Today You Will Be With Me in Paradise

Salvation was immediate

Jesus promised, 'Today' you will be with Me.

• Not 'Someday' The promise is immediate. Luke 23:43
• Not 'After a wait' No delay in entering God's presence.
• Not 'If you earn it' Salvation is a gift, not a reward.

Salvation was personal

The focus is not just Paradise.

• Heaven without Christ Would not be heaven at all.
• Greatest reward The greatest treasure is Christ Himself. Philippians 1:23

A place of comfort

Lazarus found relief; the rich man faced torment.

• God's justice Extends beyond this life. Luke 16:22

A place of covenant fellowship

Included among God's people.

• Resting in promises Awaiting final redemption.

A place of conscious existence

Death is not soul sleep.

• Lazarus and the rich man Both were conscious after death.

Jesus entered death and conquered it

He opened direct access to God.

• Defeated death Through His resurrection.
• Believers' access Now go directly into Christ's presence. 2 Corinthians 5:8

Paradise is now centered on Christ

The believer's hope is being with Jesus.

• Abraham's Bosom Pointed forward to Christ.

He was guilty

He deserved punishment, as do we.

He believed

He saw his sin and Christ's innocence.

• Christ's kingdom He acknowledged Christ's authority.

He received grace

No works, just faith.

• No baptism No good works required.
• Salvation by grace Not by works, but through faith.

Christ is the center of our hope

We go to a Person, not just a place.

Death is not the end for believers

The presence of Christ is our destination.

Salvation is available today

We are not promised tomorrow.

We must respond while we can

One thief believed, one rejected.

• Nearness to Jesus Is not enough; faith is required.