The Thief on the Cross Revisited
Baptism and Salvation
Baptism and Salvation
The Thief on the Cross Revisited
Here is a link to the livestream archive: https://youtube.com/live/t3RVdeA6L0o?feature=share
The story of the thief on the cross has long been discussed in relation to the importance of baptism for salvation. Some argue that since the thief wasn't baptized but still found salvation, it questions the necessity of this sacred act. However, let's take a dive into the Bible and explore the nuances that can help us better understand this theological debate.
The Legacy of Mosaic Law
First and foremost, we must recognize that the thief lived and passed away under the jurisdiction of the Mosaic law (Galatians 4:4). It's crucial to note that the New Testament did not become in effect until Jesus’ death (Hebrews9:16-18). Importantly, the thief's time came before the the New Testament was promulgated. (Acts 2), making salvation through the rules of the New Testament impossible. Simply put, the thief lived and died under the Law of Moses and was not required to do the same things we are under the Law of Christ.
Christ's Authority During His Earthly Journey
Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus held unparalleled authority (Matthew 28:18). He possessed the power to forgive sins (Mark 2:10-11) and bestow eternal life (John 10:28). The thief's salvation occurred during Christ's physical presence, where He had the power to grant forgiveness.
The Arrival of the New Covenant Post-Christ
The death of Christ marked the dawn of the New Covenant, as detailed in Hebrews 9:15-17. The previous legal code was replaced by this new covenant, a transformation confirmed in Hebrews 10:9-11. It's crucial to understand that the implementation of Christ's will only occurred on the Day of Pentecost, which unfolded 50 days after His crucifixion (Acts 2). This moment signifies the beginning of the Christian era, in which baptism was explicitly emphasized as an integral part of the conversion process.
Evaluating Models of Conversion
To truly grasp the significance of baptism, it is essential to delve into the conversion stories found in the New Testament, particularly in the Book of Acts. Here, we witness the transformative power of faith, repentance, and baptism in bringing individuals into a saving relationship with Christ.
The Day of Pentecost (Acts 2): On the Day of Pentecost, a remarkable event unfolded. Those who heard the gospel message preached by the apostle Peter were deeply moved. They believed in Jesus Christ as the Savior, experienced genuine remorse for their sins, and took the step of baptism to seek forgiveness (Acts 2). This momentous occasion marked the birth of the early Christian community and exemplified the pivotal role of baptism in the conversion process.
The Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8): Another compelling conversion account in Acts involves the Ethiopian eunuch. While on a journey, he encountered the Scriptures and was puzzled by them. Philip, a disciple of Christ, explained the gospel to him, and as the eunuch believed in Jesus, he expressed his desire to be baptized (Acts 8). This narrative underscores the connection between faith, understanding, and baptism as a means of entering into fellowship with Christ.
The Apostle Paul (Acts 9; 22:16): The apostle Paul's conversion experience on the road to Damascus is a remarkable story of transformation. Struck by a blinding light and hearing the voice of Jesus, Paul repented of his former persecutions against Christians. Following the instructions of Jesus he went to Damascus where Ananias told him what he must do, arise and be baptized and wash away his sins (Acts 22:16).
Cornelius and His Household (Acts 10): In Acts 10, we encounter Cornelius, a devout Roman centurion, and his household. Through divine intervention, Peter preached the gospel to them, and they responded with faith. The Holy Spirit descended upon them, confirming to Peter and the other Jews that they were candidates for the kingdom. As a result, Peter commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 10). This episode underscores that even Gentiles were welcomed into the faith through baptism.
Lydia and the Philippian Jailer (Acts 16): In Philippi, Lydia, a seller of purple goods, received the message of Christ from the apostle Paul (Acts 16). As her heart was opened, she and her household were baptized. Similarly, in the same city, a Philippian jailer and his family believed in Jesus after an earthquake shook the prison where Paul and Silas were held captive. They too were baptized (Acts 16). These instances demonstrate the universality of the gospel's call to baptism.
These are just some of the conversion accounts in the book of Acts. Every one of them, both mentioned here and not, emphasize the pivotal role of baptism in the journey of faith. From the Day of Pentecost to the encounters with the Ethiopian eunuch, Saul (later known as Paul), Cornelius, Lydia, and the Philippian jailer, we witness diverse individuals and groups responding to the gospel through belief, repentance, and baptism. These narratives serve as powerful reminders of the scriptural mandate to embrace baptism as an essential step in becoming disciples of Jesus Christ and part of His body, the church.
Conclusion
While the thief on the cross undeniably serves as a powerful reminder of God's grace and willingness to forgive, we should refrain from using his story to undermine the significance of baptism in New Testament theology. The Bible makes it clear that following Christ's death and resurrection, baptism holds a crucial role in the process of conversion, as evidenced by numerous examples in the Book of Acts. In light of these scriptural teachings, it is our duty to heed the apostolic model for the forgiveness of sins and our incorporation into the community of Christ's followers.