New Living Translation Chapter 23

39 One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!”

40 But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? 41 We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”

43 And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

THE WORD OF ASSURANCE

I have been at the bedside of many people when they took their last breath. Last words are very important.

“Saved at the last minute…” do a search for this phrase.

The most famous “Last Minute Salvation” ever. The Thief on the Cross

“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 (NLT)

This story tells us the how, when, where, and why of salvation…

Trans: There’s a lot of things you could know, but there are some things that you MUST KNOW.

WHAT MUST I KNOW TO BE SAVED?

5 Facts the Dying Man Knew

HE KNEW HE’D FACE GOD AFTER DEATH

“Don’t you fear God even when you are dying?” Luke 23:40 (NIV)

“Everyone must die once, and after that be judged by God.” Hebrews 9:27 (TEV)

HE KNEW HE’D SINNED AGAINST GOD

“We deserve to die for our evil deeds…” Luke 23:41 (NIV)

“The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23 (NIV)

HE KNEW JESUS WAS MORE THAN A MAN

“…but this man has not done anything wrong!” Luke 23:41 (NIV)

“There is not a single person in all the earth who is always good and never sins.” Ecclesiastes 7:20 (NLT)

“God had Christ, who was sinless, take our sin so that we might receive God's approval through him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 (GW)

HE KNEW ONLY GRACE COULD SAVE HIM

Then he said, “Jesus, remember me…” Luke 23:42 (NIV)

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God -- not by works, so that no one can boast.”

Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)

“…when you come into your kingdom!" Luke 23:42 (NIV)

“Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” Acts 16:31 (NIV)

WHAT IS MY ASSURANCE OF SALVATION?

THE PROMISE OF GOD’S WORD

Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Luke 23:43 (NIV)

IT IS IMMEDIATE “TODAY”

IT IS CERTAIN “YOU WILL”

IT IS A RELATIONSHIP “BE WITH ME”

IT IS A PLACE FOREVER “IN PARADISE”

WHEN CAN I BE SAVED?

“This is the hour to receive God's favor! Today is the day to be saved!” 2 Corinthians 6:2 (TEV)

“Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13 (NLT)

Conclusion: Song: He is Here