The Thief On The Cross And Us

For instance, the Bible clearly requires baptism for the remission of sins. Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38 and others.

In studies of the matter with those who believe no works of any kind are involved in salvation the question usually comes up, "What about the thief on the cross? He was saved by faith alone without baptism (works)."

The Thief's salvation cannot be relied on as an example, pattern or model of our salvation.

(1.) Jesus was God on earth as the Son and as God he had the power to forgive sins. God decides how and when sin is forgiven. Matthew 9:6, Matthew 17:5

(2.) The Thief lived under the law of Moses and was not under the gospel of Christ because Jesus had not died and risen from the dead at the time of the thief's salvation.

(3.) Many argue, "The Thief wasn't baptized." The Bible tells us in Mark 1:4-5 that "all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins." It is far, far, far more likely he was baptized than not. He certainly knew who Jesus was.

The thief cannot be used as an example, pattern or model of our salvation because he lived in a different era, under a different dispensation than we do.

Hebrews 1:2 tells us exactly what Matthew 17:5 says. We are to rely on the Word of God and listen to Jesus. And the Word of God teaches us we are saved by BOTH faith (belief) and works (obedience).