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From Criminal to Paradise ( Luke 23:39-43) April 17, 2022

D A OLIVA / 2022-04-17

 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at Him: ' Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!' But the other criminal rebuked him. ' Don't you fear God,' he said ' since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this MAN has done nothing wrong.' Then he said, ' Jesus, remember me when You come into Your Kingdom.' Jesus answered him, ' I tell you the truth, TODAY you will be with Me in Paradise.' " ( Luke 23:39-43) NIV

Introduction

 A. Before His death on the cross, one incident needs a careful study- the salvation of a criminal?

 1. Many denominational preachers use this example to claim that " faith alone" will save even a criminal from hell fire!

 2.Lots of biblical arguments are used to prove that " faith without baptism" is enough for salvation. Is this true? John 8:32

 B. Let us examine their claims based on the scriptures:

 1.What was the biblical period at the time of Christ and the criminal?

 2.Did the criminal have genuine faith in Jesus?

 3.Refuting certain claims of some denominational preachers

Discussion

 A. The Biblical Period of the Crucifixion

 1. This was still the " so called" Mosaical Age, Hebrews 1:1 " God spoke through the prophets."

  a. One has to be circumcised and keep the whole law

  b. Every sin requires an animal offering

 c. Salvation was by works of the law

   - no baptism

   - no Holy Spirit indwelling

 2. But the above requirements were NOT the bases of the criminal's salvation at that time!

 B. Did the criminal have genuine FAITH in Jesus? 

 1. He had " fear of God,"

    - acknowledged his sins

    - chastised the other thief

 2. He was under the law of " grace and mercy" given by Jesus Himself

 3. His case was unique and could not be duplicated by anyone at any time!

 4. His case can not be used as an example of going to heaven today

 5. He confessed his faith in Jesus and asked to be in His kingdom

C. Refuting False Claims of Some Denominational Preachers

 1.Using Ephesians 2:8-9, they say that " salvation is by grace through faith!"

  a. But it doesn't say " faith" only as they claim

  b. But faith alone will not save a person, James 2:19

  c. James 2:14-26 clearly teach that faith is completed by deeds/works

  - Abraham's case, vs. 20, 24

  - Rahab, the harlot, verse 25

 2. Works in Ephesians 2:9 refer either to " works of the law or works of own righteousness."

 3. No need of baptism today as was the case of the criminal

  - not comparable, different case

  - Jesus commanded baptism, Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:16

 4.Peter commanded baptism, Acts 2:38; I Peter 3:21

 5.Jesus, Paul and others were baptized, Matthew 3:13-17; Acts 9:18; 22:16

Conclusion

 A. Baptism does not refer to "works" in Ephesians 2:8-9 as falsely claimed

  1. But a requirement for forgiveness of sins and to receive the Holy Spirit, Acts 2:38

  2. They also misuse I Corinthians 1:14-17 ( not sent to baptize but to preach the gospel)

 B. If you have been deceived and want to be right with Jesus, please accept His invitation

  1. He now calls you to come to Him, Matthew 11:28-30

  2. Time to accept Him is now, for 

" today" is the Day of Salvation,            2 Corinthians 6:2