12 REASONS A DYING THIEF COULD REJOICE

LUKE 23:39-43

Pastor Rick Jackson [inspired by Evangelist D.L. Moody]

 

A Dying Thief Could Rejoice That:

 

I. A  Reviler of God Could get Saved [Mt. 27: 38]

Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left. And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross. Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God. The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.

II. It is Never Too Late [John 19: 31]

The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs:

III. The Fear of God is the Beginning of Wisdom [v. 40, Pr. 9:10]

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom

IV. God Convicts Sinners [v. 41, Romans 2:4, Luke 23:34]

Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

V. He Admitted He was a Lost Sinner [v. 40-41]

VI. He could call on the Lord [v. 42, Rm. 10:13]

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

VII. He Placed His Faith in Christ [v. 42, Rm. 10:9]

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

VIII. He Confessed Christ [v. 41-42, Rm. 10:10]

For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

IX. Christ gave Him more than He asked for [v. 42-43, Eph. 3:20]

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think

X. Christ gave Him Assurance of Salvation [v. 43]

XI. His Day Ended Opposite of what it started [condemned to converted]

XII. He saw/heard Christ complete His Salvation [v. 44-47]