Scripture: Colossians 1:19-23

C.I.: In Forgiveness

In this series from the Gospel of Luke - we are looking at things which require “Total Commitment.”
Last week saw the FAITH Jesus desires requires T.C. – Today we will see that forgiveness demands the same.

I. “FORGIVING”: Even When It Hurts (Luke 23:32-43)

A. Forgiveness Offered, (verses 32-33)

1. The ministry of our Lord is coming to a close. Yet its purpose remains the same.
a. (vs. 32-33), “And two others also, who were criminals, were being led away and put to death with Him. – And when they came to the place called The Skull, there they crucified Him and the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left.”
1) During His ministry Jesus identified with all: rich & poor, religious & non-, now criminals.
2) Clearly, God knowing this in advance – provided proof of Jesus deity through prophesy.
3) (Isa. 53:12a), “He was numbered with transgressors….”
4) But this was not just God saying, “See what I know!” – It is more likely, “See who I AM!!”

b. Now at the end of His life – we see the total commitment demanded - of true forgiveness
1) (v. 34), “But Jesus was saying, ‘Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are
doing.’ – And they cast lots, dividing His garments among themselves.”
2) They mocked, scourged, crowned, crucified, and now even ignored Him to gain His clothes!
3) This too was prophesied (Isa. 53:12b), “Yet He Himself interceded… & bore the sin of many
4) Jesus here is not “saving them” against their will – rather, He is making salvation possible. – Indeed, the only way for us to be forgiven was by His death. –Thus, the commitment demanded for forgiveness says, - “Father, let Me die so that they may live!”

2. For the words Jesus had taught during His life – He now acts out at the moment of His death!
a. Jesus commanded us to be willing to forgive others.
1) (Matt. 5:44), “I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.”
2) (Matt. 6:14-15), “For if you forgive men their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. – But if you do not forgive men, then your Father will not forgive you.”
3) Therefore, by both His teachings and actions - Jesus shows Himself to be our great Savior!

b. There are many false ideas about “forgiveness,” – ideas that don’t demand total commitment…
1) “They must first ask for forgiveness.” – The soldiers did not ask for Jesus to forgive them!
2) “If you still hurt because of what was done you haven’t forgiven.” – Jesus was still hurting!
3) “Forgiveness isn’t ours to give!” – That’s why Jesus asked the Father – but He already had F.

c. Clearly, forgiveness is difficult. There may be parts of our life which need to die to allow it!
1) Sometimes our pride & won’t allow us to forgive. – Our pride & anger must be crucified!
2) Sometimes bitterness, resentment, jealousy, etc…. – They all must die!
3) The only kind of forgiveness that pleases God – demands our TOTAL COMMITMENT!!!
4) (Gal. 2:20), “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ….”
B. Forgiveness Received (vs. 39-43)

1. People who are not totally committed to God – will blame Him for their problems.
a. (v. 39), “And one of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, ‘Are
you not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!’”
1) Both of the criminals were thieves. – Stealing (like all sins) is all about SELF.
2) To the end – this man remains “Selfish” – what can somebody else do for me.

b. How many today – are asking others & God the same question – “What can You do for me?”
1) Consumerism in religion has become big business – and it is a profitable one too!
2) “Christians” are looking for churches like cars (right size, color, model, accessories, etc.)
3) “I want a place that has: something for my kids / for my parents / for ME!!!”
4) God is looking for a place where He is being glorified – (Col. 3:16-17)!!!

2. The other criminal started at the same place as did his partner.
a. (Matt. 27:44), “The robbers who had been crucified with Him were casting the same insult at H.
1) But it is not where we start out in life that is important – it is where we are right now!!!

b. This thief demonstrates three qualities that are necessary – for any who are totally committed to F
1) Knowledge of God – (v. 40), “But the other answered, and rebuking him said, ‘Do you
not even fear God, - since we are under the same sentence of condemnation?’” (Eccl. 12:13),
“Fear God and keep His commandments, for this applies to every man.”
2) Knowledge of Self – (v. 41), “And we indeed justly, for we are receiving what we
deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” – (Rom. 3:23; 6:23).
3) Calling out to God – (v. 42), “And he was saying, ‘Jesus, remember me when You come…”
4) (v. 43), “Jesus said to him, “Truly I say to you, today…’ – (Rom. 10:13), “All who call….”

3. But what does it mean to “Call upon the name of the Lord”?
a. Basis of our “Forgiveness” is God’s part. The conditions for “Forgiveness” are our part!
1) Basis = the cross – (Eph. 1:7), “In Him we have redemption through His blood the
forgiveness of our trespasses.” – This is what Jesus did on the cross for all mankind!

b. The conditions for forgiveness – are only met by those who are totally committed to receiving it!
1) Belief – Jn. 8:24, Repentance – Lk. 13:3, Confess – Rom. 10:9, Baptism – I Pt. 3:21.
2) Baptism is only for those totally committed to forgiveness: Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16

c. Sometimes people say, “The thief on the cross was forgiven w/o baptism. Why not us?!”
1) Good question. – Let me give 2 reasons why we need to be baptized but he didn’t…
2) #1. N.T. baptism for forgiveness of sins is “into Jesus death” (Rom. 6:3-4). – Since Jesus had
not yet died on the cross – there was no reason for the thief to be baptized.
3) #2. During earthly ministry Jesus forgave sins (Mk. 2:10-12) – now obey (Acts 22:10, 16).

CONCLUSIONS:

A. For the Romans guards Jesus made forgiveness possible – for the thief He made it available.
B. We now have two responsibilities: 1) if there is anyone (living or dead) who we need to forgive (no
matter what they have done or how difficult it would be) – T.C. demands we must forgive them!
2) If we haven’t yet committed ourselves to meeting God’s ordained conditions for forgiveness…!