
One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!” But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” —Luke 23:39-43 (NLT)
I Know
1. I’ll face God after I die.
Everyone must die once, and after that be judged by God. —Romans 9:27 (GNT)
2. I have sinned against God.
For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. —Romans 3:23-25 (NLT)
3. Jesus will save me if I ask.
“Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved…” —Acts 16:31 (NLT)
Salvation Is
1. Immediate. “Today”
“The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” —John 10:10 (NLT)
2. Certain. “you will”
If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. —Romans 10:9 (NLT)
3. A Relationship. “be with me”
“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.” —Revelation 3:20 (NLT)
4. A Place Forever. “in paradise”
“Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever…All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children.” —Revelation 21:3-4&7 (NLT)
Discussion Questions
1. Share your thoughts about death. What is it? Why does it have to happen? Where do we go?
2. Why is it so hard for people to believe they need to be “saved”?
3. Acts 16:31 says ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved”. It it’s really that simple, why don’t more people believe it?
4. How does being a believer in Jesus and having the hope of heaven change your life?