Immediate Joy: The Promise of Paradise for Believers
Summary
In today's exploration of the promise of paradise, we delve into the profound assurance Jesus gave to the thief on the cross: "Today you will be with me in paradise." This promise is not just a future hope but an immediate reality for those who trust in Christ. The thief's experience serves as a prototype for every believer, illustrating that upon death, we are immediately in the presence of Jesus, free from the pains and fears of this world. This immediate transition into the presence of Christ is a source of immense comfort and hope, especially as we consider our loved ones who have passed on in faith.
We explored four key aspects of what it means to be with Christ after death. First, believers are with Christ, experiencing the joy of His presence. This is not a shadowy existence but a vibrant, conscious reality. Second, they are fully conscious, enjoying the presence of the Lord without the limitations of the body. The notion of "soul sleep" is dispelled by the promise of immediate presence with Christ, which is far better than anything we experience in this life. Third, they are actively engaged, much like angels who serve and worship God without physical bodies. This engagement includes seeing, speaking, rejoicing, and worshiping, all without the need for a physical form. Lastly, they are eagerly waiting for the final consummation of God's promises—the resurrection of the body and the new creation.
This understanding should comfort us in our grief, knowing that our loved ones are more alive and active than ever before. It also challenges us to live courageously, standing firm in our faith amidst a world that grows increasingly hostile to the gospel. As the darkness deepens, the light of Christ shines brighter, calling us to clear the middle ground and commit fully to Him. In doing so, we share in His sufferings and anticipate sharing in His glory.
Key Takeaways:
- Immediate Presence with Christ: The promise to the thief on the cross assures us that upon death, believers are immediately with Christ in paradise. This is a conscious, joyful presence, free from the pains and fears of this world. It is a profound comfort to know that our loved ones who have died in the Lord are with Him, fully alive and engaged in His presence. [04:16]
- Conscious and Joyful Existence: Contrary to the idea of "soul sleep," believers are fully conscious and actively enjoying the presence of the Lord. This conscious existence is far better than anything we experience in this life, as our faith is turned to sight and we are free from the burdens of sin and suffering. [07:14]
- Active Engagement in Heaven: Like angels, believers in heaven are actively engaged in seeing, speaking, rejoicing, and worshiping. This activity does not require a physical body, as the soul is fully alive and capable of engaging in these heavenly realities. [14:49]
- Eager Anticipation of Resurrection: While believers are with Christ and fully conscious, they eagerly await the resurrection of the body and the new creation. This anticipation reminds us that the best is yet to come, as we look forward to the fulfillment of all God's promises. [28:34]
- Courageous Living in Light of Eternity: The reality of heaven calls us to live courageously in this world, standing firm in our faith amidst increasing hostility. As the darkness deepens, the light of Christ shines brighter, urging us to commit fully to Him and share in His sufferings and glory. [36:09]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:14] - Introduction to the Series
- [01:30] - The Promise of Paradise
- [03:22] - Loved Ones with Christ
- [06:24] - Fully Conscious in Heaven
- [11:10] - Actively Engaged in Heaven
- [15:08] - Angels as a Model
- [19:28] - Worship and Joy in Heaven
- [21:06] - Inquiry and Anticipation
- [23:23] - More Alive in Christ
- [26:24] - The Soul's Perfection
- [28:12] - Eagerly Waiting for Resurrection
- [32:12] - The Good, Better, Best Pattern
- [34:23] - Comfort in Grief
- [35:24] - Courageous Living
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Luke 23:43 - "Jesus answered him, 'Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.'"
2. 2 Corinthians 5:8 - "We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord."
3. Philippians 1:23 - "I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far."
#### Observation Questions
1. What promise did Jesus make to the thief on the cross, and how does this promise relate to the immediate presence with Christ after death? [00:14]
2. According to the sermon, what are the four key aspects of being with Christ after death? [03:22]
3. How does the sermon describe the state of believers in heaven in terms of consciousness and activity? [06:24]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the anticipation of the resurrection and the new creation for believers? [28:34]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the promise of being with Christ in paradise challenge the concept of "soul sleep"? What implications does this have for our understanding of life after death? [07:14]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that believers are actively engaged in heaven, and how does this compare to the activities of angels? [14:49]
3. How does the sermon use the thief on the cross as a prototype for the experience of all believers after death? [05:11]
4. What does the sermon imply about the nature of courageous living in light of the reality of heaven? [36:09]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the promise of immediate presence with Christ after death. How does this assurance affect your perspective on life and death? [04:16]
2. The sermon challenges the idea of "soul sleep" by emphasizing a conscious and joyful existence with Christ. How does this understanding influence your daily walk with God? [07:14]
3. Consider the concept of being actively engaged in heaven. How can this inspire you to live a life of worship and service here on earth? [14:49]
4. The sermon speaks of eagerly awaiting the resurrection and new creation. How can this anticipation shape your priorities and decisions in the present? [28:34]
5. In what ways can the reality of heaven encourage you to live courageously and stand firm in your faith amidst challenges? [36:09]
6. How can the knowledge that our loved ones are more alive and active in Christ comfort you in times of grief? [26:24]
7. The sermon calls for a commitment to Christ as the world grows increasingly hostile. What steps can you take to deepen your commitment and share in His sufferings and glory? [36:09]
Devotional
Day 1: Immediate Presence with Christ
The promise given to the thief on the cross, "Today you will be with me in paradise," assures believers of an immediate transition into the presence of Christ upon death. This is not a distant hope but a present reality for those who trust in Jesus. The thief's experience serves as a prototype for every believer, illustrating that upon death, we are immediately in the presence of Jesus, free from the pains and fears of this world. This immediate transition into the presence of Christ is a source of immense comfort and hope, especially as we consider our loved ones who have passed on in faith. Knowing that they are with Christ, fully alive and engaged in His presence, provides profound comfort in our grief. [04:16]
2 Corinthians 5:8 (ESV): "Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord."
Reflection: Think of a loved one who has passed away in faith. How does the assurance of their immediate presence with Christ bring you comfort today?
Day 2: Conscious and Joyful Existence
Contrary to the idea of "soul sleep," believers are fully conscious and actively enjoying the presence of the Lord after death. This conscious existence is far better than anything we experience in this life, as our faith is turned to sight and we are free from the burdens of sin and suffering. The joy of being with Christ is a vibrant, conscious reality, not a shadowy existence. This understanding dispels fears about the afterlife and encourages us to live with hope and anticipation of the joy that awaits us. [07:14]
Philippians 1:23 (ESV): "I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better."
Reflection: In what ways can you live today with the joy and anticipation of the conscious existence with Christ that awaits you?
Day 3: Active Engagement in Heaven
In heaven, believers are actively engaged in seeing, speaking, rejoicing, and worshiping, much like angels who serve and worship God without physical bodies. This activity does not require a physical form, as the soul is fully alive and capable of engaging in these heavenly realities. The notion of being passive or inactive in heaven is dispelled by the understanding that believers are more alive and active than ever before. This active engagement in heaven encourages us to live purposefully and passionately for Christ now, knowing that our service and worship continue beyond this life. [14:49]
Hebrews 12:22-23 (ESV): "But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven."
Reflection: How can you actively engage in worship and service to God today, knowing that this is a foretaste of your eternal activity in heaven?
Day 4: Eager Anticipation of Resurrection
While believers are with Christ and fully conscious, they eagerly await the resurrection of the body and the new creation. This anticipation reminds us that the best is yet to come, as we look forward to the fulfillment of all God's promises. The resurrection of the body and the new creation are the final consummation of God's redemptive plan, where believers will experience the fullness of life as God intended. This eager anticipation encourages us to live with hope and perseverance, knowing that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed. [28:34]
Romans 8:23 (ESV): "And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies."
Reflection: What are some ways you can cultivate a sense of eager anticipation for the resurrection and new creation in your daily life?
Day 5: Courageous Living in Light of Eternity
The reality of heaven calls us to live courageously in this world, standing firm in our faith amidst increasing hostility. As the darkness deepens, the light of Christ shines brighter, urging us to commit fully to Him and share in His sufferings and glory. This courageous living is not about avoiding suffering but embracing it as part of our journey with Christ. By clearing the middle ground and committing fully to Him, we find strength and purpose in the midst of challenges, knowing that our ultimate reward is with Christ in eternity. [36:09]
1 Peter 4:13 (ESV): "But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to stand firm in your faith today, despite challenges or opposition? How can you draw strength from the reality of heaven to live courageously?
Quotes
Loved ones who have died in the Lord are with Christ now we take this obviously first from the words that Jesus spoke to the thief today you will be with me in paradise that is a great thing about being in the presence of God it is to be with the Lord Jesus Christ. [00:03:42]
Jesus says it will be for the thief today death will be for you he's saying an immediate translation into the joyful presence of the Father in heaven you're going to be with me and we know of course as we mentioned before that Jesus died before the thief he committed his spirit into the hand of the father. [00:04:05]
Think about this after all that he'd been through and the horror of it no Proust traumatic stress for the thief in heaven no wounds being carried with him that are going to take a long time to heal no fears for the future no for him immediate and complete healing in the presence of Jesus. [00:04:34]
The promise of Jesus to this man is today you will be with me in paradise immediate translation into the conscious enjoyment of the presence of the Lord now some have seized on the fact I'm well aware of this that the Bible describes sometimes death as sleep you know we shall not all sleep but we shall all be changed. [00:07:18]
The soul for a Christian believer is very much alive in the presence of Jesus I think one of the reasons that folks sometimes latch on to the soul sleep idea is frankly because it's easier to imagine unconsciousness than it is to imagine the life of a soul without a body but please be clear about this unconsciousness is not the promise of Jesus. [00:08:18]
Remember this that to be with Christ is better better by far Philippians 1:23 than everything that you have and can experience of Jesus Christ in this world it is better than anything you've known in this life it is better than anything you can know in this life it is better by far. [00:10:30]
They are actively engaged actively engaged now it's hard to get our minds around this one and I hope that what I say today will be helpful to you the reason it's hard to get our minds around this one is that everything that we enjoy in this life we experience through the body so we enjoy walking and running how can you do that without legs. [00:11:13]
Angels are souls or spirits without bodies Hebrews chapter 1 and verse 14 tells us that angels are ministering spirits Jesus says in Luke chapter 24 and verse 39 a spirit does not have flesh and bones a spirit does not have flesh and bones when glutamine is very helpful book just bringing together the great truths of the Bible. [00:13:14]
Angels see and so do believers in heaven remember jesus said don't despise these little ones for I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my father is in heaven who is in heaven and you say how can my believing loved one who's with Christ see when they don't have eyes I don't know but I can say this to you the Angels see. [00:15:57]
Angels rejoice and so do believers in heaven remember jesus said that is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents love that there is nothing in scripture ever to suggest that believers who are with the Lord are somehow watching the details of our lives down here perhaps that is just as well by the way but Jesus says there is joy in heaven. [00:17:55]
Angels worship and so do believers in heaven I'm looking at Revelation chapter 5 then I looked says John in his vision I heard around the throne the voice of many angels and there are Myriad's of Myriad's and thousands of thousands and they're saying with a loud voice now here's the worship of these spirits souls without bodies that's their nature. [00:19:22]
Believers who have died are with Christ they're fully conscious they are actively engaged but they don't yet have the resurrection body they're not yet able to say in my flesh I will see God they don't yet have the new heaven and the new earth they don't yet have the gathering of the whole family of God and Jesus Christ here am I and all the children that you have given to me. [00:28:54]
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