The Cross: "Today you will be with me in Paradise."
- You Feel Better About Yourself.
- You Feel Worse About Yourself.
Luke 23:32-33 Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. 33 When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. (NIV)
Luke 23:39-43 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (NIV)
1. The Forgiven One Admits Wrong.
Luke 23:41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” (NIV)
James 2:10 For the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God’s laws. (NLT)
2. The Forgiven One Asks For Eternal Help.
Luke 23:42-43 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (NIV)
Romans 3:20-22 Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin. 21 But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. (NIV)