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"The Dying Theif"
Leonard Ravenhill
Leonard Ravenhill (1907 - 1994). British-American evangelist, author, and revivalist born in Leeds, England. Converted at 14 in a Methodist revival, he trained at Cliff College, a Methodist Bible school, and was mentored by Samuel Chadwick. Ordained in the 1930s, he preached across England with the Faith Mission and held tent crusades, influenced by the Welsh Revival’s fervor. In 1950, he moved to the United States, later settling in Texas, where he ministered independently, focusing on prayer and repentance. Ravenhill authored books like Why Revival Tarries (1959) and Sodom Had No Bible, urging the church toward holiness. He spoke at major conferences, including with Youth for Christ, and mentored figures like David Wilkerson and Keith Green. Married to Martha Beaton in 1939, they had three sons, all in ministry. Known for his fiery sermons and late-night prayer meetings, he corresponded with A.W. Tozer and admired Charles Spurgeon. His writings and recordings, widely available online, emphasize spiritual awakening over institutional religion. Ravenhill’s call for revival continues to inspire evangelical movements globally.
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This sermon emphasizes the distinction between being saved and being part of the bride of Christ, using the analogy of the Dying Thief who rejoiced in the cleansing fountain but may not be part of the bride. It challenges the notion that everyone saved will automatically be part of the bride, highlighting the importance of striving for heavenly rewards rather than assuming a carefree eternity. The message underscores the concept of working for heavenly rewards rather than salvation itself.
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Lovely old house we were in. We used to sing the Dying Thief, Cowper's hymn, an English hymn of course. The Dying Thief rejoiced to see that fountain in his day, and there have I, not may I, have I, though vile as he, washed all my sins away. There is a fountain. The Dying Thief, he got into heaven on the last gasp. I expect to see him in heaven, I do not expect to see him as part of the bride. I don't believe for a minute everybody's part of the bride because they're saved. If they were, why didn't all the ten virgins get straight in to see the bridegroom? The door was shut. You know, everybody thinks heaven is going to be an eternal picnic. When you get in the door, Peter's going to be there and say, would you try this on for size? This is a special crown for you. And you can try this one on. This has rubies, this has diamonds, this has amethyst, this has something else. Forget it. Are you saying I have to work for my salvation? No, I'm saying you have to work for your reward. You're not going to collect crowns in heaven as souvenirs. The Dying Thief rejoiced to see that fountain in his day.
"The Dying Theif"
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Leonard Ravenhill (1907 - 1994). British-American evangelist, author, and revivalist born in Leeds, England. Converted at 14 in a Methodist revival, he trained at Cliff College, a Methodist Bible school, and was mentored by Samuel Chadwick. Ordained in the 1930s, he preached across England with the Faith Mission and held tent crusades, influenced by the Welsh Revival’s fervor. In 1950, he moved to the United States, later settling in Texas, where he ministered independently, focusing on prayer and repentance. Ravenhill authored books like Why Revival Tarries (1959) and Sodom Had No Bible, urging the church toward holiness. He spoke at major conferences, including with Youth for Christ, and mentored figures like David Wilkerson and Keith Green. Married to Martha Beaton in 1939, they had three sons, all in ministry. Known for his fiery sermons and late-night prayer meetings, he corresponded with A.W. Tozer and admired Charles Spurgeon. His writings and recordings, widely available online, emphasize spiritual awakening over institutional religion. Ravenhill’s call for revival continues to inspire evangelical movements globally.