4/1/18 “HALF RIGHT – ALMOST SAVED” – Pastor Shane Idleman

Half Right – Almost Saved

THEOLOGY ON FIRE PART 6

WHY ARE WE HERE? Matt. 28:1-8 NKJV – Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men. But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who 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 indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.” So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word.

-Are you part of the believing crowd? The mocking, or the coward…

• DO NOT BE AFRAID.

• HE SAID, “COME AND SEE.”

• GO QUICKLY AND TELL OTHERS THAT HE IS RISEN.

• GO INTO GALILEE – YOU WILL SEE HIM.

• FEAR AND GREAT JOY FOLLOWED.

THE DOCTRINES explain what and why: propitiation, substitutionary atonement, redemption, justification, sanctification.

Propitiation [appeasing] – 1 John 2:2…and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world. Romans 3…all men are sinners. The penalty is death.

• We don’t have a gun problem, we have a sin problem.

“No, No, No: I wanted to hear about Easter bunnies, lilies, and chocolate.”

We love Coors light so we want the cross light; we don’t want to be narrow-minded so we embrace the broad road that leads to destruction.

Most believe that “works” satisfy God’s justice – Half right…almost saved

Substitutionary Atonement – 2 Corinthians 5:21, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

• Drawbridge example –  substitution.

• Most believe that “works” atone for our sins – Half right…almost saved.

A perfect sacrifice satisfied a perfect God.

Innocent blood was shed for the guilty.

The sinless life exchanged for the life of a sinner.

Redemption [to regain something] – Colossians 1:13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves.

• Most think that they can rescue themselves – Half right…almost saved.

• Has He rescued you?

Justification – Romans 5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

• Most think that “works” justify them – Half right…almost saved.

Sanctification – 1 Corinthians 6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

• Be encouraged – God cleans us through the work of His Spirit.

THE WEEK THE DOCTRINES WERE APPLIED:

1. Jesus went about doing Good, but was betrayed. Religious people put Him on the cross. Even those He trusted left Him. [People turn on you, but God doesn’t].

2. Fear gripped His disciples. Like John, they may have been thinking, “Art thou the Christ, OR…?” [Don’t let your present circumstance knock you off course].

• THEY WOULD BE TOO DEVASTATED TO STEAL THE BODY!

3. He gave people a final opportunity to hear the truth: Religious leaders, roman soldiers, citizens, and dignitaries.

Can you imagine being Pilate? He saw no guilt. His wife warned Him.

“Give us Barabbas!”

  “Why, what evil has He done?”

       “He makes Himself out to be the Son of God!” {HAVE NOTHING TO DO…}

                “Answer me – don’t you know that I have power to release…”

• It may have been the final opportunity for Pilate.

Could it be the final opportunity for you?

God is gracious but His justice does not sleep forever.

-Are you part of the mocking crowd? Come down; show off – prove to me!

• The arrogant cry, “If you’re the Son of God come down off that cross.”

Those mocking Him them are not mocking Him now!

-Are you part of the coward crowd? Do you deny Him? This is directly related to the filling of the Holy Spirit.