The Thief On The Cross & Baptism

Was the thief on the cross saved without being baptized? This is the issue that has made this thief the most popular thief in the Bible! All the scriptures teaching the necessity of baptism for remission of sins are swept away with, "But what about the thief on the cross?"! First, we do not know if the thief was baptized or not. Many had been baptized by John and Jesus for the forgiveness of sins, Mk. 1:4,5; Jn. 4:1. He may have been among that number! People are encouraged to rest their eternal security on something they cannot prove! But, IF he was saved without being baptized, does it not prove people today do not need to be baptized to be saved? No! Why? Because while Jesus, as the Son of God, had authority on earth to forgive sins on any conditions he chose, Mk 2:5-12, He also had "all authority" to set the conditions of forgiveness under the new covenant, Mt 28:18-20, and He made baptism essential to salvation under this covenant. To ignore, change, or promise anyone anything different is presumptuous! "Repent, and…be baptized…for the forgiveness of your sins…" Ac. 2:38; "Arise, and be baptized, and wash away your sins…" Ac. 22:16. The thief on the cross does not nullify the requirements of this covenant! – Steve Fontenot

If you would like further information mailed to you on this subject, or to set up a home Bible study, call (281) 446-2562, or write, humcofc@earthlink.net, or, P. O. Box 2706, Humble, TX, 77347. Web: http://www.kingwoodcable. com/colblip/humblechurchofchrist. The Church of Christ in Humble meets at 621 Herman St., corner of Ave. "F" and Herman St., Sundays at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 5:00 p.m. and Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m..