Expository Thoughts On Luke - Luke 23:39-43
J.C. Ryle expounds on the story of the penitent thief to illustrate God's sovereign grace in salvation and the believer's duty to respond in faith and repentance.
In this expository sermon on Luke 23:39-43, J.C. Ryle explores the profound story of the penitent thief crucified alongside Jesus. He highlights the sovereign grace of God in salvation, the mystery of human response to the Gospel, and the believer's responsibility to faithfully seek souls. Ryle's clear and humble teaching encourages trust in God's will and diligent use of the Gospel's free offer.
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THE DYING THIEF
The verses we have now read deserve to be printed in letters of gold. They have probably been the salvation of myriads of souls. Multitudes will thank God to all eternity that the Bible contains this story of the penitent thief.
We see, firstly, in the history before us, the sovereignty of God in saving sinners. We are told that two malefactors were crucified together with our Lord, one on His right hand and the other on His left. Both were equally near to Christ. Both saw and heard all that happened, during the six hours that He hung on the cross. Both were dying men, and suffering acute pain. Both were alike wicked sinners, and needed forgiveness. Yet one died in his sins, as he had lived, hardened, impenitent, and unbelieving. The other repented, believed, cried to Jesus for mercy, and was saved.
A fact like this should teach us humility. We cannot account for it. We can only say, "Even so, Father, for so it seems good in your sight." (Matt. 11:26.) How it is that under precisely the same circumstances one man is converted and another remains dead in sins--why the very same sermon is heard by one man with complete indifference and sends another home to pray and seek Christ--why the same Gospel is hidden to one and revealed to another, all these are questions which we cannot possibly answer. We only know that it is so, and that it is useless to deny it.
Our own duty is clear and plain. We are to make a diligent use of all the means which God has appointed for the good of souls. There is no necessity that any one should be lost. There is no such a thing as decreed damnation in the Bible. The offers of the Gospel are wide, free and general. "In all our doings," says the 17th Article, "that will of God is to be followed, which we have expressly declared to us in the word of God." God\
Sermon Outline
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I. The Setting of the Penitent Thief
- Two malefactors crucified with Christ
- Both equally near and suffering
- Both sinners needing forgiveness
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II. The Contrast in Responses
- One hardened and unbelieving
- The other repents and believes
- Resulting in salvation for the penitent thief
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III. The Sovereignty of God in Salvation
- God's sovereign choice in saving sinners
- Mystery of why some believe and others do not
- Humility in accepting God's will
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IV. Our Duty in Light of This Truth
- Use all God-appointed means for salvation
- No decree of damnation in Scripture
- Gospel offers are free and universal
Key Quotes
“The verses we have now read deserve to be printed in letters of gold.” — J.C. Ryle
“We see, firstly, in the history before us, the sovereignty of God in saving sinners.” — J.C. Ryle
“There is no such a thing as decreed damnation in the Bible.” — J.C. Ryle
Application Points
- Trust in God's sovereign grace even when salvation seems mysterious.
- Respond to the Gospel with repentance and faith without delay.
- Use every opportunity and means God provides to share the message of salvation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were two thieves crucified with Jesus?
They were criminals sentenced to death, fulfilling the prophecy and setting the stage for the story of salvation through faith.
What does the penitent thief teach about salvation?
It shows that salvation is by grace through faith, even at the last moment, highlighting God's mercy and sovereignty.
Why did one thief believe and the other not?
The sermon emphasizes this as a mystery of God's sovereign will that humans cannot fully understand.
Is there such a thing as decreed damnation according to this sermon?
No, the sermon states the Bible offers free and general offers of the Gospel with no decree of damnation.
What should believers do in response to this story?
Believers should diligently use all means God provides to seek and save souls.