The thief on the cross

Denominational preachers have been telling people for years that baptism is not essential to salvation based upon a misapplication of Luke 23:43. This is the passage where Jesus told the thief on the cross, "To day shalt thou be with me in paradise." Denominationalists say that since the thief was saved and was not baptized, then there is no absolute need for us being baptized either. Let's observe a few points.

First, no one can prove that the thief was not baptized. We are quickly informed that there is no mention of his having been baptized. I will admit that. However, on this basis, we can prove that faith in Christ is not necessary for salvation, for there is not one statement to the effect that Lazarus had faith, yet he ended up in paradise (Luke 16:19-31). What proves too much proves nothing.

Second, it is possible that the thief had been baptized. John the Baptist had a very widespread coverage and acceptance of his teaching. John's baptism was for the remission of sins. The thief was also very well-informed as he hung on the cross (Luke 23:42). However, he could have been one of those who had gone back and "walked no more with Him" (John 6:66).

Third, the New Testament was not in force when the Lord made His promise to the thief (Hebrews 9:15-17). When Jesus was alive, He could execute His will in whatever way He desired, but once He died, we have no other authority than the will of the New Testament. While my parents are still alive, my brothers can fight over their possessions, but once they die, their will is in effect and we must live with it!

Fourth, the thief on the cross cannot constitute an example for us today. The New Testament was not operative, the "Great Commission" had not yet been given (Matthew 28:19-20) and the kingdom of our Lord had not yet begun using the "keys" to the kingdom (cf. Matthew 16:19; 18:18). Can we be handling the word of God accurately to pass over the multitude of cases of conversion in the book of Acts and go back to the account of the thief on the cross?

As you can see, there's not as much "evidence" about the thief on the cross as most would like to proclaim. I mentioned a couple of posts ago that baptism is essential to salvation. Why not just take that on faith in what the Bible says and submit to it? Why "kick against the goads" like Saul (Acts 9:5)? I want people to be saved the same way in which they were in the New Testament. That means submitting to water baptism for the remission of sins.

Kyle Campbell