Paradise (Luke 23:42,43)

Sermon Summary

Pastor David Yan

4 April 2021 - Easter Sunday

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The account of the criminal (thief) dying on a cross is a description of the kind of people who enter Paradise.

They go against the tide. The thief was surrounded by people who mocked Christ. He went against the tide and acknowledged Christ.

They know Jesus is the Messiah. They, like the thief, know him as Lord. The thief addressed Jesus as Lord. This was more than a formal greeting or title but was acknowledgement that Jesus was the Messiah.

They believe in the resurrection. The thief clearly believed that Jesus would live. Jesus is the resurrection and the life. Easter Sunday is about the resurrection of Jesus. The thief recognised Jesus’s coming resurrection.

They shall remain the same persons. The thief said “remember me”. Jesus replied, “you will be with me in Paradise”. There is no change to the essence of a person. No annihilation.

They depend on Jesus for entry into Paradise. The thief clearly depends on Jesus. Likewise, every Christian.

They know their sins are forgiven. The thief received forgiveness upon trusting in Jesus. Every believer is forgiven all sins.

The believer knows Jesus will reign. The thief spoke of Jesus coming into his kingdom. A kingdom has a king. (Jesus) A kingdom has citizens. (Believers)

They have immediate entry into Paradise. Jesus told the thief, “Today you will be with me in Paradise.” No intermediate state. Straight into the presence of Jesus at death.

They shall be with Jesus in Paradise which is heaven. Jesus assured the thief of this. The Garden of Eden is restored. Paradise is regained.

All this is possible because of the resurrection of Jesus. He rose. He lives today. Believers shall be with him forever in Paradise. Praise the Lord.