7 Sayings Of The Cross – Part 2 - Today Thou Shalt Be With Me In Paradise

 Temple Baptist Church - 3-1-2026

Luke 23:32-43

(Temple 3-1-26)

 

Introduction:

A.  As we continue toward Easter Sunday, I want to continue looking at the 7 distinct times that our Lord Jesus Christ spoke from the cross.  Each of these 7 says are independent of each other and, yet, together, they speak volumes about the heart of the One who died for our salvation.

 

B.  Last week, we looked at “Father, forgive them.” 

 

1.  He came to die for sin and to bring about reconciliation for mankind.  It also taught us a lesson in forgiveness, as the Lord personally and temporally forgave those who crucified Him, even though He knew they would not repent or ask for forgiveness. 

 

a)  In eternity, there would be no forgiveness for those who crucified Him, the soldiers who continued to rail on Him, the crowd that loved His crucifixion, and the second thief who also railed on Him.

 

b)  The false doctrine of the Fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man is exposed in the wickedness of these. Without repentance and faith, hell and ultimately the Lake of Fire would be their eternal home. 

 

c)  King Herod did not get saved, Pilate did not get saved, the Pharisees did not get saved, the crowd who cried “crucify Him” did not get saved, the soldiers who beat-scourged-nailed Him to the cross did not get saved, the second malefactor who railed on Him did not get saved, the crowd that watched Him did on the cross did not get saved.

 

d)  Do not presume that you will get saved without repentance and faith.

 

2.    This morning, I want to look at the 2nd saying, possibly the most notable: “And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.”  In these verses, we find a true deathbed profession.  Most people who are dying are too busy dying to trust Christ.  I believe some do truly get saved just before they die, but, as a general rule, how you live is how you die!

 

C.  Here we find two thieves who were to die with Christ.

 

1.  One Mocked Christ – vs. 39  He asked Christ to save them and still died lost.  A prayer will not save the sinner.  Salvation is a heart condition!  This thief died unrepentant and lost.  His prayer was to save “us.”

 

2.  One Recognized Christ – vs. 40  This thief recognized who Christ was; recognized what he was; and asked for salvation. Vs. 41-42

 

D.  What a bold request! “Lord, remember me!” He was a convicted thief with nothing to offer.  He was condemned to death with no reprieve.  Helpless, hopeless, he was now to die.  He had lived his life for self and now requested salvation.  Can a sinner be saved upon his deathbed?  The answer is a resounding “Yes!”

 

E.  What a glorious reply!   “Today shalt thou be with me in paradise!”  Our Lord answered his request in the affirmative.  I am so glad that we serve a merciful God who does not give us what we deserve.  What a wonderful Lord and Saviour is Jesus Christ.

 

F.  Notice that the grace of God extended was singular in number: “thou.”  A nameless, condemned thief, helpless thief!  Helpless but, thank God, not hopeless!  Let us look at that statement for a few minutes.

 

G.  The Request Of The Sinner – “Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom”

 

1.  Realization – “fear God”

 

2.  Repentance – “indeed justly”

 

3.  Recognition – “Lord”

 

4.  Request – “remember me”

 

H.  The Reply Of The Saviour – “Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise”

 

1.  Recognition – “unto thee”

 

2.  Reliability – “Verily”

 

3.  Reassurance – “shalt thou be”

 

J.  His salvation was instantaneous: “today!”  His salvation was assured: “thou shalt be!”  His salvation was eternal: “in paradise!”

 

1.  The heresy of Good Works was refuted – for there was nothing that the thief could do as death was imminent. 

 

2.  The heresy of Sacraments was refuted - for the thief was saved without last rites, baptism, the Lord's Supper, church, or ceremony.

 

3.  The heresy of purgatory was refuted - for this vile sinner was instantly transformed into a saint and made fit for paradise apart from his personal expiation for a single sin.

 

4.  The heresy of universalism was refuted - for only one was saved of all who might have been saved that day.  "Today shalt thou be with me in paradise."

 

5.  The heresy of soul-sleep was refuted - for the clear implication of the entire incident is that the redeemed thief would be in conscious presence and fellowship with his Saviour in paradise even while his body corrupted in the grave.

 

K.  Why save a dying thief?

 

1.  This saying shows the Love of God for sinners.  He saved this thief because He loved him! It matters not who you are or what you have done, God loves you.  Jesus is truly a Friend of publicans and sinners.  He loves me, He loves, He loves me, I know!  The Bible tells me so.

 

1 John 4:9-10  In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.  (10)  Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

 

2.  This saying shows the Individuality of salvation.  He saved the thief because He was dying for HIM!  Salvation will never belong to a person until that person realizes that Christ died for them personally.  Yes, He did for the sins of the whole world, but He died for me, making salvation personal.

 

1 Timothy 1:15  This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

 

1 Timothy 2:4  Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

 

3.  This saying shows clearly the Way of salvation.  Not many ways, but one way, and that way is through faith in Christ and faith alone. 

 

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

 

Titus 3:5  Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

 

b.  Salvation is through Christ alone - John 14:6  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

 

c.  Salvation is a free gift - Romans 5:18  Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.

 

d.  Salvation is for the asking - Romans 10:13  For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

 

4.  This saying gives Hope to all of mankind!  He saved a thief so that men might not despair.  The BLESSED HOPE gave the thief a blessed hope!  There is hope in Christ.

 

a.  Some might say, “It is too late for me.”  It was not too late for the thief.  If you are breathing, you are a candidate for salvation.

 

b.  Some might say, “I have done too much wrong to be saved.” 

 

c.  There is hope in Jesus Christ for even the vilest sinner on his way to his death.

 

5.  This saying Warns mankind not to presume!    Oh, preacher, I’ll make it somehow.  I have plenty of time.  I will one day give my life to Christ!

 

a.  The Presumption of Salvation - Christ only saved one of the thieves!  They presume that they will “slip into heaven” at the last moment.  Two men; two choices; and two destinies!

 

b.  The Presumption of Judgment.  That God will not put you in Hell.  Most people do not think that they will perish in hell.  Bad things always happen to other people.

 

Conclusion:

 

One thief railed on Christ.  “If thou be Christ.”

 

One Thief wailed to Christ.  “Lord, remember me.”

 

One was nailed for sin.  He was nailed for my sin.  He was nailed for yours!

What It Means to Be Saved

 Temple Baptist Church - 1-11-2026

Psalms 40:1-3

 

Introduction: 

A.  Psalm 40 is Davidic.  In this Psalm, we find David calling out to the Lord for deliverance and God delivering him.  A beautiful type of our salvation today.  We call out to the Lord for deliverance, and God saves us.

 

B.  The words “salvation,” “saved,” and “save” are found in both the Old and New Testaments. 

 

1.  “Salvation” is found 119 times in the Old Testament and 45 times in the New Testament.  The words “save” or “saved” are found 347 times in the Old Testament and 122 times in the New Testament. 

 

2.  These words give a wonderful insight into what it means to be saved.  When we mention being saved to the lost, there is much confusion in their minds as to what the word “saved” means biblically. 

 

3.  In the Old and New Testaments, these words are used to describe what someone else does for a person.  Normally, in the Old Testament, the word gives the meaning of deliverance and safety, brought about by others. 

 

4.  When either Israel or an individual encountered a problem, they cried unto the Lord, and He delivered them to a place of safety.  David often found himself in such a case and cried into the Lord for deliverance many times.  He always found God to be faithful!

 

5.  These words are used in the same way in the New Testament also.  Salvation and safety are of the Lord!  It is something that God does for us and to us.

 

6.  In the New Testament, the normal use of the word speaks of redemption and security.  God does deliver us in our circumstances on occasion and place us in a place of safety, but I want to use these verses to illustrate just what happens to the child of God when they are redeemed.

 

C.  Those of us who are saved will find within these verses the marvelous wonders of our salvation.  I fear that we often forget just what God did for us when He redeemed us.  It is no wonder that the Holy Ghost called it “so great a salvation” in the second chapter of the Book of Hebrews.

 

Hebrews 2:3  How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;

 

D.  Tonight, I just want to look at these verses and spend a little time thanking God for His wonderful goodness to this preacher.  Today, while the world is going mad, I am saved—secured—and satisfied with my Saviour!

 

E.  In these verses, we find the dilemma of the Sinner.  The sinner must realize where he is before he can be saved.  If you never get lost, you will never get saved.  So many people believe that they are alright and have always been alright with God.

 

a.  The Unsaved Are In A Low Place – If you are unsaved tonight, you are in a low place.  This wicked world will eat you alive.  Your wicked flesh will eat you alive.  Satan will have his will in your life.

 

b.  The Unsaved Are In A Horrible Place – King David said, “There is but a step between me and death!”  What a horrible place to be in if you are unsaved.  I am in the same place, but that last step will begin my eternity with the Lord.

 

c.  The Unsaved Are In A Miry Place – If you are unsaved this morning, you cannot pull yourself out of where you are.  You may become a millionaire, but you will still be lost.  You may become famous, but you will still be lost.  You may even be what we call a good person, but you will still be lost.

 

1.  The Call Of The Hopeless – Verse 1.

 

a.  There Was A Recognition Of Need – The psalmist saw where he was: a horrible pit.  There are two reasons why people do not get saved.  Some simply do not want the Lord Jesus Christ and love their sin.  Others never realize that they are lost and have need of salvation.  Their religion makes them feel good about themselves.

 

b.  There Was A Realization Of Hopelessness – The psalmist recognized his inability: miry clay.  If you are lost this morning, you will never get saved as long as you think that you have the slimmest hope of making it by yourself.

 

c.  There Was A Resolve To Cry Out – The psalmist turned to the only One who could help: the Lord.  If you are lost this morning, your only help and hope is Jesus Christ.

 

2.  The Deliverance Of The Saviour – Verses 1-2.

 

a.  He Inclined His Ear – The Lord awaits with anticipation for the cry of the lost.  He is not willing that any should perish.  His ears are open and waiting for the repentant sinner to call.

 

b.  He Heard The Cry – The Lord hears their faintest cry.  He hears both the cry of their lips and the cry of their hearts.  He has never turned away anyone who has come to Him by faith, and He never will.  You whisper a sinner’s prayer, and He hears.

 

c.  He Brought Him Out – There is not one sinner, no matter what he has done and no matter where he is, that the Lord cannot immediately and completely save.  He is able to bring them out of whatever situation they are in.

 

3.  The Position Of The Saint – vs. 2-3

 

a.  He Set His Feet Upon A Rock – What a standing!  A Rock so secure that no power in heaven or on earth can move it.  Jesus Christ is the Rock of our salvation, and we are so secure that nothing past, present, or future can move us or remove us!

 

b.  He Established His Goings – We that are saved are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works.  I will deal a little more with this in a few moments, but He establishes our goings, not we ourselves.  It is God and all of God!

 

e.  He Filled His Heart With Joy – The Lord brought a new life to each and every believer.  A “new song” that is different from the songs of the world.  A joy unspeakable and full of glory!

 

4.  The Change Of The Redeemed – Verse 4.

 

a.  It Is An Inward Change – We become new creatures.  An old preacher once said, “If you ain’t changed, you ain’t saved!”  I wholeheartedly agree.  Therefore, “if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”  It all begins with a heart change.

 

b.  It Is An Outward Change – The child of God begins to conform to the image of the Son of God.  To be Christian is to be like Christ.  “Christian” has become a generic term to represent anyone and everyone who has any religion where the name of Christ is mentioned.  God’s people act like God’s people.

 

c.  It Is An Observed Change – You confess with your mouth that the Lord Jesus is Lord, for sure, but your life will reflect the Lord Jesus, and the world will know that you are saved. They will not only observe your life change but also fear. The life of the saved “shows up” the lives of the lost in a right way and points them to Christ.

 

Conclusion:  Never, never forget where God brought you from to where you are today.  Blessed assurance is a vital part of the redeemed's heritage.  What a blessing to be saved, know it, and show it!

Soteriology: The Doctrine of Salvation - Part 4 - Blessed Assurance

Temple Baptist Church - 10-12-2025

John 10:27-30

 

Introduction:

 

A.  I want to finish Soteriology this morning with one of the most attacked aspects of salvation, ETERNAL LIFE, which is the foundation of BLESSED ASSURANCE.  The devil cannot destroy our salvation as it is an act of God, but he can attack our blessed assurance and render us ineffective in both our personal life and our outward testimony.

 

B.  Most major denominations teach the possibility of the child of God still going to hell after salvation. 

 

1.  Protestants, Pentecostals, and some branches of Baptists believe the unbiblical doctrine of “Falling from Grace.”  Although they may claim to have a blessed assurance, they cannot be 100% certain because the last page of their lives has not yet been written. 

 

2.  If there is a possibility of losing your salvation, then there is a possibility of going to hell after you have been born again, i.e., saved.  Those who teach such false doctrine never preach that false doctrine.  If they believed in “falling from grace,” they would spend most of their time preaching it.

 

3.  “Falling from Grace” is a damnable doctrine taught by biblically ignorant people.  I say damnable because it incorporates works or personal merit into salvation when the Bible is clear that works and grace destroy each other.  It is God’s mercy and grace that saves the sinner, and it is God’s mercy and grace that keep the saint saved.

 

4.  I am not saying that all who attend such denominational churches are lost.  I am saying that they are biblically ignorant of God’s righteousness and man’s unrighteousness.  Therefore, God’s righteousness (which is impeccable and immutable) MUST BE IMPUTED to the sinner in salvation.

 

C.  John chapter ten is one of the most wonderful, quoted chapters in the Bible.  It is a discourse spoken by the Son of God to His children to give them blessed assurance.

 

D.  Here is an excellent breakdown of verses that explains what God did for His children and the eternal life that He promised.

 

E.  Often, people quickly read familiar verses of Scripture without seeing what God is saying in them.  John, chapter 10, serves as both an answer to the unbelieving Pharisees and an assurance to those who have come to God by faith in the finished work of Christ, known as the Gospel.

 

F.  Here is the breakdown of our text.

 

1.  “My.”  Possession!  As we begin to break down these verses, we need to understand that we that are saved are His!  I thank God that I belong to the Lord and He claims me!  In Him is wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.

 

1 Corinthians 1:30  But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

 

2.  Sheep.”  Peculiarity!  In a world of “goats,” sheep stand out because they are different, and their natures are different. 

 

Titus 2:11-14  For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,  (12)  Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;  (13)  Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;  (14)  Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

 

3.  “Hear my voice.”  Privilege!  God’s people understand God’s Word.  God’s people recognize the small still voice of God in their minds and hearts.

 

John 10:3-4  To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.  (4)  And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.

 

4.  “And I know them.”  Personal!  We hear much concerning the words “Personal Saviour.”  Salvation is not generic.  The Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of man is not a Biblical doctrine. 

 

Song of Solomon 2:16a  My beloved is mine, and I am his …”

 

Galatians 2:20  I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

 

5.  “And they follow me.”  Pleasure!  Living for Christ is a pleasure.  Battling the flesh is not! 

 

Philippians 1:20-21  According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.  (21)  For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

 

6.  “And I give unto them.”  Purposed!  God did not save us and leave us where He found us.  Salvation is purposed in its change as well as its destination.

 

2 Peter 1:3  According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

 

7.  “Eternal Life.”  Permanence!”  I will deal with this more next week but we need to realize that “saved and forever I am!!

 

1 John 5:12-13  He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.  (13)  These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

 

8.  “And they shall never perish.”  Promise!  I do not know what the future holds and neither do you but I do know Who holds the future and Who holds my hand.  When the roll is call up yonder, I WILL BE THERE!

 

Jude 24-25  Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,  (25)  To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

 

9.  “Neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.”  Protection!  In the hand of Christ, in the hand of God the Father, and sealed by the Holy Spirit!

 

Colossians 3:3  For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

 

10.  “My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.  I and my Father are one.”  Peace!

 

Conclusion:  Salvation and Eternal Life go together!  You cannot have one without the other. Salvation is Eternal Life, and Eternal Life is Salvation.  How can a child of God who has the Spirit of God living within and the Word of God in their hand believe that they are good enough to go to heaven through personal merit when the Spirit of God tells us that we are sinners at best and the Word of God tells us that we are all sinners?

Soteriology: The Doctrine of Salvation - Part 3 - The Season of Salvation

Temple Baptist Church - 10-5-2025

Ecclesiastes 3:1-15

 

Introduction: 

 

A.  The word “Ecclesiastes” means the assembler or the one who gathers people together.  In context, it refers to a preacher, teacher, or speaker in an assembly—someone who gathers people to teach wisdom.

 

1.  The subject of Ecclesiastes is the search for the true meaning of life.

 

2.  The Key verse of the book is Ecclesiastes 12:13, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.”

 

B.  Chapter 3 teaches several biblical truths.  “To everything … to every purpose … He hath made all things beautiful … in His time!”  The Absolute Sovereignty of an Almighty God absolutely controls ALL things!  That should “ring your bell” this morning.

 

1.  Verse 1:a.  “To every thing there is a season.  Verses 2-8 enumerate 27 different times—13 times of joy and 13 times of sorrow.  Life is full of joy and laughter, but also of hardship and sorrow.  Times of encouragement and discouragement make up life.

 

2.  Verse 1b.  “A time to every purpose under heaven.”  Here, we find that everything that God made has a purpose.  The handiwork of God declares His wisdom and power.  Every second of each day has purpose because it is God’s time. 

 

3.  Verse 11.  “He hath made all things beautiful in His time.”  Everything mentioned in verses 2-8, both good and bad, has a time of purpose.  As humans, we go through each of the 27 times mentioned and find Romans 8:28 and 1 Thessalonians 5:18 explained.  All becomes beautiful when done in God’s time.

 

4.  Verse 15.  “That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past.”  Here, we find history repeated in the present, with future history also prophesied.  God gives history to those in the present as a teacher.

 

“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
— George Santayana (philosopher, 1905)

 

C.  When we think of seasons, we think of change.  What comes to mind first of all are the four seasons of weather: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.  Genesis 8:22 says, “While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.”  Now it is Fall and I am thankful for it.

 

D.  In each of the 27 mentions of time, there is a dramatic change between each part of the pairs, and these changes are both drastic and life changing.

 

E.  Now, why this introduction? Because there are distinct "seasons" in salvation. While God is gracious and patient, not wanting anyone to perish, there is a specific season of salvation that can be either long or short. Many of us have been taught that we can be saved at any time during our lives, as long as we are still breathing. Although this is a comforting thought, it is not a reliable truth, nor is it supported by Biblical teachings.

 

F.  The Seasons of Salvation.

 

1.  Spiritual Seedtime – our children, though Adamic in nature, are born in innocence.

 

a.  Small children do not know right from wrong and must be taught the difference and how to do the right things.  It is in this time of innocence that parents, family, churches, and pastors must teach them right and wrong from the Seed of the Word of God!

 

b.  This season is longer with some children as saved parents begin to teach them the Bible at an early age, also depending upon the length of time that these children reside at home.

 

c.  Therefore, this season of Spiritual Seedtime varies in length, so it is imperative that our children are taught spiritual truth and also be shown spiritual truth through the faithful lives of the parents.

 

d.  The best time to be saved is illustrated in young Timothy.  “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 3:15)  A time before the world can corrupt both minds and lives.

 

2.  Spiritual Summer.  Now, as the youths come to physical maturity, a time when children who leave home experience both the joys and the heat of summer. 

 

a.  The saved young adults continue in their spiritual growth, while the ones who refused to get saved or did not have a good spiritual home to grow up in are bombarded by the attractions of the world, accompanied by the heat of judgment for the same.

 

b.  Though the gospel still saves, they are no longer saturated with it because they are now out of church and under the influence of the “god of this world,” who hates and destroys them.

 

3.  Spiritual Fall.  Middle age.  Lives that are now so busy trying to earn a living, heavily in debt through unbiblical spending, and no time for church or the gospel.

 

a.  The process of hardening of the heart is now multiplied as they distance themselves from the gospel because they become humanistic, a philosophy taught be Satan.  The god of self!  I am fully matured and can do what I want, when I want, where I want, and as much as I want.

 

b.  A dangerous time in life where man becomes self-made and self-sufficient.  He needs no one, much less God.

 

4.  Winter Spiritually.  Old age.  Now people have become set in their ways and are either saved and godly, or they are lost and don’t want to hear about it.

 

a.  There is an old saying that I use often: “It is hard to beat out of the hide what is bred in the bone.”  The hardest people to reach are the elderly.

 

b.  Their time is short, but their hearts are hardened!  They are dying but still do not want God or His Gospel!

 

c.  There are several instances in the New Testament where people came close to being saved, but failed to come God’s way.

 

1)  The Rich Young Ruler - Matthew 19:22  But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.

 

2)  The Scribe - Mark 12:34  And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question.

 

3)  King Agrippa - Acts 26:28  Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.

 

4)  Felix - Acts 24:25  And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.  (This period of decision for Felix covered a period of app. 2 years!)

 

5)  In each of these instances, I do not find them getting any closer to salvation.

 

Conclusion:  Now, I have said all that to say this: 

 

1.  There comes a time in life, after rejection of God and the Gospel, when people cross God’s deadline and are turned over to a reprobate mind that cannot receive the things of God.  Notice that I said cannot, not will not.  Their “will not” has now become the “cannot” because God is done with them.  Their eternity is now set and death and hell await.

 

2.  Do not put salvation off because only “now” is the time of salvation.  No other time or place is guaranteed!  “Life is short; death is sure; sin the cause; and Christ the cure!”

 

3.  God wants you to be saved:  1 Timothy 2:4  Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

 

4.  But God will not force you to be saved.  Romans 10:16  But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?

Soteriology: The Doctrine of Salvation - Part 2 - The Righteousness of God

Temple Baptist Church - 9-28-2025

Hebrews 11:4; Genesis 4:1-5

 

Introduction:

 

A.  Virtually nothing is said about the life of Abel in either the Old or New Testaments.  In Genesis chapter 4, we find that the offering Abel made pleased God, but it also cost him his life at the same time.   I want you to notice the word “And” mentioned seven times in our text, showing the continuation of the context.

 

Genesis 4:1-8  And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD.  (2)  And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.  (3)  And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD.  (4)  And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering:  (5)  But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.  (6)  And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?  (7)  If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.  (8)  And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.

 

B.  Abel’s offering pleased God.  Hebrews 11:4  By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

 

1.  “By faith.” Early in the Bible, we see that salvation was by faith. Abel’s faith was not in the sacrifice he offered, but in the prophesied “seed of the woman,” the coming of the Messiah mentioned in Genesis chapter 3. 

 

2.  “A more excellent sacrifice than Cain." The sacrifice that Abel offered was a continuation of the Old Testament’s practice of Atonement (to expiate or cover sins).

 

3.  “By which he obtained witness that he was righteous.”  The faith of Adam and Eve was passed on to their children to be either accepted (Abel) or rejected (Cain).

 

4.  “God testifying of his gifts.”  The sacrifice of Abel was pleasing to God. 

 

C.  Abel’s offering to God cost him his life.  Salvation will always cost you your life!  Spiritually, the things of this world grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.  I love the song that says this world is not my home, I’m just a passing through!  Physically, look back through the millennia at God’s people who were martyred for their faith in Christ alone. 

 

Genesis 4:8  And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, Cain rose up against Abel his brother and slew him.

 

1.  After Abel’s acceptance and Cain’s rejection, we find them talking in the field.  I am sure that the brothers discussed many things over the years preceding this event, with no mention of division or hatred.

 

2.  “And”  In this one conjunction, we find the continuation of the preceding verses.  The context had not changed.  They discussed the acceptance of Abel’s gift and the rejection of Cain’s.  The division between the brothers continues to this day.

 

3.  Genesis chapter 4 gives a vivid picture of what righteousness God rejects, and what righteousness God accepts.

 

D.  Self-righteousness is called the way of Cain, which God rejected and continues to do so to this day. 

 

Jude 11  Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.

 

1.  One of the age-old problems with people being saved is that of ignorance of what it takes to get to heaven. 

 

a)  Self-righteousness in Salvation. Christianity has become a generic term for all religions that teach about Christ. Many faiths use His name, but the only way to heaven is through His name.

 

Acts 4:11-12  This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.  (12)  Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. 

 

b)  Self-righteousness manifested itself in personal merit.  Those who believe that they are good enough to go to heaven or need to do something other than accept grace alone.

 

b)  Self-righteousness also manifests itself in those who believe that they are good enough to maintain their salvation through personal merit or good works. 

 

c)  Both doctrines are heretical!

 

2.  Personal righteousness is completely done away with in this one verse. 

 

Isaiah 64:6  But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.  (Notice with me the word “all” found twice in this verse.)

 

a)  “all as an unclean thing.”  There is none righteous, no not one!  We are all sinners.  We are all unclean.

 

Romans 3:10-12  As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:  (11)  There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.  (12)  They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

 

b)  “all our righteousnesses.”  Notice that the word “righteousnesses” is plural.  It covers everything that can be done to merit (works-based) salvation.  Religion does not understand the biblical teaching that works, and grace destroy each other.

 

Romans 11:6  And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

 

c)  Abel’s righteousness was the imputed righteousness of God! 

 

d)  What God begins, God finishes!

 

1)   God’s Counsel and Purposes Cannot Fail.

 

Isaiah 46:10  Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:

 

Job 23:14  For he performeth the thing that is appointed for me: and many such things are with him.

 

2)  God as the Author and Finisher of our Faith.

 

Hebrews 12:2  Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

 

Revelation 22:13  I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.

 

3)  God Always Completes His Work.

 

Philippians 1:6  Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

 

Ecclesiastes 3:14  I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.

 

Psalm 138:8  The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.

 

4)  In the First Mention of salvation and restoration in Genesis chapter 3, it was all of God and all of grace.

 

5)  What God did for Adam and Eve, He did for Cain and Abel, and He has also done it for us. 

 

E.  Followers of the “Way of Cain” are ignorant of the righteousness of God necessary for salvation. 

 

Romans 10:1-4  Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.  (2)  For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.  (3)  For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.  (4)  For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

 

1.  Ignorance of God’s Righteousness.  Vs. 3.  “not according to knowledge…ignorant of God’s righteousness” 

 

Psalms 71:19  Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high, who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee!

 

Religion tries to bring God down to man’s level while elevating man to God’s level.

 

2.  Impeccability of God’s Righteousness.  Vs. 3.  “God’s righteousness”  The Bible declares that God dwells in a light that no man can approach unto.  He is impeccably holy.  He is immutably holy.  He said, “I am the Lord, I change not.”

 

1 Timothy 6:15-16  Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;  (16)  Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.

 

Salvation must always be by grace through faith because God demands absolute holiness, and He alone is impeccably holy.

 

3. Impossibility of God’s Righteousness.  Vs. 3.  “going about to establish their own righteousness.” 

 

Ecclesiastes 7:20  For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.

 

4.  Insubordination to God’s Righteousness.  Vs. 3.  “have not submitted themselves” 

 

Galatians 3:1-3  O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?  (2)  This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?  (3)  Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? 

 

God’s demand: obedience to the gospel.  Vs. 16.  Romans 1 shows the progression of the knowledge of God rejected:  a)  When they knew God, they glorified Him not as God - God gave them up)  b)  They changed the truth of God into a lie - God gave them up again  c)  They did not like to retain God in their minds - God gave them over to a reprobate mind.

 

5.  Imputation of God’s Righteousness.  Vs. 4.  “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.”  Salvation is a result of God’s righteousness being imputed to the believer through propitiation and faith. 

 

Jude 24-25  Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,  (25)  To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. 

 

“Dressed in His righteousness alone; faultless to stand before the throne.”  “When He sees me, He sees the blood of the Lamb; He sees me as worthy and not as I AM!”

 

6.  Invitation of God’s Righteousness.  Vs. 13.  “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”   

 

2 Corinthians 5:21  For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.