Sermon The Thief On The Cross

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[2] The title of the sermon today is “THE THIEF ON THE CROSS.”

Let’s Stop Twisting Scriptures And Creating Fairy Tales About The Thief On The Cross

• Today, we’re going to look closely at the thief on the cross next to Jesus who went to paradise.
• I’m sick and tired of people trying to twist the Scriptures.
• Let’s look closely at this today so you don’t fall for this deception.
• You’ll find the thief on the cross within 3 of the 4 Gospels: Matthew, Mark, and Luke.
• Let’s start in Matthew Chapter 27.

[3] Matthew 27:35-37 And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots. 36 And sitting down they watched him there; 37 And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

• So, let’s pay close attention to the order of events here in Matthew Chapter 27.
• They crucified Jesus right here. This means they hung Jesus up on the cross.
• He wasn’t dead yet. That’s not what crucified means. You’ll see that Jesus isn’t dead yet as we continue.

[4] Matthew 27:38 Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.

• The Bible calls both of the men on either side of Jesus Christ “THIEVES.”
• One on the right hand and another on the left hand.

[5] Matthew 27:39-40 And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, 40 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.

• All of the people passing by Jesus REVILED Him. What does that mean?
• They ridiculed and mocked Him. They laughed at Him. They hated Him while He was dying.
• Think about that. Could you do that to someone who was dying who never did anything wrong?
• They said, “If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.”

[6] Matthew 27:41-43 Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, 42 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. 43 He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God.

• The mocking continues. Jesus said, “I am the Son of God.” He wasn’t lying.
• But who do you think was right beside Jesus hearing all of this mocking? Both thieves heard all of this.
• Now the next verse is a Scripture that many people don’t see. Don’t miss this one.

[7] Matthew 27:44 The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.

• Both thieves were mocking Jesus the same way. The Bible says, “THE THEIVES ALSO.”
• In verse 38, which we just read, the Bible says there were TWO THIEVES crucified with Him.
• The Bible doesn’t mentioned any other thieves and this Scripture is plural.
• “CAST THE SAME IN HIS TEETH.” Both thieves mocked Jesus Christ in Matthew Chapter 27.

[8] Matthew 27:45-47 Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour. 46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? 47 Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This man calleth for Elias.

[9] Matthew 27:48-50 And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink. 49 The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him. 50 Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.

• When you see Jesus yield up the ghost, this means the life left His body.
• Holy Ghost = Holy Spirit and spirit = life.

[10] Matthew 27:51-53 And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; 52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, 53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.

[11] Matthew 27:54 Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.

• So, in Matthew Chapter 27 we see that both thieves were mocking Jesus Christ.
• One of those thieves is going to change his mind soon, though. Why is that?
• Jesus Christ was mocked, and He never opened His mouth.
• When we are mocked by people for loving Jesus Christ, just move on to the next person.
• People who have a chance may feel bad for mocking someone who never did anything wrong to them.
• Now, let’s look at the Book of Mark.

[12] Mark 15:25-28 And it was the third hour, and they crucified him. 26 And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS. 27 And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left. 28 And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors.

• With Jesus Christ, they crucified two thieves. One was on the right and one on the left.
• Isaiah 53:12 is fulfilled due to Jesus being crucified with 2 thieves being put to death for their crimes.
• Jesus, perfect and holy, being put to death with the two thieves who also mocked Him.
• The totally perfect and just Jesus Christ being put to death. For what? He never did anything wrong.

[13] Mark 15:29-31 And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, 30 Save thyself, and come down from the cross. 31 Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save.

• We see the mocking again in Mark Chapter 15. “Jesus, save thyself and come down from the cross.”

[14] Mark 15:32-34 Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him. 33 And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. 34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

[15] Mark 15:35-37 And some of them that stood by, when they heard it, said, Behold, he calleth Elias. 36 And one ran and filled a spunge full of vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink, saying, Let alone; let us see whether Elias will come to take him down. 37 And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost.

[16] Mark 15:38-39 And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom. 39 And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.

• So far, we’ve seen this same account in Matthew and Mark. Now, let’s get more detail from Luke.
• Remember, in Matthew, we learned that both thieves mocked Jesus Christ.

[17] Luke 23:32-33 And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death. 33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.

• Again, we only see two malefactors here. Malefactors are criminals.
• One crucified on the right of Jesus and the other on the left.

[18] Luke 23:34-35 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. 35 And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.

[19] Luke 23:36-38 And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar, 37 And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself. 38 And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

• We know from Matthew Chapter 27 that both thieves railed on Jesus Christ.
• One of them continued to mock Jesus the entire time while the other thief changed his mind about Jesus.

[20] Luke 23:39-41 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. 40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.

• One of the thieves continues to mock Jesus Christ, but the other changes his mind about Jesus Christ.
• That’s the only conclusion if you believe the words of the Bible.
• Matthew tells us that this thief was also mocking Jesus. I believe the words of the Bible are perfect.
• I’m not going to say: “Well, Matthew must have a mistake. God messed up. He didn’t know what happened. Let me tell you what happened even though I wasn’t there.”
• This is what the modern day scribes and Pharisees will say. I won’t ever do that. Not going to happen.
• One of the thieves repented and believed on Jesus Christ. “This man hath done nothing amiss.”

[21] Luke 23:42-43 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. 43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

• The thief changed his mind about Jesus Christ right there while hanging on a cross next to Jesus.
• He says, “Remember when thou comest into thy kingdom.” That’s all it took to be saved.
• He didn’t have faith in Jesus Christ prior to this unless you want to change the words of the Bible.
• Oh mighty man, will you change the words of the Bible in the Book of Matthew? Will you?
• It’s very clear. Both thieves were mocking Jesus Christ and one of them changes his mind.
• And that thief is saved by believing on Jesus Christ. Being saved is very quick.
• When you trust in Jesus Christ, you’re saved in a moment.

The Soul Of Jesus Went To Hell And The Thief Went To Heaven

Jesus says, “Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.” We know that the soul of Jesus Christ went to hell.

• His body was buried in a tomb. His spirit, or life, returned to His Father in heaven.
• Every one of us have a spirit, a soul, and a body. Jesus was just like us. He came to be our Savior.

[22] Luke 23:44-46 And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. 45 And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst. 46 And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.

• About 3 hours later, Jesus dies on the cross next to that thief.
• Jesus says, “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.” His spirit goes back to His Father.
• His soul goes to hell. His body is buried. We know the thief went to paradise when he died.
• We know that the thief was saved and given everlasting life in a short period of time.
• I want to go over some lies from false preachers about the thief on the cross.

Here are some facts and truth for you. The thief on the cross was not baptized in water and went to heaven.

• Lying false preachers will come up with all types of excuses saying that this doesn’t count.
• I tell them the truth from the Bible, and they don’t want to hear it.
• The entire Bible teaches that we are saved by believing on Jesus Christ.
• That’s all we MUST do to be saved. We must put all of our trust in Jesus Christ as “THE” Savior. That’s it.

Jesus saves us. We can’t save ourselves through our so called righteousness by doing good things.

• This matches with the thief on the cross who changed his mind about Jesus Christ.
• All he said was, “Lord, please remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.”
• All you have to do is say: “Lord, please remember me. I know you are the Savior of the world. Save me.”
• But lying false preachers want to make salvation harder than it actually is.
• Even with all these examples in the Bible they will not listen to Jesus and His words.

[23] John 8:46-47 Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? 47 He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.

• If you think you must be baptized in water to be saved, you aren’t hearing the words of Jesus Christ.
• First, let’s talk about the thief going to paradise. False preachers will say he went to Abraham’s bosom.
• They’ll say he didn’t go to heaven but paradise, which is a compartment in hell called Abraham’s bosom.
• If you wanted to know paradise was, wouldn’t you look for the Bible to define paradise for us?
• We compare Scripture with Scripture to find the truth within the Bible.
• We search the Scriptures for the word paradise. The Bible will tell us about paradise.
• There are only 3 Scriptures in the entire Bible that use the word paradise. Here they are in order:

[24] Luke 23:43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

• We’ve already seen this one today. Jesus tells the thief that he will be with Him in paradise.
• Here’s the second Scripture which will tell us exactly where paradise is located.

[25] 2 Corinthians 12:1-2 It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.

• Paul knew this man in Christ above fourteen years ago, such an one caught up to the third heaven.

[26] 2 Corinthians 12:3-4 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) 4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

• This man was caught up to the third heaven. This man was caught up into paradise.
• He heard unspeakable words. The third heaven is where God Almighty lives.
• Paradise EQUALS the third heaven.

[27] Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

• This is talking about the third heaven where God lives. How do we know this?
• Because later on in Genesis we see the first and second heaven being created.
• We find out that the fowl or birds fly in the first heaven. This is the sky above the earth.
• We find out the sun, moon, and stars are in the second heaven. This is the space around the earth.
• The third heaven is PARADISE where God lives. This is what the Bible teaches.
• 2 Corinthians Chapter 12 defines paradise as the third heaven where God lives.
• The third and final Scripture in the Bible confirms what I just told you.

[28] Revelation 2:7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

• That’s the third and final verse in the entire Bible about the paradise of God. THAT’S ALL OF THEM.
• The Bible never speaks of paradise being in hell, Jesus going to paradise in hell, or anything close to that.
• The Bible never speaks of some imaginary and huge chest cavity that Abraham has that people went to.
• “To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.”
• In other words, the tree of life is in paradise. Where is the tree of life?
• This would answer our question about where paradise is located. Right?
• The tree of life is in the midst of the paradise of God.

[29] Revelation 22:1-2 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

• The throne of God is close to the tree of life. They are in the same place.
• The throne of God is in the third heaven. This is paradise. God is located in paradise.
• This isn’t difficult to understand, and I’m not deceiving you. This is what the Bible says.
• I didn’t make up my own location for paradise. I rely on the Bible to tell me where paradise is located.
• I didn’t create a fairy tale called Abraham’s bosom and call it paradise in hell.

Abraham’s Bosom Is Not A Compartment In Hell

False preachers have created this place in hell called Abraham’s bosom. Let me be clear on this.

• The Bible doesn’t talk of some fairy tale place in hell called Abraham’s bosom.
• Most false preachers will say that the thief on the cross died and went to a place called Abraham’s bosom.
• They will say that Abraham’s very large chest cavity became paradise in hell.
• They say it’s a place in hell that people went before Jesus died on the cross.

They say that once Jesus died He went to paradise in hell to save Abraham and all the Old Testament saints.

• They will say that Adam and Eve went to Abraham’s bosom because they died before Christ.
• Let me be clear here. THEY ARE LIARS WHO DON’T MAKE ANY SENSE.
• Stop listening to these lies and being deceived by these lies. The Bible never says any of those things.
• In other words, they say: “Noah must have went to Abraham’s bosom.”
• “Enoch went to Abraham’s bosom. Aaron went there. Moses went there. Joshua and Caleb went there.”
• Sarah, Rahab, Samson, Ruth, Samuel, Saul, David, Ezra, Nehemiah, Job, Hannah, Manoah.”
• Think of all the people who died and had to fit into Abraham’s chest cavity.
• There would be millions upon millions.

[30] Genesis 5:21-24 And Enoch lived sixty and five years, and begat Methuselah: 22 And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters: 23 And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years: 24 And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.

• God took Enoch because God wanted Enoch with Him. That’s the truth.
• But these Abraham’s bosom liars will say that God took Enoch so He could put Him in paradise in hell.
• “God must have put Enoch in Abraham’s bosom or paradise in hell.”
• Abraham wasn’t even born yet at the time of Enoch but Enoch went to Abraham’s bosom?
• COME ON PEOPLE. We have to wake up and actually think about what these fools are teaching us.
• Seriously, wake up and use the actual Scriptures.

Where did Enoch go when God took him? HE WALKED WITH GOD. Where is God located?

• Was God located in a compartment in hell called Abraham’s bosom or paradise? NO WAY.
• God is in the third heaven, in paradise, according to the Bible. Paradise isn’t located in hell.
• Paradise has never been located in hell. How silly is that? Paradise in hell. REALLY???
• Think about what people are saying and think about what you’re believing compared to Scriptures.
• Did Enoch and God walk around in Abraham’s chest cavity? Abraham wasn’t born yet.
• I will tell you the truth. When someone dies who is saved, no matter when it happened, goes to heaven.

[31] Matthew 8:10-11 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. 11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.

• This is Jesus Christ speaking before He died on the cross. This is Matthew Chapter 8.
• Jesus died on the cross in Matthew Chapter 27. Was Jesus lying to us right here? What does He say?
• Who does He mention here? He mentions Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
• All 3 of these died BEFORE Jesus died on the cross. Where were these 3 located according to Jesus?
• They were located in the kingdom of heaven. WERE THEY NOT? This is what the Bible says.
• Never once does the Bible say they went to paradise in hell OR Abraham’s bosom. This is silly.

[32] Luke 13:27-29 But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. 28 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out. 29 And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.

• Jesus hasn’t died on the cross yet in Luke Chapter 13 and He speaks about Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
• Where are they located? Where are all the prophets of God located according to the Scriptures?
• IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD. Jesus says to these evil people: “You will see all of them in kingdom of God.”
• This is talking about heaven. “And you yourselves thrust out.”
• There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Where does weeping and gnashing of teeth happen?

[33] Psalm 112:10 The wicked shall see it, and be grieved; he shall gnash with his teeth, and melt away: the desire of the wicked shall perish.

[34] Matthew 13:42 And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

[35] Matthew 13:50 And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

[36] Matthew 22:13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

[37] Matthew 24:51 And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

[38] Matthew 25:30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

• FIRE. Furnace of fire. Bound. Cast in outer darkness. Cast into hell. Weeping and gnashing of teeth.
• Hell is a place of fire and torment. There are 54 verses in the King James Bible with the word hell.
• Guess what you won’t find in any of those verses? You won’t find any talk of paradise in hell. NOT ONCE.
• I already showed you the 3 Scriptures in the entire Bible with the word PARADISE. It’s not in hell.

Paradise In Hell??? Doesn’t Exist. Fairy Tale.

There is NOTHING good in hell. NOTHING. I can’t read you all 54 Scriptures due to time.

• But we’ve been over them before. There’s a sermon called Sheol, Gehenna, Hades, or Hell?
• Find that sermon on the website and listen to it, read it, or watch it. The video is online.
• Here’s the conclusion. HELL IS A VERY BAD PLACE. You don’t want to go there. Enoch didn’t go to hell.
• Enoch didn’t go to a compartment in hell called Abraham’s bosom and then waited thousands of years until Jesus Christ died on the cross.
• THAT’S INSANE. Don’t be insane. I’ll show you some verses about hell in just a few minutes.
• Jesus just told us that people in heaven would see people in hell.
• Let’s read it again so you can see this. I didn’t write the Bible. GOD WROTE IT. You should hear His words.

[39] Luke 13:28 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.

• “Ye shall see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.”
• “There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
• In other words, people going to hell will see people in heaven. Is that not what the Bible says?
• The kingdom of God is heaven. That’s where all saved people go. WHERE IS THE KINGDOM OF GOD?

[40] Luke 23:42-43 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. 43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

• The Bible brings us back to the Scriptures we’ve been talking about. This is the thief on the cross.
• “Remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.”
• “To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” We know paradise is the third heaven.
• We know the kingdom of God is paradise or heaven. God’s people don’t go to hell.
• So, again, people in hell will see people in heaven.
• Now, let’s go to the only Scripture in the entire Bible that speaks of Abraham’s bosom. There’s only one.
• Let me state that again. There’s only one Scripture in the entire Bible that mentions Abraham’s bosom.

[41] Luke 16:19-21 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: 20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, 21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.

• So, we see a rich man and a beggar named Lazarus.

[42] Luke 16:22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;

• The beggar died and is carried into Abraham’s bosom. The rich mand dies too.
• But lets focus on the beggar here for a minute. He was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom.
• He was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom. He wasn’t cast into hell or thrown down.
• Where was Abraham located once he died? We just learned that he was in heaven.
• How would Abraham be located in his own bosom? Did you ever think about that?
• Abraham’s bosom being a compartment in hell is a fairy tale. Think about it. Doesn’t make any sense.

Abraham was in heaven. Abraham’s bosom is a body part or the chest. That’s the definition of bosom.

• The beggar was a saved man who believed on Jesus Christ and was carried into Abraham’s bosom.
• There are several definitions of the word INTO. You can look them up yourself.
• INTO means to a point of contact with or against.
• For example, “Pam backed my new truck INTO a parked car.” She didn’t drive inside the other car.
• She backed it INTO the other car. And yes, that’s a true story from many years ago.
• When the angels carried the beggar INTO Abraham’s bosom, they carried him into Abraham’s arms.
• And Abraham held him close. We use the Bible to define bosom.

[43] Genesis 16:5 And Sarai said unto Abram, My wrong be upon thee: I have given my maid into thy bosom; and when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her eyes: the LORD judge between me and thee.

• Sarai didn’t give Hagar into the chest cavity of Abram. Hagar didn’t climb inside of Abram’s chest cavity.

[44] Exodus 4:6-7 And the LORD said furthermore unto him, Put now thine hand into thy bosom. And he put his hand into his bosom: and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous as snow. 7 And he said, Put thine hand into thy bosom again. And he put his hand into his bosom again; and plucked it out of his bosom, and, behold, it was turned again as his other flesh.

• This is your bosom area. Your chest area is your bosom.

[45] Numbers 11:12 Have I conceived all this people? have I begotten them, that thou shouldest say unto me, Carry them in thy bosom, as a nursing father beareth the sucking child, unto the land which thou swarest unto their fathers?

• A father carries his baby in his bosom very close and tight to him.
• Isaac, could you come up here for a second?
• When I put my arm around Isaac, this is Isaac being in my bosom.
• Notice that he didn’t climb inside my chest cavity. He just can’t and won’t fit in there.

[46] John 1:18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

• God the Father holds His Son, Jesus Christ, close to His bosom. We are made in the image of God.

[47] John 13:23 Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.

• Jesus hugged his disciples just like Isaac and I just hugged. This is not weird.
• This is being close to one another. Jesus loves His children. And yes, Isaac and I are the children of Jesus.
• No matter how big of a man you are GOD is bigger. Jesus is bigger. We are His children.
• The bosom of Jesus isn’t some fake compartment in hell or heaven or anywhere else.
• Abraham was located in heaven.
• His soul went to heaven and the beggar was carried into heaven by the angels.
• Abraham put his arm around the beggar and this is called being in Abraham’s bosom. Let’s read more.

[48] Luke 16:22-23 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; 23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

• Abraham and the Lazarus, the beggar, were in heaven now. The rich man died and went to hell.
• The Bible says so. Notice the exact words. Verse 23 is saying the rich man is in hell. Not Abraham.
• And not Lazarus. They are not in hell. The rich man sees Abraham and Lazarus AFAR OFF.
• This is what the Bible says.
• And we just learned earlier that people in hell will see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in heaven.
• And this Scripture matches this perfectly just as Jesus said.

Using Your Own Reasoning To Reduce Jesus Christ Is Foolish

Some people attempt to use their own reasoning. They say, “Well, this can’t happen.”

• “People in hell can’t see people in heaven.” Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. The Bible says they can.
• And here’s the example right here. Believe what God says and stop using human reasoning.
• Faith is seeing what God says and believing what He says. Increase your faith in His words.
• Before I move to the next verse in Luke Chapter 16, what do you see in verse 23?
• “And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.”
• Hell is a place of torment, right? This is what that Scripture says.
• Well, false preachers will also teach that Hades is not a bad place. Hades is a Greek word for hell.
• They’ll say that Hades is a just a place where spirits live and there is no torment or anything bad there.
• Well, guess what the underlying word for hell is in verse 23 right there? IT’S HADES.

[49] Luke 16:23 And <kaí> in <en> hell <háidēs> he lift up <epaírō> his <autós> eyes <ophthalmós>, being <hypárchō> in <en> torments <básanos>, and seeth <horáō> Abraham <Abraám> afar <makróthen> off <apó>, and <kaí> Lazarus <Lázaros> in <en> his <autós> bosom <kólpos>.

• So, here’s what the Strong’s Greek dictionary says about Hades.

[50]

• “A place of departed souls.” Yes, souls go to the Greek Hades or the English hell. Hades is hell.
• The King James Bible is the perfect word of God in English and the word is hell.
• Hell is a place of torments. The verse just said so. Let’s read it again and continue to the next verse.

[51] Luke 16:23-24 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.

• We see that Hades or hell is a place of torment and flames. “For I am tormented in this flame.”
• And yes, this man is conscious of what is happening here. He is burning in hell.
• Abraham and Lazarus are not in hell. Hell is a place of flames and torment.
• And remember, the underlying word for hell right there is HADES.

[52] Luke 16:25-26 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. 26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.

• Lazarus received evil things and now he is comforted.
• If you’ve received evil in your life from people, don’t blame it on God. He will take care of everything.
• The rich man is tormented now.
• The Bible says in verse 26: “Between us and you there is a great gulf fixed.”
• “So that they which would pass from hence to you cannot. Neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.”

In other words, you can’t pass from heaven to hell or from hell to heaven.

• That’s the correct teaching from this Scripture. You can’t go from heaven to hell or vice versa.
• But the Abraham’s bosom false preachers are saying that Abraham’s bosom is a compartment in hell.
• In other words, the compartment is in hell. And people in that compartment in hell then go to heaven.
• WRONG. There is no paradise in hell and the Bible never once describes a paradise in hell.
• Think about this. Who died first according to the Scriptures? Jesus Christ OR the thief?
• Jesus died first. The soul of Jesus Christ went to hell. The thief died later and his soul went to paradise.

So, did the thief die under the Old Covenant or the New Covenant? For salvation, it doesn’t matter.

• The thief wasn’t following all of the Old Testament law. Was he? HE WAS A THIEF BEING PUT TO DEATH.
• Some people will tell me that the thief didn’t need to be baptized because he was under the Old Covenant.
• Was he? Then how did he make it to heaven? How did he make it to paradise?
• He didn’t jump down off the cross and go follow all the law. He already broke all of the law.
• HE WAS A THIEF. Stop making up stories, fairy tales, and lies. He wasn’t saved under the Old Covenant.

John the Baptist was already baptizing people before the thief died on the cross.

• Jesus Christ and his disciples were already baptizing people BEFORE the thief died on the cross.
• WATER BAPTISM DOES NOT MATTER FOR SALVATION. Water baptism is a work.
• Changing your mind and believing on Jesus Christ is not a work. You can sit there and change your mind.
• No work involved. Water baptism takes physical work and physical movement. It’s not so easy.

How Could Jesus Be In Paradise And Hell At The Same Time?

So, what does the Bible mean when Jesus says to the thief: “To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.”

• If the soul of Jesus went to hell, how would Jesus be with him in heaven?
• Jesus is not exactly like us, obviously. He came in the flesh, but that wasn’t His beginning.
• Jesus Christ is God. He doesn’t have a beginning or an end. He is everywhere.
• Remember, don’t mess with the deity of Jesus Christ. HE IS GOD. He is one person of God.

[53] Hebrews 7:3 Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.

• When Jesus says, “Today shalt thou be with me in paradise,” He is God and God is in heaven.
• The spirit or life of Jesus Christ returned to His Father. We saw that earlier in the sermon.
• Jesus is everywhere. IS HE NOT? Jesus did not lie.

The Bible clearly says the soul of Jesus Christ went to hell and the Bible clearly says that Jesus would be with the thief that day in paradise.

• How is that possible? Well, it’s very possible without making up some fairy tale about Abraham’s bosom.
• Nothing is too hard for the Lord. Nothing is impossible with Jesus Christ.
• Our brains love to limit Jesus Christ, but He is the alpha and omega, the beginning and the end.
• When something doesn’t make sense to us, we use the Scriptures. We don’t make up fairy tales.

[54] Psalm 139:7-8 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? 8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.

• Do you not think that applies to Jesus Christ? HE IS GOD. He can be in heaven and hell at the same time.
• WE CAN’T. We are nothing like God when it comes to being everywhere at once.

[55] 2 Chronicles 6:18 But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth? behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house which I have built!

• If heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain God, do you think hell can contain Him?
• Do you think hell can contain Jesus Christ, the Son of God? Do you think He can’t be in heaven and hell at the same time?
• Do you think Jesus can hear all the prayers of everyone throughout the world at the same time?
• Of course He can because He is God. We cannot limit Jesus Christ.
• His soul was in hell and God was with the thief in paradise that day when the thief died.

[56] Jeremiah 23:24 Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.

• Jesus Christ FILLS the heaven and the earth.
• Do you know what’s in the center of the earth or the heart of the earth? HELL.

[57] Matthew 12:40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

• The heart of the earth is the center of the earth. Jesus went to hell for 3 days and 3 nights.
• Jesus Christ fills the heaven and the earth including hell. He can be everywhere at once.
• The Bible clearly teaches this over and over again.

[58] Revelation 14:10-11 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: 11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.

• Jesus Christ is right there in hell while the smoke of their torment ascendeth up forever and ever.
• HE IS EVERYWHERE. He is there in hell when people who receive the mark of the beast are burning.

Here’s the truth about the thief using the Scriptures: The thief was mocking Jesus Christ to begin with.

• The thief changed his mind and believed on Jesus Christ. The thief went to heaven when he died.
• When Jesus died on the cross first (before the thief), His body was buried, His soul went to hell, and His spirit returned to His Father in heaven.
• Jesus said, “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.”
• Jesus was with the thief in paradise while the soul of Jesus Christ was burning in hell as a burnt offering for our sins.

The Thief Was Saved By Believing On Jesus Christ

The thief was saved by believing on Jesus Christ. That’s the only requirement to be saved.

• He wasn’t saved any other way.
• The requirement to make it to heaven is the same for every person who has ever lived.
• Abraham goes back pretty far in the Bible. He shows up in Genesis Chapter 11. That’s pretty far back.
• That’s the Old Testament. Right? Abraham was in the Old Testament.
• The rich man in hell says, “Father Abraham.” Abraham says, “Son.” He was a physical child of Abraham.
• That’s back about as far as you can go in the Bible when it comes to explaining how Abraham was saved.

[59] Romans 4:1-3 What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? 2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. 3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.

• The entire Book of Romans, which we’ve went through here verse by verse, explains that salvation is not of works.
• Abraham wasn’t saved by his works or his obedience to God. Obedience to God is works. It takes work.
• For what saith the Scripture? “Abraham believed God and it was counted unto him for righteousness.”
• For what saith the false preacher? “Abraham was saved by faith and works. His obedience saved him.”
• Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. Abraham wasn’t saved by his works. THE BIBLE SAYS SO.

[60] Romans 4:4-5 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

• Faith alone gives you the righteousness of God, which is required for you to go to heaven. That’s it.
• “BUT OT HIM THAT WORKETH NOT, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly.”

[61] Romans 4:6-8 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, 7 Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. 8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.

• King David knew this FACT too. We are saved by trusting in the Lord. Read Psalms.
• David says, “I will take the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord.”
• He didn’t say, “I will work for the cup of salvation and obey God and work my way to heaven.”

[62] Romans 4:9-10 Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. 10 How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.

• Abraham was saved long before he was circumcised. He simply believed God’s promise and was saved.
• And yes, all people in the Old Testament are saved the same way as in the New Testament.
• There is no difference in salvation between the Old Testament and the New Testament.
• There is no difference between Abraham, the thief on the cross, and you and I today.
• Everyone in heaven right now got there the exact same way. NOT IN CIRCUMCISION.

[63] Romans 4:11-12 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: 12 And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.

• FAITH SAVES YOU. Being baptized in water is simply a seal of the righteousness of faith.
• The thief on the cross wasn’t baptized. He didn’t follow all the laws. He was a thief.
• How in the world did he make it to heaven then? Answer the question, false preachers.
• Don’t skip around it. Don’t ignore it. ANSWER THE QUESTION. The Bible gives this example for a reason.
• Being saved is EXACTLY THE SAME for all people of all time. There is no difference in being saved.
• The entire Book of Romans teaches this. The entire Bible teaches this.

The Thief Wasn’t Baptized And He Broke The Law As He Was A Thief

You must believe in God to be saved. You must believe that He is God. This means you know He can save you.

• This means you know He’s the only one who can give everlasting life.
• The thief on the cross next to Jesus finally gave up and realized that.
• “Lord, please remember me.” That’s calling upon the Lord.
• You can’t call on Him unless you believe in Him. This means you must put your trust in the Lord.
• GOD CAN SAVE YOU. Some people think: “God can’t save me.” YES HE CAN.
• When you say that He can’t do something, you don’t believe what He says. You call Him a liar.

[64] Jeremiah 32:17 Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:

[65] Jeremiah 32:27 Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?

[66] Isaiah 46:9 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,

• There is NONE like our God. Remember that ALWAYS.
• To end, here are the main points I wanted you to learn from this sermon:
• The thief wasn’t baptized and he wasn’t saved by obedience. He was saved by believing on Jesus.
• The thief didn’t go to Abraham’s bosom. He went to paradise which is in heaven.
• The soul of Jesus Christ went to hell before the thief died on the cross. Jesus is everywhere.
• Jesus can be in paradise with the thief because Jesus is God and God is in heaven. He is everywhere.

Abraham’s bosom being paradise in hell is a false doctrine. Abraham’s bosom is his chest area.

• There is no paradise in hell. Hades is the Greek word for hell and hell is a place of torment.
• Hades is a place of fire and torment. Once you die, there’s no further chances to get to heaven.
• This is why you need to believe on Jesus Christ right now.
• I hope this sermon has helped to clear things up for you about the thief on the cross.

Let’s pray.