If you've not already read it, please refer back to last week's article for Part 1 of this study. Having noted the scriptural details given about this thief on the cross, I believe there is more implied evidence FOR his baptism than there is not.
However, for us today, does it really matter whether this thief was baptized or not?
No. You see, the penitent criminal on the cross died under the old covenant which essentially was nullified at Jesus' death.
Paul said of the old law, that Jesus "took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross" (Colossians 2:14) and He "abolished…the law of commandments contained in ordinances" (Ephesians 2:15).
Jesus said, "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill" (Matthew 5:17). Jesus did fulfill the old law, for it was only added until He came (Galatians 3:19–24). He did not destroy it; for, we still have copies of it today.
Furthermore, it is important that we study the old law that we might better understand the content of the new covenant and learn from numerous examples (Romans 15:4).
However, since Jesus' death, He has been raised, He has ascended on high, and He has established His kingdom (the church) of the new covenant (New Testament).
Therefore, in order to be saved today, we need to look to the whole of the New Testament.
In order to know how to worship today, we need to look to the whole of the New Testament.
In order to know how we ought to conduct ourselves in our daily walk today, we need to look to the whole of the New Testament.
We do not know if the thief on the cross was baptized.
We do know he had heard of Jesus, which also is commanded of us today (Matthew 11:15; Romans 10:17).
We do know he had faith in Who Jesus is, which also is commanded of us today (Hebrews 11:6; John 8:24).
We do know he repented, which also is commanded of us today (Acts 2:38; 2 Corinthians 7:10).
We do know he confessed his faith in Jesus, which also is commanded of us today (Romans 10:10; Matthew 10:32–33).
Furthermore, we do know that the New Testament commands us to be baptized in water in order to be saved today (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21; Galatians 3:26–27; Colossians 2:11–12, et al.).
Where do you stand, as you consider the commandments of the New Testament today?
Clifton Angel preaches for the Coldwater church of Christ. For free Bible Correspondence Courses and In-Person Bible Studies, Emailus@coldwater-cofc.com, or call us at 662-622-7951.
