Four Deaths - 4/25/10

TEXT: Col. 3:23-25

INTRODUCTION:
1. Four significant deaths which took place just before the commencement of the Christian dispensation.
2. The first was Jesus
a. His death made eternal salvation possible.
b. Had universal and eternal effects.
3. There were 3 other deaths surrounding the death of Christ – good representation of who man is.
4. 4 Deaths; 3 Directions (of man); 2 Destinations; 1 Decision.

DISCUSSION:

I. THE THIEF WHO REJECTED THE CHRIST.
A. Luke 23:39
B. He taunts Jesus.
C. "Railed” comes from same Greek word for blasphemy .
1. Both thieves had nothing to lose and nothing to gain with the people.
2. Had everything to lose and everything to gain with Jesus.
D. Many have the same attitude as this thief.

II. THE THIEF WHO ACCEPTED THE CHRIST
A. Luke 23:40-41
B. Addresses the Christ with a faithful heart.
1. Luk 23:42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
2. He seems to beg Jesus – not for deliverance from the cross – but deliverance after his death.
C. Many claim this thief proves that baptism is not essential to salvation.
1. It is never said whether he was baptized or not.
2. The church had not been established at this point.
3. Mat 9:6

III. JUDAS – THE MAN WHO HAD ACCEPTED CHRIST BUT FELL AWAY.
A. His name will forever be associated with the one who betrayed the Savior.
1. Mat 10:2-4; Mar 3:14-19.
2. Named and given instruction as an apostle (Mat 10:5-8)
1. Implies that Jesus had confidence in him.
2. Judas was among the 12 which fed the 5000.
B. Some contend that Judas was never saved to begin.
1. Those with a "once saved always saved” doctrine need to assume this since they do not believe a
person can fall from grace.
2. No evidence that only 11 apostles belonged to Christ at the beginning.
3. He could not have been given the approval to heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead or cast out
devils if he had not been one of Christ’s.
4. Acts 1:16-17
C. Judas fell because he tried to serve 2 masters.
1. He loved Jesus but also money.
2. Joh 12:3-6
3. His task was to carry the contents of the treasury, but he grew to covet them.
4. Luke 16:13

CONCLUSION:
1. 4 Deaths; 3 Directions (of man); 2 Destinations; 1 Decision.
2. Christ died so we have the opportunity to submit our lives to Him.
3. Without Christ’s death it means nothing what we do.
4. Which death represents you?
a. The one who rejects the Redeemer?
b. The one who has had a relationship with Christ and his church but compromised it for earthly gratification?
c. The one who responds to the Lord’s gospel?
5. It is your choice, but consider the results – only the last will enable us to be saved from our sins.

    


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