224 Death is imminent. 460 00:23:47,224 --> 00:23:50,034 Yet, his heart remains calloused, 461 00:23:50,034 --> 00:23:53,468 hardened and dark. 462 00:23:53,468 --> 00:23:57,949 He is unwilling and he is unable 463 00:23:57,949 --> 00:24:03,007 to turn from the sin that he loves. 464 00:24:03,007 --> 00:24:04,287 I'll say it again. 465 00:24:04,287 --> 00:24:08,589 Circumstance has never brought about 466 00:24:08,589 --> 00:24:11,394 repentance and faith. 467 00:24:11,394 --> 00:24:15,361 Circumstance brings about worldly sorrow 468 00:24:15,361 --> 00:24:18,368 which we read about in 2 Corinthians 7, 469 00:24:18,368 --> 00:24:20,715 but never a godly sorrow leading to 470 00:24:20,715 --> 00:24:24,092 repentance and salvation. 471 00:24:24,092 --> 00:24:27,775 I've talked to many men who do prison ministry. 472 00:24:27,775 --> 00:24:30,248 Men in desperate situations 473 00:24:30,248 --> 00:24:32,297 want to talk to people. 474 00:24:32,297 --> 00:24:34,838 And often times, they'll listen to you. 475 00:24:34,838 --> 00:24:36,350 They'll respond to you. 476 00:24:36,350 --> 00:24:38,956 They'll make verbal professions for you. 477 00:24:38,956 --> 00:24:43,879 But it proves to be just worldly sorrow. 478 00:24:43,879 --> 00:24:47,103 A circumstantial driven humility 479 00:24:47,103 --> 00:24:51,490 that never reaches genuine repentance of sin. 480 00:24:51,490 --> 00:24:53,679 Why? 481 00:24:53,679 --> 00:24:55,508 Because dire circumstances have 482 00:24:55,508 --> 00:25:01,022 never ever converted the heart of man. 483 00:25:01,022 --> 00:25:07,817 Ever. 484 00:25:07,817 --> 00:25:10,222 Before we read v. 40 485 00:25:10,222 --> 00:25:12,607 and look at the other thief, 486 00:25:12,607 --> 00:25:18,651 will you turn to Matthew 27:44? 487 00:25:18,651 --> 00:25:21,417 We will look at Matthew's account 488 00:25:21,417 --> 00:25:27,767 of this other thief before we look at Luke's account. 489 00:25:27,767 --> 00:25:36,445 Matthew 27:44 490 00:25:36,445 --> 00:25:43,440 It says, "And the robbers (plural) 491 00:25:43,440 --> 00:25:47,326 who were crucified with Him (Jesus) 492 00:25:47,326 --> 00:25:53,751 also reviled Him in the same way." 493 00:25:53,751 --> 00:25:57,392 Robbers - plural. 494 00:25:57,392 --> 00:26:00,537 I want to point out that the robbers, 495 00:26:00,537 --> 00:26:03,285 the criminals - plural, both - 496 00:26:03,285 --> 00:26:07,954 are reviling Jesus in Matthew's account. 497 00:26:07,954 --> 00:26:09,492 You've read the story of Luke. 498 00:26:09,492 --> 00:26:11,291 You know what's going to happen here. 499 00:26:11,291 --> 00:26:12,752 So we have to ask the question 500 00:26:12,752 --> 00:26:14,400 before we walk through this: 501 00:26:14,400 --> 00:26:17,091 Do we have a contradiction in Scripture? 502 00:26:17,091 --> 00:26:20,079 Matthew says the robbers are reviling Him 503 00:26:20,079 --> 00:26:23,208 and ends his account there. 504 00:26:23,208 --> 00:26:27,294 Luke is going to tell us one is reviling Him. 505 00:26:27,294 --> 00:26:29,552 Do we have a contradiction? 506 00:26:29,552 --> 00:26:30,686 No. 507 00:26:30,686 --> 00:26:34,127 What you have is two different perspectives; 508 00:26:34,127 --> 00:26:35,642 two different points; 509 00:26:35,642 --> 00:26:37,950 two different goals being written. 510 00:26:37,950 --> 00:26:40,201 Matthew is noting at a time 511 00:26:40,201 --> 00:26:41,618 when they're on the cross, 512 00:26:41,618 --> 00:26:44,720 he is seeing both robbers, 513 00:26:44,720 --> 00:26:48,906 criminals reviling, blaspheming Jesus. 514 00:26:48,906 --> 00:26:50,721 They're both doing it. 515 00:26:50,721 --> 00:26:54,262 Luke is picking up at a different point of time 516 00:26:54,262 --> 00:26:56,240 while they're on the cross. 517 00:26:56,240 --> 00:26:59,046 He is noting that robber, that criminal, 518 00:26:59,046 --> 00:27:01,120 is blaspheming Jesus. 519 00:27:01,120 --> 00:27:02,652 But he's going to pick up now 520 00:27:02,652 --> 00:27:05,733 what the other criminal is doing. 521 00:27:05,733 --> 00:27:10,944 So if you'll turn back to Luke 23. 522 00:27:10,944 --> 00:27:17,332 V. 40, "But the other criminal 523 00:27:17,332 --> 00:27:20,896 rebuked him (the first criminal), 524 00:27:20,896 --> 00:27:26,326 saying, 'Do you not fear God? 525 00:27:26,326 --> 00:27:28,694 Since you're under the same sentence 526 00:27:28,694 --> 00:27:31,155 of condemnation? 527 00:27:31,155 --> 00:27:33,505 And we indeed justly. 528 00:27:33,505 --> 00:27:36,332 For we are receiving the due reward for our deeds, 529 00:27:36,332 --> 00:27:47,207 but this man has done nothing wrong.'" 530 00:27:47,207 --> 00:27:49,001 Stop for a moment. 531 00:27:49,001 --> 00:27:51,553 Matthew's account: 532 00:27:51,553 --> 00:27:56,532 Both criminals blaspheming Jesus. 533 00:27:56,532 --> 00:27:58,282 Luke's account: 534 00:27:58,282 --> 00:27:59,704 A little bit later in time, 535 00:27:59,704 --> 00:28:02,209 while they're on the cross, 536 00:28:02,209 --> 00:28:03,931 the second criminal is now 537 00:28:03,931 --> 00:28:07,204 rebuking the first criminal 538 00:28:07,204 --> 00:28:10,631 for reviling and blaspheming Jesus. 539 00:28:10,631 --> 00:28:15,744 And saying, "don't you have any fear of God?" 540 00:28:15,744 --> 00:28:19,415 So he equates the blaspheming of Jesus 541 00:28:19,415 --> 00:28:21,758 as a demonstration of no fear of God. 542 00:28:21,758 --> 00:28:24,596 This is a deity claim to Jesus. 543 00:28:24,596 --> 00:28:26,012 You're blaspheming God. 544 00:28:26,012 --> 00:28:27,175 Don't you fear God? 545 00:28:27,175 --> 00:28:32,676 We're guilty. He's innocent. 546 00:28:32,676 --> 00:28:33,673 Now think with me, 547 00:28:33,673 --> 00:28:36,257 this is glorious here. 548 00:28:36,257 --> 00:28:40,382 How is it... 549 00:28:40,382 --> 00:28:42,626 How is it possible 550 00:28:42,626 --> 00:28:46,067 that in an instant 551 00:28:46,067 --> 00:28:52,613 to go from reviling and blaspheming Jesus 552 00:28:52,613 --> 00:28:56,511 to rebuking someone who is 553 00:28:56,511 --> 00:29:03,471 reviling and blaspheming Jesus? 554 00:29:03,471 --> 00:29:06,073 Now we've already established 555 00:29:06,073 --> 00:29:07,573 with the other criminal 556 00:29:07,573 --> 00:29:14,262 circumstance never changes the heart. 557 00:29:14,262 --> 00:29:16,940 You go, well, he's in a dire circumstance! 558 00:29:16,940 --> 00:29:17,799 That's why! 559 00:29:17,799 --> 00:29:19,563 He's going to die! 560 00:29:19,563 --> 00:29:21,028 And in his dying moment, 561 00:29:21,028 --> 00:29:23,820 because he's going to face death... 562 00:29:23,820 --> 00:29:28,435 No. It's not the circumstance. 563 00:29:28,435 --> 00:29:32,389 Well, maybe the second thief is just more sensitive. 564 00:29:32,389 --> 00:29:34,219 Maybe he's got a little bit more 565 00:29:34,219 --> 00:29:36,490 of a tender personality. 566 00:29:36,490 --> 00:29:39,083 And he reached his breaking point 567 00:29:39,083 --> 00:29:40,323 and then it spilled over 568 00:29:40,323 --> 00:29:43,362 and he had to address this sin 569 00:29:43,362 --> 00:29:45,969 of blaspheming Jesus. 570 00:29:45,969 --> 00:29:47,261 No. 571 00:29:47,261 --> 00:29:49,544 Maybe he's more intelligent. 572 00:29:49,544 --> 00:29:52,560 And he just began to put together in his own mind 573 00:29:52,560 --> 00:29:54,821 all the events that were unfolding, 574 00:29:54,821 --> 00:29:58,543 and he came to the conclusion of his own mind, 575 00:29:58,543 --> 00:30:00,646 that, oh, this is God now. 576 00:30:00,646 --> 00:30:03,402 And I shouldn't be sinning against Him. 577 00:30:03,402 --> 00:30:05,405 No. 578 00:30:05,405 --> 00:30:08,305 Maybe he had a better upbringing. 579 00:30:08,305 --> 00:30:10,713 Maybe he's Jewish. 580 00:30:10,713 --> 00:30:12,741 Maybe his dad and mom told him 581 00:30:12,741 --> 00:30:14,236 about a coming Savior 582 00:30:14,236 --> 00:30:18,156 and he thought, maybe this is Him? 583 00:30:18,156 --> 00:30:20,842 No. 584 00:30:20,842 --> 00:30:23,800 No. 585 00:30:23,800 --> 00:30:25,590 The answer to this question, beloved, 586 00:30:25,590 --> 00:30:29,566 is deeply important. 587 00:30:29,566 --> 00:30:31,524 Let me ask it in another way 588 00:30:31,524 --> 00:30:33,125 in another biblical context 589 00:30:33,125 --> 00:30:35,421 and see if you can see it. 590 00:30:35,421 --> 00:30:40,088 Do you remember Acts 9? 591 00:30:40,088 --> 00:30:46,148 In Acts 9 we have Saul, the Pharisee, 592 00:30:46,148 --> 00:30:49,191 who will become Paul the Apostle. 593 00:30:49,191 --> 00:30:50,892 We have Saul the Pharisee. 594 00:30:50,892 --> 00:30:54,040 Listen to verse 1. 595 00:30:54,040 --> 00:30:59,671 "Saul, still breathing threats and murder 596 00:30:59,671 --> 00:31:03,976 against the disciples of the Lord, 597 00:31:03,976 --> 00:31:06,294 on the road to Damascus 598 00:31:06,294 --> 00:31:13,043 to imprison anyone belonging to the Way." 599 00:31:13,043 --> 00:31:15,107 Jesus. 600 00:31:15,107 --> 00:31:17,717 He's got letters in hand. 601 00:31:17,717 --> 00:31:19,918 He's on his way. 602 00:31:19,918 --> 00:31:22,428 And if you claim Christ, 603 00:31:22,428 --> 00:31:24,582 I'm throwing you in prison 604 00:31:24,582 --> 00:31:29,696 with a murderous heart. 605 00:31:29,696 --> 00:31:33,831 And by verse 20 of this same chapter, 606 00:31:33,831 --> 00:31:37,965 we read this about Saul: 607 00:31:37,965 --> 00:31:41,872 "Immediately, Saul proclaimed Jesus 608 00:31:41,872 --> 00:31:44,462 in the synagogues, saying, 609 00:31:44,462 --> 00:31:50,308 'He is the Son of God.'" 610 00:31:50,308 --> 00:31:51,664 Sounds pretty familiar. 611 00:31:51,664 --> 00:31:54,255 Sounds pretty parallel. 612 00:31:54,255 --> 00:31:57,169 At one moment, murder in the heart. 613 00:31:57,169 --> 00:32:01,715 Imprison anyone who's following that One. 614 00:32:01,715 --> 00:32:04,875 And here we are, 615 00:32:04,875 --> 00:32:14,588 "He is the Son of God," in the temple. 616 00:32:14,588 --> 00:32:21,388 How does one go from here to there? 617 00:32:21,388 --> 00:32:26,642 It sounds to me like a change of mind 618 00:32:26,642 --> 00:32:31,560 leading to a change of direction in behavior. 619 00:32:31,560 --> 00:32:38,994 We call that term repentance. 620 00:32:38,994 --> 00:32:40,518 The second thief again, 621 00:32:40,518 --> 00:32:44,372 goes from reviling Jesus alongside the other thief, 622 00:32:44,372 --> 00:32:45,615 and in an instant says, 623 00:32:45,615 --> 00:32:47,941 "Do you not fear God?" 624 00:32:47,941 --> 00:32:49,980 But that's not all he said. 625 00:32:49,980 --> 00:32:53,877 Look what else he said. 626 00:32:53,877 --> 00:33:02,718 He says, "and we are condemned justly." 627 00:33:02,718 --> 00:33:05,487 What's he saying? 628 00:33:05,487 --> 00:33:08,083 He is agreeing with God 629 00:33:08,083 --> 00:33:09,934 regarding his sin. 630 00:33:09,934 --> 00:33:12,402 We call that confession. 631 00:33:12,402 --> 00:33:15,921 I am guilty. 632 00:33:15,921 --> 00:33:19,192 He's finished making excuses 633 00:33:19,192 --> 00:33:22,426 and minimizing his sin. 634 00:33:22,426 --> 00:33:25,875 He's no longer blaming anybody else 635 00:33:25,875 --> 00:33:28,262 for his sin. 636 00:33:28,262 --> 00:33:31,573 He is confessing guiltiness 637 00:33:31,573 --> 00:33:39,459 worthy of death. 638 00:33:39,459 --> 00:33:41,350 Can I tell you real quick? 639 00:33:41,350 --> 00:33:45,194 One of the most liberating truths of the Gospel 640 00:33:45,194 --> 00:33:49,154 is you can stop pretending how bad you were 641 00:33:49,154 --> 00:33:54,438 and how much you still struggle. 642 00:33:54,438 --> 00:33:56,897 Because what that really is 643 00:33:56,897 --> 00:34:02,938 is unbelief in the sufficiency and grace of Jesus Christ. 644 00:34:02,938 --> 00:34:06,130 Christians don't have to pretend anymore. 645 00:34:06,130 --> 00:34:07,401 I'll tell you this, 646 00:34:07,401 --> 00:34:10,485 there's a lot of pretending among the assembly still. 647 00:34:10,485 --> 00:34:21,535 And rooted in there is unbelief in the Gospel. 648 00:34:21,535 --> 00:34:23,329 What is he doing? 649 00:34:23,329 --> 00:34:26,824 He's seeing his sin from God's perspective. 650 00:34:26,824 --> 00:34:28,336 More than that even, 651 00:34:28,336 --> 00:34:29,700 look what he says here, 652 00:34:29,700 --> 00:34:33,078 he also sees the righteousness and sinlessness 653 00:34:33,078 --> 00:34:38,441 of Jesus Christ. 654 00:34:38,441 --> 00:34:43,728 V. 41, "But this man has done nothing wrong." 655 00:34:43,728 --> 00:34:49,039 How did he know that? 656 00:34:49,039 --> 00:34:51,566 How is he growing in this revelation 657 00:34:51,566 --> 00:34:56,494 and understanding of who Jesus really is? 658 00:34:56,494 --> 00:34:58,388 In an instant, this man has gone 659 00:34:58,388 --> 00:35:01,618 from hard hearted reviling of Jesus 660 00:35:01,618 --> 00:35:02,617 to fearing God, 661 00:35:02,617 --> 00:35:03,990 rebuking others who don't, 662 00:35:03,990 --> 00:35:05,321 confessing his own sin 663 00:35:05,321 --> 00:35:10,209 and confessing the righteousness of Jesus Christ. 664 00:35:10,209 --> 00:35:14,429 It was as though he was blind 665 00:35:14,429 --> 00:35:18,199 and now he can see. 666 00:35:18,199 --> 00:35:20,193 It was as though he was dead 667 00:35:20,193 --> 00:35:27,357 but now he's alive spiritually speaking. 668 00:35:27,357 --> 00:35:29,112 I thought about that last night, 669 00:35:29,112 --> 00:35:33,444 and I thought, don't we sing a song like that? 670 00:35:33,444 --> 00:35:36,508 Amazing grace, 671 00:35:36,508 --> 00:35:38,738 how sweet the sound, 672 00:35:38,738 --> 00:35:42,349 that saved a wretch like me. 673 00:35:42,349 --> 00:35:43,870 I once was lost, 674 00:35:43,870 --> 00:35:45,589 but now I'm found. 675 00:35:45,589 --> 00:35:47,471 Was blind, 676 00:35:47,471 --> 00:35:50,099 but now I see. 677 00:35:50,099 --> 00:35:53,309 What enabled the wretch to be saved? 678 00:35:53,309 --> 00:35:56,440 Amazing grace. 679 00:35:56,440 --> 00:35:58,906 What enabled the lost to be found? 680 00:35:58,906 --> 00:36:00,635 Amazing grace. 681 00:36:00,635 --> 00:36:02,582 And don't miss the last part. 682 00:36:02,582 --> 00:36:08,073 What enabled the blind man to see? 683 00:36:08,073 --> 00:36:12,257 Amazing grace. 684 00:36:12,257 --> 00:36:16,151 You know what this teaches us, beloved? 685 00:36:16,151 --> 00:36:18,228 Grace isn't just what saves us 686 00:36:18,228 --> 00:36:20,482 from the penalty of our sin, 687 00:36:20,482 --> 00:36:22,359 but grace is what awakens us 688 00:36:22,359 --> 00:36:25,059 to see our sin and behold the Savior. 689 00:36:25,059 --> 00:36:27,452 And grace is what gives us faith 690 00:36:27,452 --> 00:36:33,381 to believe and receive forgiveness. 691 00:36:33,381 --> 00:36:38,059 All to the glory of God. 692 00:36:38,059 --> 00:36:40,476 What happened to this man? 693 00:36:40,476 --> 00:36:43,251 Do you remember in 1 Corinthians 2:14 694 00:36:43,251 --> 00:36:45,569 where Paul says, "the natural man 695 00:36:45,569 --> 00:36:49,159 does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, 696 00:36:49,159 --> 00:36:52,215 because they are spiritually discerned?" 697 00:36:52,215 --> 00:36:54,279 He says it's folly to him. 698 00:36:54,279 --> 00:36:56,886 He's not able to understand it 699 00:36:56,886 --> 00:37:00,356 because it's spiritually discerned. 700 00:37:00,356 --> 00:37:02,740 What is Paul teaching? 701 00:37:02,740 --> 00:37:07,384 That man from birth is spiritually dead. 702 00:37:07,384 --> 00:37:09,155 And even though Jesus Christ 703 00:37:09,155 --> 00:37:11,977 has come, died, and resurrected, 704 00:37:11,977 --> 00:37:15,269 and even though there is an offer of forgiveness 705 00:37:15,269 --> 00:37:17,513 to all who will repent and believe, 706 00:37:17,513 --> 00:37:19,683 man is so dead in his sin, 707 00:37:19,683 --> 00:37:22,813 he does not see his sin for what it is, 708 00:37:22,813 --> 00:37:25,151 and he does not see Christ for Who He is. 709 00:37:25,151 --> 00:37:29,297 The Holy Spirit's role is to point us to Christ. 710 00:37:29,297 --> 00:37:32,626 And man, in the deadness of his sin, 711 00:37:32,626 --> 00:37:34,370 cannot behold these things. 712 00:37:34,370 --> 00:37:36,303 He can't understand them. 713 00:37:36,303 --> 00:37:40,159 He's unable and he's unwilling. 714 00:37:40,159 --> 00:37:42,314 We need the grace of the Holy Spirit 715 00:37:42,314 --> 00:37:44,881 to see these things. 716 00:37:44,881 --> 00:37:48,559 What's happened to this man? 717 00:37:48,559 --> 00:37:52,251 He's been born again. 718 00:37:52,251 --> 00:37:55,476 He has been born again. 719 00:37:55,476 --> 00:37:57,254 Can I tell you this, saints? 720 00:37:57,254 --> 00:38:00,980 Your testimony, even though you may not be able 721 00:38:00,980 --> 00:38:04,517 to point to the hour or the day, 722 00:38:04,517 --> 00:38:09,119 is exactly the same. 723 00:38:09,119 --> 00:38:12,211 At one time, you were loving sin 724 00:38:12,211 --> 00:38:14,419 and minimizing sin 725 00:38:14,419 --> 00:38:16,863 and justifying sin, 726 00:38:16,863 --> 00:38:21,127 and blind to the offense of sin against a holy God. 727 00:38:21,127 --> 00:38:25,614 And then one day, the sin you once loved, 728 00:38:25,614 --> 00:38:27,978 you now detest. 729 00:38:27,978 --> 00:38:31,542 The God you once blasphemed, 730 00:38:31,542 --> 00:38:33,943 by word and life, 731 00:38:33,943 --> 00:38:40,036 you now are being drawn to and loving. 732 00:38:40,036 --> 00:38:42,669 When God gives spiritual life, beloved, 733 00:38:42,669 --> 00:38:46,276 He draws us to Himself through His Son Jesus Christ. 734 00:38:46,276 --> 00:38:48,436 We are awakened by the Spirit, 735 00:38:48,436 --> 00:38:52,270 given eyes to see our sin 736 00:38:52,270 --> 00:38:56,387 and our need for Jesus and His sufficiency. 737 00:38:56,387 --> 00:39:00,037 And that's exactly what we see here. 738 00:39:00,037 --> 00:39:05,186 This thief now turns to Jesus in faith. 739 00:39:05,186 --> 00:39:07,504 Look at v. 42. 740 00:39:07,504 --> 00:39:10,488 "And he said, 'Jesus, remember me, 741 00:39:10,488 --> 00:39:14,208 when You come into Your Kingdom.'" 742 00:39:14,208 --> 00:39:15,783 What is he saying? 743 00:39:15,783 --> 00:39:18,173 He acknowledges the Kingdom of Heaven 744 00:39:18,173 --> 00:39:20,061 belongs to Who? 745 00:39:20,061 --> 00:39:21,844 To Jesus. 746 00:39:21,844 --> 00:39:23,495 It's Your Kingdom. 747 00:39:23,495 --> 00:39:25,493 Not only that. What is he saying? 748 00:39:25,493 --> 00:39:29,341 He's believing that Jesus is able 749 00:39:29,341 --> 00:39:32,194 and willing 750 00:39:32,194 --> 00:39:34,860 to remember him. 751 00:39:34,860 --> 00:39:38,431 Now, he just admitted his guilt. 752 00:39:38,431 --> 00:39:40,434 And he didn't minimize it. 753 00:39:40,434 --> 00:39:42,663 I'm worthy of death. 754 00:39:42,663 --> 00:39:44,977 And he turns to Jesus and he says, 755 00:39:44,977 --> 00:39:46,434 "Remember me." 756 00:39:46,434 --> 00:39:47,767 He has faith. 757 00:39:47,767 --> 00:39:52,681 He's believing a guilty sinner like me 758 00:39:52,681 --> 00:39:59,971 can still enter through Him. 759 00:39:59,971 --> 00:40:03,013 This is what we call faith. 760 00:40:03,013 --> 00:40:06,337 Turning to Jesus for forgiveness of sins 761 00:40:06,337 --> 00:40:09,521 and eternal life. 762 00:40:09,521 --> 00:40:13,186 It is very important not just to argue over doctrine 763 00:40:13,186 --> 00:40:15,216 but for the glory of God 764 00:40:15,216 --> 00:40:18,505 to note the order of events. 765 00:40:18,505 --> 00:40:22,036 That's important here. 766 00:40:22,036 --> 00:40:24,355 The thief did not believe - 767 00:40:24,355 --> 00:40:25,728 put his faith in Jesus - 768 00:40:25,728 --> 00:40:28,657 and then come alive 769 00:40:28,657 --> 00:40:31,314 spiritually speaking. 770 00:40:31,314 --> 00:40:33,260 Rather, he was made alive 771 00:40:33,260 --> 00:40:34,421 by the grace of God 772 00:40:34,421 --> 00:40:35,969 through the Holy Spirit, 773 00:40:35,969 --> 00:40:37,632 and granted faith, 774 00:40:37,632 --> 00:40:44,488 and then he believed. 775 00:40:44,488 --> 00:40:47,798 You say, well, if the Holy Spirit makes us alive, 776 00:40:47,798 --> 00:40:52,369 am I to sit and wait then 777 00:40:52,369 --> 00:40:55,905 for this life to be given? 778 00:40:55,905 --> 00:40:58,715 And the Scriptures speak one command 779 00:40:58,715 --> 00:41:02,039 to the unbelieving person. 780 00:41:02,039 --> 00:41:07,106 The Bible never tells you to ask to be born again. 781 00:41:07,106 --> 00:41:08,618 Did you know that? 782 00:41:08,618 --> 00:41:11,092 It says that you must be born again. 783 00:41:11,092 --> 00:41:15,014 But it never says ask to be born again. 784 00:41:15,014 --> 00:41:18,073 The Scriptures give you one command. 785 00:41:18,073 --> 00:41:22,275 Repent and believe. 786 00:41:22,275 --> 00:41:25,583 Repent and believe. 787 00:41:25,583 --> 00:41:27,273 You say, well, how will I know 788 00:41:27,273 --> 00:41:29,339 if I'm alive? 789 00:41:29,339 --> 00:41:32,342 Have you seen your sin? 790 00:41:32,342 --> 00:41:34,072 Not the full extent, 791 00:41:34,072 --> 00:41:37,543 but have been made aware of it. 792 00:41:37,543 --> 00:41:40,661 And have you seen Jesus 793 00:41:40,661 --> 00:41:44,727 as able and willing and sufficient to save? 794 00:41:44,727 --> 00:41:46,938 If the answer is yes, 795 00:41:46,938 --> 00:41:49,419 then come in faith 796 00:41:49,419 --> 00:41:54,389 and receive forgiveness of sin. 797 00:41:54,389 --> 00:41:59,334 Jesus didn't respond to the first thief, did He? 798 00:41:59,334 --> 00:42:01,721 What about the second one? 799 00:42:01,721 --> 00:42:04,099 Look at v. 43. 800 00:42:04,099 --> 00:42:07,121 Quite possibly the most hope giving verse 801 00:42:07,121 --> 00:42:10,652 in all of the Bible for guilty sinners 802 00:42:10,652 --> 00:42:14,548 like you and I were or are. 803 00:42:14,548 --> 00:42:16,019 "Jesus said to him, 804 00:42:16,019 --> 00:42:19,003 'Truly, I say to you, 805 00:42:19,003 --> 00:42:26,428 today, you will be with Me in paradise.'" 806 00:42:26,428 --> 00:42:31,159 The audacity of such a statement. 807 00:42:31,159 --> 00:42:34,437 This isn't fair is it? 808 00:42:34,437 --> 00:42:36,192 He's lived his whole life 809 00:42:36,192 --> 00:42:38,602 down to his last dying breath 810 00:42:38,602 --> 00:42:44,282 in complete and utter rejection of God. 811 00:42:44,282 --> 00:42:54,173 He's one of the worst of the worst. 812 00:42:54,173 --> 00:42:56,264 How can Jesus turn to this guilty, 813 00:42:56,264 --> 00:42:58,149 hell-deserving sinner, 814 00:42:58,149 --> 00:42:59,976 who lived his whole life in sin 815 00:42:59,976 --> 00:43:05,028 and say, "Today, you will be with me in paradise?" 816 00:43:05,028 --> 00:43:09,573 One word: Grace. 817 00:43:09,573 --> 00:43:11,938 Grace. 818 00:43:11,938 --> 00:43:14,400 Grace. 819 00:43:14,400 --> 00:43:18,361 This man's faith demonstrated 820 00:43:18,361 --> 00:43:20,315 in looking to Jesus and saying, 821 00:43:20,315 --> 00:43:23,088 "Remember me when You enter Your kingdom," 822 00:43:23,088 --> 00:43:26,593 has been counted unto this man 823 00:43:26,593 --> 00:43:33,118 as righteousness. 824 00:43:33,118 --> 00:43:35,024 The moment someone puts their faith 825 00:43:35,024 --> 00:43:37,810 in Jesus Christ alone for salvation, 826 00:43:37,810 --> 00:43:43,425 they are justified. 827 00:43:43,425 --> 00:43:48,542 Declared righteous. 828 00:43:48,542 --> 00:43:51,855 Paul says in Romans 4:5 829 00:43:51,855 --> 00:43:56,106 that God justifies the ungodly. 830 00:43:56,106 --> 00:43:57,106 Let me ask you this. 831 00:43:57,106 --> 00:43:59,193 This thief, next to Jesus on the cross, 832 00:43:59,193 --> 00:44:03,852 in and of himself, is he ungodly? 833 00:44:03,852 --> 00:44:06,972 You better believe it. 834 00:44:06,972 --> 00:44:10,568 He is ungodly. 835 00:44:10,568 --> 00:44:13,948 He has done nothing. 836 00:44:13,948 --> 00:44:19,017 The only contribution he is bringing to the table 837 00:44:19,017 --> 00:44:23,230 with Jesus is sin. 838 00:44:23,230 --> 00:44:27,043 That's it. 839 00:44:27,043 --> 00:44:29,717 Christ through His death, burial, and resurrection, 840 00:44:29,717 --> 00:44:31,644 which He is going to accomplish, 841 00:44:31,644 --> 00:44:33,034 and He is so assured of it, 842 00:44:33,034 --> 00:44:34,439 that He can say to this man, 843 00:44:34,439 --> 00:44:36,778 "Today, you'll be with Me in paradise." 844 00:44:36,778 --> 00:44:40,591 And this man receives the freeness 845 00:44:40,591 --> 00:44:43,268 of the Gospel through faith 846 00:44:43,268 --> 00:44:45,427 and hears the sweetest words, 847 00:44:45,427 --> 00:44:50,686 Today, you - the ungodly - 848 00:44:50,686 --> 00:44:53,977 will be with Me - the godly, the Holy One - 849 00:44:53,977 --> 00:44:56,786 in paradise. 850 00:44:56,786 --> 00:44:58,626 And it's right. 851 00:44:58,626 --> 00:44:59,666 Why? 852 00:44:59,666 --> 00:45:01,891 Because what happens in faith 853 00:45:01,891 --> 00:45:05,906 is what we call double imputation. 854 00:45:05,906 --> 00:45:09,621 The guilt and sin of the sinner, 855 00:45:09,621 --> 00:45:10,838 the thief, 856 00:45:10,838 --> 00:45:14,596 is accredited to Jesus' account. 857 00:45:14,596 --> 00:45:18,866 He suffers and dies and atones for that. 858 00:45:18,866 --> 00:45:21,526 But there's another imputation. 859 00:45:21,526 --> 00:45:25,044 It is the righteousness of Jesus Christ. 860 00:45:25,044 --> 00:45:28,435 The fulfillment of keeping God's Law 861 00:45:28,435 --> 00:45:32,666 is then accredited back to the thief's account. 862 00:45:32,666 --> 00:45:34,635 He had a negative 863 00:45:34,635 --> 00:45:38,704 and that is wiped out through the blood of Jesus Christ. 864 00:45:38,704 --> 00:45:41,329 But he goes to perfect positive 865 00:45:41,329 --> 00:45:45,594 through the imputation of Christ's righteousness to him. 866 00:45:45,594 --> 00:45:49,134 Therefore, God and Jesus here 867 00:45:49,134 --> 00:45:53,691 can look at who is alone to himself ungodly, 868 00:45:53,691 --> 00:45:57,351 and through the receiving of this double imputation through faith, 869 00:45:57,351 --> 00:46:00,134 he can look at him and say, "You will be with Me." 870 00:46:00,134 --> 00:46:00,945 Why? 871 00:46:00,945 --> 00:46:04,972 Because he is declared righteous by God 872 00:46:04,972 --> 00:46:10,119 through an alien righteousness not his own. 873 00:46:10,119 --> 00:46:13,554 It's the righteousness of Christ. 874 00:46:13,554 --> 00:46:16,922 And beloved, this and this alone 875 00:46:16,922 --> 00:46:21,336 is the hope that we have. 876 00:46:21,336 --> 00:46:22,924 Here's the beauty of the Gospel. 877 00:46:22,924 --> 00:46:25,921 Are you ready? 878 00:46:25,921 --> 00:46:28,409 We feel like, as my brother preached, 879 00:46:28,409 --> 00:46:30,344 at times we make contributions 880 00:46:30,344 --> 00:46:33,938 to our salvation. 881 00:46:33,938 --> 00:46:36,619 It's wrong, but we feel like that. 882 00:46:36,619 --> 00:46:38,021 We talked about the good day. 883 00:46:38,021 --> 00:46:39,255 I had a good day. 884 00:46:39,255 --> 00:46:43,770 Surely, God accepts me more today. 885 00:46:43,770 --> 00:46:44,756 I had a bad day. 886 00:46:44,756 --> 00:46:46,512 Surely God can't accept me 887 00:46:46,512 --> 00:46:49,154 like He would on my good day. 888 00:46:49,154 --> 00:46:50,909 What have you done in that moment? 889 00:46:50,909 --> 00:46:54,654 You've moved your works 890 00:46:54,654 --> 00:46:59,385 into the equation of justification. 891 00:46:59,385 --> 00:47:01,968 Do you see the error there? 892 00:47:01,968 --> 00:47:03,890 The error in our thinking. 893 00:47:03,890 --> 00:47:05,288 And my brother's right. 894 00:47:05,288 --> 00:47:06,549 If we do that, 895 00:47:06,549 --> 00:47:11,061 you'll never have peace of assurance. 896 00:47:11,061 --> 00:47:13,069 The arrogance that we think 897 00:47:13,069 --> 00:47:15,447 on our good day, 898 00:47:15,447 --> 00:47:17,403 that we somehow appease 899 00:47:17,403 --> 00:47:19,662 the righteousness of God. 900 00:47:19,662 --> 00:47:20,796 Do you realize this? 901 00:47:20,796 --> 00:47:23,428 On the greatest day you've ever had 902 00:47:23,428 --> 00:47:25,763 in the living out of your Christlikeness, 903 00:47:25,763 --> 00:47:29,532 you've fallen miserably short. 904 00:47:29,532 --> 00:47:35,866 You're under unfathomable grace on that day. 905 00:47:35,866 --> 00:47:39,597 What's the basis of God's acceptance of you? 906 00:47:39,597 --> 00:47:44,541 It's the same basis of God's acceptance of this thief. 907 00:47:44,541 --> 00:47:49,933 The shed blood and righteousness of Jesus Christ. 908 00:47:49,933 --> 00:47:54,169 How much does God accept one 909 00:47:54,169 --> 00:47:57,390 who has received the forgiveness 910 00:47:57,390 --> 00:48:00,264 and eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ? 911 00:48:00,264 --> 00:48:04,790 Kind of accepted? 912 00:48:04,790 --> 00:48:09,612 Contractually - oh, I didn't see that paragraph - accepted? 913 00:48:09,612 --> 00:48:13,282 I guess I'll take you? 914 00:48:13,282 --> 00:48:14,933 No. 915 00:48:14,933 --> 00:48:18,006 Declared righteous. 916 00:48:18,006 --> 00:48:19,227 Perfected. 917 00:48:19,227 --> 00:48:22,278 Accepted. 918 00:48:22,278 --> 00:48:24,833 Do you realize this? 919 00:48:24,833 --> 00:48:33,197 You cannot improve on God's acceptance of you 920 00:48:33,197 --> 00:48:36,688 in justification. 921 00:48:36,688 --> 00:48:41,758 You can't improve on it. 922 00:48:41,758 --> 00:48:45,131 And you can't take away from it. 923 00:48:45,131 --> 00:48:46,508 Do you know why? 924 00:48:46,508 --> 00:48:49,520 It was never based on your performance 925 00:48:49,520 --> 00:48:52,601 in the first place. 926 00:48:52,601 --> 00:48:58,113 It's based on the performance of Another. 927 00:48:58,113 --> 00:49:01,406 Do you know how freeing that is? 928 00:49:01,406 --> 00:49:05,833 Do you know how liberating that is? 929 00:49:05,833 --> 00:49:12,333 To know that my righteousness is not my own. 930 00:49:12,333 --> 00:49:14,587 Now, the fear that many people have - 931 00:49:14,587 --> 00:49:15,727 Don mentioned it; 932 00:49:15,727 --> 00:49:18,743 we talked about it yesterday with the sister - 933 00:49:18,743 --> 00:49:22,257 if the Gospel is really this free 934 00:49:22,257 --> 00:49:26,999 and if my justification has nothing to do 935 00:49:26,999 --> 00:49:29,450 with my works, 936 00:49:29,450 --> 00:49:32,793 won't people continue in sin 937 00:49:32,793 --> 00:49:36,390 that grace may abound then? 938 00:49:36,390 --> 00:49:43,017 Yes, unless they're born again. 939 00:49:43,017 --> 00:49:45,085 The failure to realize 940 00:49:45,085 --> 00:49:47,534 that under the umbrella of salvation 941 00:49:47,534 --> 00:49:50,080 comes the justification 942 00:49:50,080 --> 00:49:52,275 through the atoning death of Jesus Christ, 943 00:49:52,275 --> 00:49:55,863 but in there also comes regeneration. 944 00:49:55,863 --> 00:49:58,418 The transformation, the re-creating, 945 00:49:58,418 --> 00:50:00,509 the making of a new person 946 00:50:00,509 --> 00:50:02,291 whose heart's been changed, 947 00:50:02,291 --> 00:50:04,170 and no longer loves sin, 948 00:50:04,170 --> 00:50:05,619 but is still tempted by it, 949 00:50:05,619 --> 00:50:09,646 but loves Jesus Christ. 950 00:50:09,646 --> 00:50:11,433 And can't continue in sin 951 00:50:11,433 --> 00:50:14,222 because they've been born of God. 952 00:50:14,222 --> 00:50:21,566 1 John 3:9-11 953 00:50:21,566 --> 00:50:25,655 Don't ever be afraid to speak and proclaim 954 00:50:25,655 --> 00:50:28,492 and herald and shout the freeness 955 00:50:28,492 --> 00:50:32,102 of justification through faith in Jesus Christ. 956 00:50:32,102 --> 00:50:35,971 If out of fear that they'll take it and run with it in sin, 957 00:50:35,971 --> 00:50:39,405 you will taint the Gospel. 958 00:50:39,405 --> 00:50:41,185 We feel like maybe we've got to add 959 00:50:41,185 --> 00:50:43,035 something to that works thing 960 00:50:43,035 --> 00:50:46,731 or they're going to be running out sinning. 961 00:50:46,731 --> 00:50:48,278 No. 962 00:50:48,278 --> 00:50:50,071 You don't. 963 00:50:50,071 --> 00:50:52,954 Your job is not to change that Gospel. 964 00:50:52,954 --> 00:50:54,815 Your job is like a waiter, 965 00:50:54,815 --> 00:50:58,483 to take it and deliver it without spilling it. 966 00:50:58,483 --> 00:51:00,307 That's your job. 967 00:51:00,307 --> 00:51:02,451 And when the Holy Spirit comes, 968 00:51:02,451 --> 00:51:04,706 like we see with this thief on the cross, 969 00:51:04,706 --> 00:51:06,317 and changes hearts, 970 00:51:06,317 --> 00:51:07,554 and awakens them to sin, 971 00:51:07,554 --> 00:51:08,866 and grants them faith, 972 00:51:08,866 --> 00:51:09,925 and they receive it, 973 00:51:09,925 --> 00:51:11,541 and they are declared righteous, 974 00:51:11,541 --> 00:51:12,817 but they've been changed, 975 00:51:12,817 --> 00:51:15,136 and now they live to glorify the One 976 00:51:15,136 --> 00:51:16,734 Who has made them righteous, 977 00:51:16,734 --> 00:51:19,495 not to earn favor. 978 00:51:19,495 --> 00:51:21,185 Big difference. 979 00:51:21,185 --> 00:51:26,328 Big difference. 980 00:51:26,328 --> 00:51:35,913 We are saved wholly of grace. 981 00:51:35,913 --> 00:51:40,232 Let me end with about 982 00:51:40,232 --> 00:51:45,974 three or four exhortations now. 983 00:51:45,974 --> 00:51:47,353 Although you may not remember 984 00:51:47,353 --> 00:51:49,240 the hour or the day 985 00:51:49,240 --> 00:51:53,153 that you repented and believed, 986 00:51:53,153 --> 00:51:55,710 you need to know 987 00:51:55,710 --> 00:52:00,786 it is because God caused you to be born again. 988 00:52:00,786 --> 00:52:02,549 You say why is that important? 989 00:52:02,549 --> 00:52:04,460 Because I listen to so many people 990 00:52:04,460 --> 00:52:05,969 give their testimony, 991 00:52:05,969 --> 00:52:08,122 and it's not wrong to mention 992 00:52:08,122 --> 00:52:10,702 your circumstances in your testimony. 993 00:52:10,702 --> 00:52:16,733 God does save us in very difficult circumstances often. 994 00:52:16,733 --> 00:52:21,329 But never give glory to your circumstances. 995 00:52:21,329 --> 00:52:24,202 Give glory where glory is due. 996 00:52:24,202 --> 00:52:26,193 You may have lost your job, 997 00:52:26,193 --> 00:52:28,905 you may have lost your wife, 998 00:52:28,905 --> 00:52:30,631 your husband, your kids, 999 00:52:30,631 --> 00:52:31,504 your whatever, 1000 00:52:31,504 --> 00:52:33,362 you may have been laying in a gutter, 1001 00:52:33,362 --> 00:52:34,746 OK. 1002 00:52:34,746 --> 00:52:38,795 But that has never changed anyone's heart. 1003 00:52:38,795 --> 00:52:41,766 It is the grace of God through the Holy Spirit 1004 00:52:41,766 --> 00:52:44,777 in that situation that awakens you 1005 00:52:44,777 --> 00:52:46,993 to your sin and your need for a Savior 1006 00:52:46,993 --> 00:52:49,250 and the sufficiency of Jesus. 1007 00:52:49,250 --> 00:52:51,810 So be careful in your testimony. 1008 00:52:51,810 --> 00:52:54,517 Speak of circumstance. Amen. 1009 00:52:54,517 --> 00:52:58,538 But give glory to God for His regenerating work 1010 00:52:58,538 --> 00:53:03,406 in your heart. 1011 00:53:03,406 --> 00:53:07,238 Some of us have fallen into unbelief. 1012 00:53:07,238 --> 00:53:09,904 Maybe regarding yourself 1013 00:53:09,904 --> 00:53:15,218 or an unsaved family member or friend. 1014 00:53:15,218 --> 00:53:17,682 Just the other day I was praying with my wife 1015 00:53:17,682 --> 00:53:19,427 and I confessed to the Lord 1016 00:53:19,427 --> 00:53:21,625 that I had stopped praying 1017 00:53:21,625 --> 00:53:26,184 for one of my unsaved family members. 1018 00:53:26,184 --> 00:53:32,346 It almost felt like he had gone too far 1019 00:53:32,346 --> 00:53:36,133 beyond the grace of God. 1020 00:53:36,133 --> 00:53:38,273 And I was reminded 1021 00:53:38,273 --> 00:53:43,093 the grace of God runs deeper than any of our sins. 1022 00:53:43,093 --> 00:53:46,969 And I began to pray in faith 1023 00:53:46,969 --> 00:53:49,290 for God to save him, 1024 00:53:49,290 --> 00:53:53,265 like He did this last-breath thief 1025 00:53:53,265 --> 00:53:55,345 on the cross. 1026 00:53:55,345 --> 00:53:58,056 Don't stop praying for unsaved family members. 1027 00:53:58,056 --> 00:53:59,132 And maybe you think 1028 00:53:59,132 --> 00:54:00,864 you've gone so far 1029 00:54:00,864 --> 00:54:02,887 that God couldn't save you, 1030 00:54:02,887 --> 00:54:05,155 but what a testimony we have 1031 00:54:05,155 --> 00:54:10,187 of the saving grace of Jesus Christ. 1032 00:54:10,187 --> 00:54:12,223 A warning: 1033 00:54:12,223 --> 00:54:13,875 Although God did save the thief 1034 00:54:13,875 --> 00:54:15,963 at the moment of his death, 1035 00:54:15,963 --> 00:54:19,059 literally, his dying breaths, 1036 00:54:19,059 --> 00:54:22,209 this is the only account in Scripture 1037 00:54:22,209 --> 00:54:25,090 that we have 1038 00:54:25,090 --> 00:54:28,769 of what we might call a deathbed conversion. 1039 00:54:28,769 --> 00:54:35,650 To presume I'll get right with God one day, 1040 00:54:35,650 --> 00:54:37,146 is wrong. 1041 00:54:37,146 --> 00:54:39,046 Because what the Bible warns you about 1042 00:54:39,046 --> 00:54:42,015 is the callousness of sin 1043 00:54:42,015 --> 00:54:44,744 and hardening of the heart. 1044 00:54:44,744 --> 00:54:47,409 To say, just like the thief, 1045 00:54:47,409 --> 00:54:49,997 I'll wait till I've lived out my life 1046 00:54:49,997 --> 00:54:51,250 of sin in this world, 1047 00:54:51,250 --> 00:54:54,440 and then I'll turn to God right before I die, 1048 00:54:54,440 --> 00:54:56,654 just like the thief will. 1049 00:54:56,654 --> 00:54:58,418 And I would warn you and say to you, 1050 00:54:58,418 --> 00:55:00,083 do not presume, 1051 00:55:00,083 --> 00:55:02,421 because we have one example in Scripture. 1052 00:55:02,421 --> 00:55:03,960 That's hope giving 1053 00:55:03,960 --> 00:55:05,973 when you're sitting next to a loved one 1054 00:55:05,973 --> 00:55:08,407 who has rejected God all their life, 1055 00:55:08,407 --> 00:55:09,955 and you can turn here and say 1056 00:55:09,955 --> 00:55:12,534 repent and believe and you shall be saved. 1057 00:55:12,534 --> 00:55:14,083 But to presume upon this 1058 00:55:14,083 --> 00:55:20,087 is the wrong understanding of this text. 1059 00:55:20,087 --> 00:55:22,888 Finally, and my brother preached on this, 1060 00:55:22,888 --> 00:55:24,604 so I'll try not to. 1061 00:55:24,604 --> 00:55:27,998 He did a much better job on this. 1062 00:55:27,998 --> 00:55:32,031 I, too, see so many Christians 1063 00:55:32,031 --> 00:55:37,359 wandering around 1064 00:55:37,359 --> 00:55:41,920 without assurance 1065 00:55:41,920 --> 00:55:45,361 and one of the greatest evidences is this: 1066 00:55:45,361 --> 00:55:50,255 They have no joy in their life. 1067 00:55:50,255 --> 00:55:51,416 What they've done is 1068 00:55:51,416 --> 00:55:53,154 they've tied their joy 1069 00:55:53,154 --> 00:55:56,582 to their performance, 1070 00:55:56,582 --> 00:56:00,852 rather than to Jesus. 1071 00:56:00,852 --> 00:56:05,080 And because the greatest day we'll ever have 1072 00:56:05,080 --> 00:56:07,070 falls short and is need of grace, 1073 00:56:07,070 --> 00:56:09,153 they lack joy daily 1074 00:56:09,153 --> 00:56:10,629 because they see their sin 1075 00:56:10,629 --> 00:56:12,195 and see how short they fall, 1076 00:56:12,195 --> 00:56:16,482 even as a born again Christian. 1077 00:56:16,482 --> 00:56:18,658 Beloved, our joy should be tied 1078 00:56:18,658 --> 00:56:20,870 to the resurrected Savior 1079 00:56:20,870 --> 00:56:22,896 Who sits at the right hand of the Father 1080 00:56:22,896 --> 00:56:23,946 as our Advocate. 1081 00:56:23,946 --> 00:56:26,748 That is my source of joy. 1082 00:56:26,748 --> 00:56:29,485 You say, again, won't that make me 1083 00:56:29,485 --> 00:56:33,089 then not worry about growing in holiness? 1084 00:56:33,089 --> 00:56:34,212 No. 1085 00:56:34,212 --> 00:56:35,896 Because as you are seeing 1086 00:56:35,896 --> 00:56:39,734 the love of God in Christ towards you daily, 1087 00:56:39,734 --> 00:56:41,820 again and again, 1088 00:56:41,820 --> 00:56:45,758 you are constrained to stop living for yourself 1089 00:56:45,758 --> 00:56:49,818 and to live for Him. 1090 00:56:49,818 --> 00:56:56,036 A revelation of the Gospel produces holiness. 1091 00:56:56,036 --> 00:57:00,298 Grace, Titus tells us, produces holiness 1092 00:57:00,298 --> 00:57:03,055 bringing salvation and teaching them 1093 00:57:03,055 --> 00:57:05,564 to renounce ungodliness. 1094 00:57:05,564 --> 00:57:07,220 What drives that in people? 1095 00:57:07,220 --> 00:57:09,538 Grace. 1096 00:57:09,538 --> 00:57:12,808 Our joy is tied to Christ's finished work. 1097 00:57:12,808 --> 00:57:15,555 Not our performance. 1098 00:57:15,555 --> 00:57:23,118 Let's pray. 1099 00:57:23,118 --> 00:57:25,507 Father, in the name of Jesus, 1100 00:57:25,507 --> 00:57:27,358 and for the glory of Jesus 1101 00:57:27,358 --> 00:57:30,422 and the joy of Your people, 1102 00:57:30,422 --> 00:57:34,723 and God, for the salvation maybe of some, 1103 00:57:34,723 --> 00:57:38,052 would You work through the truth 1104 00:57:38,052 --> 00:57:39,971 of Jesus Christ 1105 00:57:39,971 --> 00:57:42,334 and the hope we see 1106 00:57:42,334 --> 00:57:45,523 that it's all of grace. 1107 00:57:45,523 --> 00:57:49,060 Accomplish Your purposes in each of our hearts. 1108 00:57:49,060 --> 00:57:51,180 We ask and pray in the name of Christ, 1109 00:57:51,180 --> 00:57:52,058 Amen.