ArchivedBaptism required?If you will think about the thief's situation, then read the account in Luke 23:39-43, you will discover several things. First, the thief on the cross lived and died under the Law of Moses. The kingdom had not yet come (Jesus was still telling His disciples that it was yet in the future after the resurrection - see Acts 1:1-8 ). One might just as well argue that he wants to be saved by being circumcized and by making yearly animal sacrifices, since that, too, was a part of the Mosaic Law. Very simply, he lived under a different dispensation than we do today. Second, it is presumptive to say that the thief on the cross had not been baptized. We read of many multitudes of people who went out to John to be baptized as he taught about the coming kingdom and the coming Messiah. After the baptism of Jesus, we read that Jesus and His disciples were baptizing more than John was. It is highly likely that he was one of the ones baptized. This is made even more likely when you consider that the thief on the cross showed knowledge of the innocence of Jesus (. . . "this man has done nothing wrong"). He also exhibited a familiarity with the teaching of the kingdom and its association with Jesus when he said, "Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!" That showed not only an awareness, but a faith and understanding that the kingdom would still come even if Jesus died on the cross! |
🌈Pride🌈 goeth before Destruction
When 🌈Pride🌈 cometh, then cometh Shame