Introduction

It has been often said that a picture is worth a thousand words. That may be true in some cases; but, THE TRUTH the picture on the cover of this book represents is PRICELESS. It is not for sale! It cannot be bought; yet, it cost God a very high price. We invite you on a journey to The Three Crosses of Calvary. This is the greatest love story ever told.

 

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.                                                 John 3:16

 

Welcome to The Three Crosses of Calvary. This book was prepared to give you simple, easy to understand answers from the Bible, God’s Holy Word, concerning the truth about The Three Crosses of Calvary. We pray that this book will be a blessing to you, your family, and friends.

                                                 May God Bless You,

                                                 Bro. Larry Hample

                                                 Founder/Director, ARM

 

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

 

 

The Three Crosses of Calvary

 

In order for us to understand the meaning of the Three Crosses of Calvary, we must go back to the origin of man and find out what happened to him in the Garden of Eden. The truths in this book are based on the final authority: the Word of God, the Holy Bible. All scripture references are from the King James Version. God’s Holy Word.

 

PART 1

IN THE BEGINNING

 

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. Genesis 1:1

God created heaven and earth and all living things.

 

And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters

brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good. Genesis 1:21

 Notice the words “after their/his kind” and “...whose seed was in itself.”

. . .whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good. Genesis 1:12b

 

And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good. Genesis 1:25

 God leaves no room for the theory of evolution. He states that everything that was made was to reproduce exactly what was made. “... and God saw that it was good.”

GOD CREATES MAN

 

And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. Genesis 1:26

 God creates man and gives him the breath of life.

And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. Genesis 2:7

 

THE GARDEN OF EDEN

 

And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed. Genesis 2:8

 God puts man in the garden.

 

GOD CREATES EVE FROM ADAM’S RIB

 

And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. Genesis 2:18

 God decides to make a woman for man.

And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed. Genesis 2:21-25

 God ordains marriage; the home; husband and wife.

THE FALL OF MAN

 

And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. Genesis 2:16-17

 The Lord warns man not to eat of the tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.

 

SATAN, THE DEVIL, IN THE FORM OF A SERPENT DECEIVES EVE AND DEATH AND SIN PASSES UNTO MANKIND

 

Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? Genesis 3:1

 Satan deceives Eve.

And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.

 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:

Satan calls God a liar.

 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

Satan shows why he is the father of lies.

And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. Genesis 3:2-7

Man’s first attempt to save himself by works.

 

MAN BECOMES A SINNER BY DISOBEYING GOD

 

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: Romans 5:12 

Death passes unto man, both physical and spiritual.

 

ADAM AND EVE MAKE EXCUSES SHOWING THEIR LOST CONDITION AND THEIR NEED FOR GOD'S SALVATION

 

Adam blames God and Eve.

And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.

 

And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat.

Adam and Eve try to hide from God.

And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. Genesis 3:8-13 

Eve blames Satan.

And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: Genesis 3:14 

God curses the serpent.

 

GOD’S WARNING AND INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN

TO ADAM AND EVE

 

Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.

God calls Adam to be accountable for his household.

And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. And Adam called his wife's name Eve; because she was the mother of all living. Genesis 3:16-20

God ordains the work ethic. Man must work to eat.

 

GOD REJECTS MA

N’S FIRST ATTEMPT TO HIDE HIS SIN BY HIS OWN WORKS

 

And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons Genesis 3:7

 

God’s first sacrifice to cover Adam and Eve’s sins.

Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them. Genesis 3:21

An innocent animal had to die to clothe Adam and Eve.

And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. Hebrews 9:22

 

MAN’S SIN GETS HIM SEPARATED

 FROM GOD

 

And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life. Genesis 3:22-24

God puts man out of the garden to work the ground from which he was taken.

 

PART 2

THE ROAD TO CALVARY

 

GOD GIVES US THE FIRST PROPHECY OF THE VIRGIN BIRTH OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, THE SON OF GOD,

GOD THE SON.

 

God tells Satan:

 

And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. Genesis 3:15

Christ was to be the seed of woman, not man. That’s a miracle since, in normal childbirth, it’s the seed of a man that fertilizes the egg of the woman. This is the Bible’s first mention of the virgin birth.

 

Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Matthew 1:23

All the Old Testament prophecies of the birth of the Messiah were fulfilled by Jesus in the New Testament.

 

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:21

 

THE BIRTH OF THE MESSIAH,

“JESUS OF NAZARETH”

 

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Mary gives birth to her (notice) FIRST born son. Mary was a virgin when she gave birth to Jesus but after that, Joseph and Mary had four other sons and at least two daughters which would mean Jesus was the first born of at least seven children of Mary. The teaching that Mary remained a virgin is NOT true.

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:21

 

I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour. Isaiah 43:11

 

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. Luke 2:7-12 

Study Matthew 13:54-58 and Mark 3:31-35.

 

JESUS AT THE AGE OF TWELVE SHOWS EARLY SIGNS OF GOD’S POWER, WISDOM, AND GRACE. 

And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him. Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. Luke 2: 40-52

Here we see the young Lord Jesus in the temple hearing and asking the doctors questions. He also states that he must be about His Father’s business: NOT a reference to Joseph, but to God the Father.

 

PART 3

THE LIFE AND MINISTRY OF THE

LORD JESUS CHRIST

 

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

It could be said that John 3:16 is the Bible in a verse. It tells how much God loves us. He was willing to sacrifice His only begotten Son to pay for the sins of all mankind.

For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. Luke 19:10

 

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:6

 

THE MIRACLES OF JESUS OF NAZARETH

 

And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them. Matthew 4:23-24

Jesus healed all manner of sickness. No hit or miss healing here. The deaf heard, the blind saw, the dead were raised. He fed thousands in the middle of nowhere. He calmed the sea. He turned the water to wine, but not the wine some think it was.

See Proverbs 20:1.

 

JESUS RAISES JAIRUS’ DAUGHTER FROM THE DEAD

 

He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose. And the fame hereof went abroad into all that land. Matthew 9:24-26

 

JESUS HEALS BLIND BARTIMAEUS

 

And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus. And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way. Mark 10 50-52

But His biggest miracle was yet to come. Read on. No Hollywood Christianity here. This is the real deal

 

JESUS HEALS A CRIPPLED MAN AT THE POOL OF BETHESDA ON THE SABBATH

AND THE RELIGIOUS LEADERS SEEK TO KILL JESUS

Even with all this,They willfully rejected Christ in their heart

 And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath. The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed. He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk. Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk? And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place. Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee. The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole. And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day. John 5:5-16

 

Most of the scribes, Pharisees, and other religious leaders of the Jews did not see themselves as sinners like everyone else.

They were much enlightened

 They did not see the need to trust Jesus as their savior. They were blind to the fact that Jesus was to die for their sins.

It may seem strange; but, the very people you think would be happy about the Lord’s ministry were His worst enemies.

They saw His miracles. They witnessed the power of the Holy Spirit that filled Jesus. They saw the power of God  — in the flesh. .

 They hated Him without cause. What a tragedy. This crowd is still with us today. 

Religious, but lost, and headed to hell.
Study Hebrews 6:4-6

 

Because anyone who has a head belief in God but is trusting in his or her religious works is headed to hell.  - - - More about hell later.

 

NOW JUDAS BETRAYS JESUS FOR 30 PIECES OF SILVER

 

Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you?

Amazingly, one of the Apostles betrays Jesus.

 And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him. Matthew 26:14-16

Judas never was saved. A sad case of being religious and lost.

 

JESUS ARRESTED

 

Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off. Luke 22:54

 

PETER DENIES KNOWING JESUS

 

And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not. Luke 22:57

Remember, this is the same Peter that walked on the water with Jesus.
How sad it is when a Christian is not close to the Lord.

 

And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And Peter went out, and wept bitterly. Luke 22:61-62

 

SANHEDRIN TRIES JESUS

 

When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death: And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor. Matthew 27:1-2

 

JESUS SENT TO PILATE, THEN TO HEROD, THEN BACK TO PILATE

  

Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man. Luke 23:4

Although Pilate finds no fault in Jesus, and washes his hands of the event, he still gives in to the mob and releases Barabbas.

And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate. Luke 23:11

 

THE RELIGIOUS JEWISH LEADERS DEMAND THE RELEASE OF

BARABBAS, A MURDERER,

AND CRY OUT TO CRUCIFY JESUS 

And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas: (Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.) Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them. But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Luke 23:18-21

Although Jesus took Barabbas’ place physically, He also died for his sins; but, we find no record that Barabbas trusted Him for that.

 

the lord jesus mocked and crowned with thorns 

Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers. And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head. And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him. And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross. Matthew 27:27-32

Then the soldiers get involved, spitting on, and striking Jesus. They plaited a crown of thorns and put it on His head, bowing their knees, mocking Him, and calling Him King of the Jews. After being beaten, Jesus is in need of help to carry His cross.

 

THE ROAD TO CALVARY

 

And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him. Luke 23:27

 

And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death. And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Luke 23:32-33

 

PART 4

THE RED CROSS OF REDEMPTION

The middle cross. Red for the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

THE CRUCIFIXION AND DEATH OF JESUS

 

And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots. Matthew 27:35

Jesus died on the Cross of Redemption. It wept drops of blood from the Son of God whose love and compassion goes beyond reason.

 

THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, GOD’S PASSOVER LAMB, SACRIFICES HIS LIFE AND SHEDS HIS BLOOD TO PAY THE SIN DEBT FOR ALL MANKIND

 

Jesus said:

 

For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. Matthew 26:28

 

Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. Romans 5:9

 

In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Colossians 1:14

 

And, having made peace through the blood of his cross . . . Colossians 1:20a

 

Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. Hebrews 9:12

 

But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 1 Peter 1:19

 

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 1 John 1:7

In order for us to be saved from our sins, God demanded a one time blood sacrifice. A perfect, sinless sacrifice. The Lord Jesus Christ was the only person qualified to die for us since He is the only sinless person to have ever walked the earth. You can see from the Word of God how important the blood of Jesus Christ is in paying for our sins. Had the Lord Jesus not shed His blood for us, there would not be any salvation.

And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, Revelation 1:5

 

And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; Revelation 5:9

 

And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. Revelation 19:13

 

What a scene. The sinless Son of God crucified between two thieves on Golgotha. The place of a skull, which pictured a place of death.

 

PART 5

THE WHITE CROSS OF RECEPTION

 

There were two thieves put to death; one on each side of Jesus. To begin with they both railed on him when the crowd yelled.

The road to Calvary ends for the Lord Jesus Christ. You must realize by now that He was born to die

He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God. The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth. Matthew 27:43-44

Born to die for you and me. Now we see two men put to death with Him.

 

The Bible says nothing more about these thieves. It could have been, somewhere a mother was praying for her son who went astray. But, now we witness the miracle of God’s salvation. The Spirit of God started working on the one thief. What was it that touched him that day? He began to listen and look at Jesus. And, it’s only when we begin to look and listen to Jesus that we can be helped.

Both of these men could have trusted in Him for their salvation.

 

Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. Isaiah 45:22

 

This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. Matthew 17:5b

 

He heard Jesus say:

 

. . . Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. . . . Luke 23:34

 

More than likely, he witnessed God putting the sun out at noon.

 

Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour. Matthew 27:45

 

When God caused the earth to quake and ripped the rocks into pieces, he must have realized that this was no normal man being put to death.

Only one repented and trusted in the Lord. Some very interesting thoughts about the thief that trusted in Jesus: He realized his sinful nature. He was totally helpless. At 9 o’clock in the morning, he was nailed to the cross. He could not offer any good works to Jesus. He did not call for the priests, nor Mary. He didn’t join anything and “heaven forbid”, he didn’t even get baptized. (Not that any of those things would have saved him.) He simply trusted in Jesus for God’s free gift of salvation.  Amen and Amen!

Truly this was the Son of God. Matthew 27::54b

 

Now we see evidence of his repentance toward God. It was Jesus that said:

 

. . . except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Luke 13:5b

 

In talking to the other thief, he confesses his sinfulness and condemnation by saying:

 

And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: Luke 23:41a

 

He then acknowledged the sinless state of Jesus

 

. . . but this man hath done nothing amiss. Luke 23:41b

 

The spirit of God convicted him to trust and surrender himself to the Lord.

 

And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. Revelation 19:8

 

And now we hear the repentant call upon the Lord. The thief merely says:

 

Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. Luke 23:42

 

What a simple prayer of faith.

 

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:13

 

Have you called on the Lord for His free gift of salvation, realizing you are a sinner?

 

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Romans 10:23

 

Why not call on Him now? You may bow your head and pray, “Dear Lord, please forgive me for my sins. I do trust you, Lord Jesus, as my savior. Amen”

 

Now listen to the Lord’s response to the thief’s prayer; and, if you prayed and sincerely asked God to save you, the same salvation is yours because:

 

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:13

 

And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. Luke 23:43

 

The thief gets assurance from the Lord that he is going to heaven; and, so does everyone that trusts in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation.

 

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

The question may be asked, “What do we have to do in order to go to hell”

 

PART 6

THE BLACK CROSS OF REJECTION

The criminal on the cross that led to hell. Black for sin.

 

The answer may surprise you...Absolutely nothing.

Now our attention goes to the other thief that was crucified with Christ. Although he was guilty of the crimes he committed, he could have trusted the Lord also. But, like most people, he rejected God’s amazing grace.

 

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

The truth is, we are all headed to hell until we repent and trust in the Lord for His free gift of salvation

He chose rather to do things his own way.

 

There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. Proverbs 16:25

 

His careless attitude was reflected in what he said to Jesus:

 

And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. Luke 23:39

We must repent or we will never be saved.

He showed no signs of repentance of his sins. Maybe he was sorry for what he did. I’m sure he was sorry that he got caught. And, we see he was sorry that he was nailed to the cross. But, we can see that being sorry never saves anyone. Jesus said:

 

. . . except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Luke 13:3

We all must realize that as sinners we are already headed to hell.

True repentance is a change of heart, that brings about a change of mind, that brings about a change of will. You will trust Christ for your salvation realizing you are a sinner in need of God’s grace. When the prodigal son landed in the hog pen, the Bible says:

 

. . . he came to himself . . . Luke 15:17 

 

That’s when he repented. All of us must realize we have a hog pen ourselves. It may not be outrageous sin. It may just be a hog pen of pride. We all need to repent. Jesus said

 

Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matthew 22:13

 

. . . repent ye, and believe the gospel. Mark 1:15

 

The truth is, you can’t believe (trust in) the Gospel until you repent. The context here is on repentance. Until one repents of his sins, he is blinded to the Gospel.

The color black stands for sin and outer darkness. That is where the thief went.

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18

 

THE REALITY OF HELL

God will not accept any other payment for our sins. Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

This thief may not have believed there was a literal hell awaiting him. Most people don’t. As a preacher, I have never had anyone tell me they were looking forward to going to hell. You know why? Most people don't believe they are headed there. The rich man in Luke, Chapter 16, is a good example of someone not believing in hell until he gets there. As soon as he arrives in hell, he starts crying out and praying for help.

The Lord also said in John 6:37, “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.”  “. . . for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Hebrews 13:5

 

And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. Luke 16:23-24

 

There are several things we need to see. First, he waited too late to pray and ask for mercy. He should have done that while he was alive. He found out there really is a hell, even though he didn’t believe it until he got there. He found out people are alive and tormented in hell, in real, literal flames. He also found out he could get no message out of there to his five brothers that were still alive at the time he got there. (Read Luke 16:25-31) The only time the rich man in Luke, Chapter 16; the thief on the cross that rejected Christ; or anyone who has went to hell will be brought up out of hell will be at the Great White Throne Judgment. That is where all the unsaved dead will stand before God and be judged according to their works.

 

And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.

The most awesome judgment of all time.

 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:11-15

The Lord Jesus Christ will judge the lost of all ages to determine their degree of punishment in the lake of fire.

 

People often ask the question, “Where is hell?” The Bible teaches that at this time, it is located somewhere in the center of the earth. But, the question, “Where is hell?”, can really be answered, “At the end of your life without Christ.”

 

PART 7

THE RESURRECTION OF THE

LORD JESUS CHRIST

 

 

This story could have ended at Calvary. Most people involved in it did. Even the Lord Jesus’ disciples forsook Him and fled. The only exception was John. He stayed at the cross until the end. Jesus told him earlier:

The disciples flee and head home; discouraged and dejected.

 

Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad. Matthew 26:31

 

. . . all this was done, that the scriptures . . . might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled. Matthew 26:56

They had expected Jesus to set up the kingdom then.

 

Now comes what may be considered His greatest miracle. Jesus foretells His betrayal, death, and resurrection.

 

 And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men: And they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised again. And they were exceeding sorry. Matthew 17:23-24

Christianity would have ended at Calvary had it not been for the miracle of the Resurrection  

How soon they forgot.

 

. . . O ye of little faith . . . Matthew 8:26

 

SUNDAY MORNING, THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK

 

Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. And they remembered his words, Luke 24:1-8

The Resurrection makes Christianity more than a religion.

 

It makes it a personal relationship with the Living God.

 

In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. Matthew 28:1-7

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.” John 11:25,26

 

TWO OLD TESTAMENT PROPHECIES TELLING ABOUT THE LORD’S RESURRECTION

 

For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Psalms 16:10

 

But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah. Psalms 49:15

 

We will always have those who doubt. We will have the scoffers with us until the end. What a shock it must have been to the priests, scribes, Pharisees, and all those who did not believe that Jesus was the Messiah when they heard He had rose from the grave. In order to deny it, they gave the soldiers hush money.   Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done. And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you. So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day. Matthew 28:11-15   No matter how much they wanted to hide the truth, the truth will always come out eventually.   Jesus said:   And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:32   THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD TO HEAVEN   He has promised that He will come back for us in the resurrection of the saved. And, remember, God has never broken His promise to anyone. Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28:16-20   You can trust in the Lord, to do what He said He would do. This is where the Lord gave the Great Commission to all believers.   The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. Psalms 110:1   The Lord Jesus commissions and commands all believers to witness for Him. . . . he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. Mark 16:19   And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. Acts 1:9   The promise of the Lord Jesus Christ that He will return again for His people. That is, all the saved, physically dead or alive, at the time of His coming. He told His disciples about this.   You won’t hear this on the 6 o’clock news. Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:1-6   Then two angels in white apparel told the disciples:   The Lord Jesus is coming to take His own (the saved) home to heaven. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. Acts 1:10-11   As believers, He promised to raise us or change us at His second coming in the resurrection of the church age saints. Let us share the following scriptures with you. Remember the next event on God’s calendar of prophecy is the resurrection of all the saved on this earth; dead or alive. And, there are no signs of this event.   Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. Matthew 25:13   THE SECOND COMING OF THE LORD FOR HIS OWN   This is the event that all the saved believers are waiting for: How exciting it is. Just think. Jesus could come any second. I like what one old preacher said when he was asked, “How should I plan my life, knowing that Jesus could come any day now?” He said, “You can plan your life as if He may not come for 50 years. But, you need to live it as if He were coming today.”   Amen   Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 1 Corinthians 15:51-53   But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians  4:13-18   How exciting this is. I hope and pray you have trusted the Lord for your salvation and are waiting joyfully for His return. If you are not sure you are saved, please read the back cover of the book, “Five Things God Wants You to Know”, and remember what Paul said:   There are no signs of the resurrection.   The Lord Jesus could come at any moment.   Have you trusted Him for your salvation? But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-2   And remember that the Lord himself said:   Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Matthew 24:44   We pray that this truth will be a blessing to you and your family.   Saved to serve Brother Larry Hample Founder / Director, Albany Rescue Mission