Crucifixion: Word of Salvation•
I. THE NEED FOR SALVATION EXAMINED
A. DEPRAVATION
1. REPRESENTATIVES
Mt 27:41 The chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked Him, saying,
2. RIDICULE
Mt 27:42a “He saved others; He can’t save Himself.”
3. RATIONALIZING
Mt 27:42b “If He is the King of Israel; let Him come down now from the cross, then we will believe in Him.”
(also Luke 16:27-31)
4. REPROACH
Mt 27:43a “He trusted in God? Let God deliver Him now, if He so desires.”
(also Psalm 22:8; Job 2:9; 13:15)
5. REASON
Mt 27:43b “For He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’”
B. REJECTION
1. REPROBATE SINNERS
Mt 27:44 And the criminals who were crucified with Him also reproached Him with the same words.
(also Jer 17:9; Romans 1:18-31)
2. RATIONAL SINNERS
(also Rom 2:1-6)
3. RELIGIOUS SINNERS
(also Jn 8:44; Rom 3:9-23)
II. THE METHOD OF SALVATION EXAMINED
A. DERISION
1. REBELLION
Lk 23:39 One of the criminals who was crucified blasphemed against Him, saying, “If you really are Messiah, save Yourself and us!”
2. REBUKE
Lk 23:40-41a But the other rebuked him, answering, “Don’t you fear God, since you are under the same sentence? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the just reward for our actions.”
HE SAW #1 – “Respect for God”
HE SAW #2 – “Personal Sin and Guilt”
B. RECOGNITION
1. REALIZATION
Lk 23:41b “But this Man has done nothing wrong.”
HE SAW #3 – “Jesus as the Sinless Son of God”
(also Zechariah 12:10)
2. REPENTANCE
Lk 23:42a And he said to Jesus, “Lord”
HE SAW #4 – “Jesus was the only Way”
(also Mt 5:3)
HE SAW #5 – “Jesus was Lord”
Poem: “Just as I Am”
Just as I am—without one plea, but that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bidst me come to Thee—O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am—and waiting not to rid my soul of one dark blot,
To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot—O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am—though tossed about with many a conflict, many a doubt,
Fightings and fears within, without—O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am—poor, wretched, blind; sight, riches, healing of the mind,
Yea, all I need in Thee to find—O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am—Thou wilt receive, wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because Thy promise I believe— O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am—Thy love unknown hath broken every barrier down;
Now, to be Thine, yea, Thine alone—O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am—of that free love the breadth, length, depth, and height to prove,
Here for a season, then above—O Lamb of God, I come, I come!
3. REMEMBER
Lk 23:42b “remember me”
HE SAW #6 – “Jesus could save his soul”
4. REIGN
Lk 23:42c “when You enter Your kingdom.”
HE SAW #7 – “He Believed Jesus’ Word”
(add John 3:3-9)
HE SAW #8 – “He Accepted the Promise of Eternal Life”
III. THE RESULT OF SALVATION EXAMINED
A. ILLUMINATION
1. REVOLUTION
2. REVELATION
(also Rom 5:6; John 5:3; Titus 3:5)
B. DESTINATION
1. RELIANCE
Lk 23:43a And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly I say to you: Today . . ”
2. RELATIONSHIP
Lk 23:43b “you will be with Me”
3. REWARD
Lk 23:43c “in Paradise”
(also Rev 20:11-15)
Conclusion: We see Jesus functioning as prophet, priest and king, even at His death.
He was a Prophet to the Daughters of Jerusalem
He was a Priest when He asked to forgive those who nailed Him to the cross
He was a King when He authoritatively assured the penitent criminal salvation and entrance into the Kingdom.