In the world today there are many false teachings concerning what one must do to be saved. One such claim is that all one needs to do is simply believe with a penitent heart.  When pressed for scripture on this matter many will often cite the account of the thief on the cross.

In Luke chapter 23 verses 39 through 43 we read of this account.  Jesus was in the process of being crucified on the cross.  He had been placed between two malefactors (vs 39-40). They were thieves (Matt. 28:38).  Jesus was being mocked.  The scripture reads:

“And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on Him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.  But the other answering rebuked him saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.  And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.  And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise”. From this account some people believe that they have found positive proof that baptism is not required for salvation.

To understand this passage further, we will look at the context under three broad headings:

  • In what dispensation did these events occur?
  • What was the authority and actions of Jesus in this dispensation?
  • How does baptism in the Christian dispensation relate to this account?

In what dispensation did these events occur?

The events on the cross took place during the Mosaic dispensation of Gods plan.  Hebrews at that time were under the Mosaic law; gentiles under the Patriarchal. Jesus was in the process of fulfilling all things “which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets and in the psalms concerning Him” (Luke 24:44-45).  All of the law was to be fulfilled (Matt 5:18).  Jesus would nail the Law of Moses to His cross (Col. 2:14), making way for the new covenant/testament of the Christian dispensation; under which we now live (Heb. 9:16-17).

It is curious that the thief spoke to Jesus of His kingdom (vs 42). This makes one wonder if he was a Jew who knew of the preaching of John the Baptist, for John had come preaching “repent ye for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand” (Matt 3:2). The scripture says that many were baptized of John confessing their sins (Matt 3:6); a baptism “unto repentance” looking forward to the Christ (Matt 3:11, Acts 19:4)).  It is therefore possible that the thief had complied with all the law available to him, being baptized of John and looking forward to the Christ.  This however is gross speculation.  All we know is that the thief defended Jesus, spoke of His innocence and of the coming kingdom.

Based upon this contextual information we cannot be saved like the thief because we live under a new law in the Christian dispensation. The thief lived under the old law.

What was the authority and actions of Jesus in the Mosaic dispensation?

The purpose of the old law was to bring us unto the new (Gal 3:24).  Jesus Christ fulfilled the law and as previously stated nailed it to His cross (Col 2:14) The new covenant was made possible by the death of the testator (Heb 9:15-16).

During the time of His earthly ministry Jesus often spoke of fulfilling the Law and proving to the people how that the old law applied to the things that were happening (Luke 24:27). While on earth Jesus had the authority to forgive sins (Luke 5: 17-26; 7:36-50). There can be no doubt that Jesus not only had the authority to forgive sin but that He saved the thief for He said “Today shall thou be with me in paradise”.  This is the same place referred to in Luke 16:19-31, where the dead live in either torment or comfort awaiting their final judgement and reward.

Based upon this information, though the thief was saved, we cannot be saved like the thief because Jesus no longer walks the earth under the old law.

How does baptism in the Christian dispensation relate to this account?

Without question it can be said that in the Christian dispensation our salvation is dependent upon an obedient faith and the remission of sins.  Further it is clearly stated in the scripture that our sins are washed away in baptism (Acts 22:16) where we contact the blood of Jesus Christ (Rev. 1:5). We are baptized into His death (Rom. 6:3-4).  From these few scriptures, and there are many more, we can conclude that baptism is essential for salvation (Mark 16:15-16) and that the thief could not have possibly been baptized into Christ because Jesus was still alive.  Further Jesus had not delivered the imperative of baptism.  The great commission would not be delivered until after His resurrection (Matt. 28:18-20).

In summary, to use the account of the thief and adopt this method of salvation, claiming baptism is not essential, is inconsistent with the scripture in word, in context and is not rational.  For as generally stated by Don Blackwell in his discussion of the issue; “do we say that we will not pay federal income taxes because George Washington didn’t have to pay them”. Of course not. There is new law!

How God Saves – – Keep the Faith