SF761 - THE PROMISE OF HEAVEN (Luke 23 43)
Luke 23:43
Introduction
No Fear of death
As the much-loved Episcopal bishop, Warren Chandler, lay dying, a friend asked him, “Please tell me frankly, do you dread crossing the river of death?” The good bishop responded, “My father owns the land on both sides of the river, why should I be afraid?”
Jesus came to dispel the fear of death
(Hebrews 2:14-15 NCV) "Since these children are people with physical bodies, Jesus himself became like them. He did this so that, by dying, he could destroy the one who has the power of death--the devil-- {15} and free those who were like slaves all their lives because of their fear of death."
(2 Timothy 1:10 NIV) "but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel."
He declared this victory while He was on the Cross (Luke 23:42-43)
Here Jesus tells us something important about heaven.
1A. The Intrigue of Heaven – “Paradise”
Paradise is a place of beauty.
“paradise” = garden, park
(2 Corinthians 12:2 NIV) "I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. …."
(2 Corinthians 12:4 NIV) "(he) was caught up to paradise. He heard inexpressible things, things that man is not permitted to tell."
Three heavens
Ø First heaven, birds fly – seen by day.
Ø Second heaven, sun and moon – seen by night
Ø Third heaven, where God is – seen by faith
Paradise is a place of plenty.
(Revelation 2:7 NIV) "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God."
Paradise is a place of worship.
It is where God is!!!
2A. The Intimacy of Heaven – “You …with Me”
This is a personal promise – “you”
Salvation is always personal but never private!
Salvation is individual.
This is a permanent promise – “with me”
Wherever Jesus went in death the thief went with Him.
(John 14:3 NIV) "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."
Oswald Chambers
When Oswald Chambers died, his family sent a telegram to his friends. The telegram consisted of four words, “Oswald in His presence.”
Face to Face
Face to face with Christ, my Savior,
Face to face; what will it be
When with rapture I behold Him
Jesus Christ who die for me!
3A. The Immediacy of It – “Today”
No wait required
No soul sleep or purgatory
Nothing to fear
(Philippians 1:23 NIV) "I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far."
No end in sight
Some see death as a hopeless end. We see death as an endless hope!
Application
Three gardens, the one in the middle makes the difference!