1. Please Turn With Me To: Luke 23:32-43

2. ”WHAT ABOUT THE THIEF ON THE CROSS?”

3. LOOK CLOSELY AT THE THREE CROSSES Dying IN Sin Dying FOR Sin Dying TO Sin The Cross of Redemption Christ Messiah Savior The Cross of Reception – believing Thief The Cross of Rejection- unbelieving Thief

4. THE UNBELIEVING THIEF Luke 23:39 Joined others in shaming Christ People die every day shaming Christ & His followers Soon he would die! Rejecting only One having power to save him

5. THE BELIEVING THIEF Luke 23:40-42 Admits he is getting what he deserves Believes Jesus is being falsely killed Requested unmerited favor Believes Christ to be Lord & His kingdom would survive death Believes Jesus would have Authority in His kingdom. “Remember me…”

6. SUFFERING SAVIOR Vs. 43 “today you will be with Me in Paradise.” He lets us know where He is going Assures us there is a place prepared for those who truly believe in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:6-8 Philippians 1:21-23

7. 3 GREAT QUESTIONS How did the Thief know Jesus? Heard of or heard preach? Christ’s teaching had an effect on him – as well as His example on the cross He was no coward – faced death with confidence & courage

8. WAS THE THIEF SAVED? He was Penitent Based on belief in Christ Believed Christ could raise him from the dead Saw Christ put on Cross but believed in Him Jesus promised to save Him!

9. WAS HE SAVED WITHOUT BAPTISM? Living under Law of Moses Baptism of New Covenant not yet instituted Church not established Acts 20:28 Hebrews 9:16 Who was the Will Maker? Jesus Christ!

10. WAS HE SAVED WITHOUT BAPTISM? While He lived on Earth, He could grant Salvation to whomsoever He desired. After His Death, Salvation is only granted according to the terms of His Will.

11. Terms of Will in New Testament Faith- John 9:24; Romans 10:17 Repentance – Acts 17:30 Confession – Matthew 10:32 Baptism – Mark 16:15,16; Acts 2:38; 22:16

12. 2 Peter 3:9 “come to repentance” While on earth, Christ had power to forgive sins – Now sins are forgiven only when we comply with His Will

13. LOOK TO THE CROSS OF REDEMPTION The Cross of Redemption Christ Messiah Savior The Cross of Reception – believing Thief The Cross of Rejection- unbelieving Thief SAVED? LOST? WHICH WILL IT BE?