A. As recorded in Luke 23:39-43
1. One of the thieves hung there hurled insults at Jesus:
Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us! Lk.23:39
2. But the other thief rebuked him:
Don't you fear God since you are under the same sentence? Lk.23:40
3. We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve.
But this man has done nothing wrong. Lk.23:41
4. Then he said: Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. Lk.23:42
5. Jesus answered him: I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise. Lk.23:43
B. At the same period of time there were various ways for forgiveness of sins!
1. John’s baptism for forgiveness of sins! Mk.1:4-5
a. And so John came,
baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Mk.1:4
The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him.
Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. Mk.1:5
b. As Son of God, Jesus validated John’s baptism for forgiveness of sins! Matt.3:13-17
2. By being a child of Abraham! Matt.3:9, Jn.8:31-33
And do not think you can say to yourselves, `We have Abraham as our father.'
I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. Matt.3:9
The ax is already at the root of the trees,
and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. Matt.3:10
3. By offering sacrifice for forgiveness of sins. Heb.10:25-26
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another:
and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Heb.10:25
For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more
sacrifice for sins. Heb.10:26
4. Jesus forgave their sins in person!
a. A woman caught in the act of adultery! Jn.8:1-11
Jesus declared: Then neither do I condemn you. Go now and sin no more. Jn.8:11
b. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic: Son, your sins are forgiven. Mk.2:3-12
c. This sinful woman’s sins were forgiven! Lk.7:48-50
C. Jesus assumed his Kingship after his resurrection! Matt.28:18-20
1. Then Jesus came to them and said: All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Matt.28:18
2. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matt.28:19-20
3. Again Jesus said: Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you. Jn.20:21
4. And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit. Jn.20:22
5. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven. Jn.2:23
6. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. Mk.16:16
D. Apostle Peter set the forever pattern for forgiveness of sins! Ac.2:36-38
1. Therefore let all Israel be assured of this:
God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ. Ac.2:36
2. When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles:
Brothers, what shall we do? Ac.2:37
3. Peter replied: Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of
your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Ac.2:38
E. Be sure to know these!
1. Jesus declared: Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. Matt.24:35
2. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you,
let him be condemned! Gal.1:8
3. Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own
interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were
carried along by the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:20-21
May the Lord bless you and keep you always! Preach this December 15, 2019.
VIDEO SERMON BY BROTHER CHAN ON December 15, 2019