Assumptions About the Thief on the Cross

Luke 23:32-43

1

Introduction One of the most popular thieves!

Many people want to be like this thief! Saved that is!

Often mentioned by those who deny the necessity of baptism for the remission of sins!

To cite the thief as an example, many make some unfounded and foolish assumptions and presumptions!

2

Most assume that he was not baptized! He may have been baptized by John or

Jesus! Mk. 1:5; Jn. 4:1-3

The Bible does not reveal if he was or was not baptized! If “faith only” proponents claim he was not

baptized, then I can claim he was on the same basis!

Conclusion: The thief cannot be used as an example of salvation by “faith only”!

3

Most Assume He Was Under The Same Law! N.T. not in force when the thief died!

Testator must be dead – Heb. 9:15-17 Thief died under the O.T. – Col. 2:14 Great Commission efforts began after

Christ died: Matt. 28:18-20; Mk. 16:15-16; Luke 24:46-49;

Acts 1:8-2:4 New Testament ratified after Jesus

entered the Holy of Holies – Heb. 9:12-15

4

Most Assume He Was Under The Same Law! Jesus had power on earth to forgive sins!

The man sick of the palsy! – Mk. 2:2-12 The young ruler! – Lk. 18:18-23

Why not be saved like the rich ruler? They would have to do something! Salvation by “faith only” is the “do nothing” religious

system! It is the easy way out! Not the “straight …narrow way”! – Matt. 7:13-

14 Can give of earthly goods as we choose!

One’s will comes in force after the death of the giver!

5

Most Assume That the Example of The Thief is the Pattern for All! It was not the pattern for those on the

day of Pentecost! Acts 2:38

Not the pattern for Paul! Acts 22:16

Not the pattern for the Samaritans and the eunuch! Acts 8

Not the pattern for the Philippian jailer! Acts 16:31-34

Not the pattern for any in the book of Acts!

6

Case Believe Repent Confess BaptismJews Acts 2:38 Acts 2:38

Samaritans Acts 8:12 Acts 8:12

Simon Acts 8:13 Acts 8:13

Eunuch Acts 8:36-37 Acts 8:37 Acts 8:38

Saul Acts 22:16

Cornelius Acts 10:43 Acts 11:15 Acts 10:48

Lydia Acts 16:15

Jailor Acts 16:31 Acts 16:33 Acts 16:33

Corinthians Acts 18:8 Acts 18:8

Ephesians Acts 19:5

“…God is no respecter of persons…” (Acts 10:34-35) 77

The Blessings of God And ObedienceThe Blessings of God And Obedience

Spiritual BlessingsRemission of sins - Acts 2:38Washing away sins - Acts 22:16Blood of Christ - Rom. 6:3-4Become a New Creature - Rom. 6:5Put on Christ - Gal. 3:26-27Sanctified - Eph. 5:26Cleansing - Eph. 5:26A Child Of God - Gal. 3:26-27Enter the Kingdom - Jn. 3:4A Good Conscience - 1 Pet 3:21The Church (Body) - Acts 2:47The Name of Christ - Acts 4:12Salvation - Mk. 16:16

Alien Sinner

Baptism Stands Between The Alien

Sinner and All Spiritual Blessings!

“all spiritual blessings…in Christ” - “baptized into Christ”

(Eph 1:3; Gal. 3:27)88

Conclusion I am thankful the thief was saved! We, who live under the “law of Christ”

must be saved like others in Acts were saved! We are subject to the great commission and

the New Testament! Must obey the gospel of Christ!

God is not a respecter of persons! Acts 10:34-35

9

Acts 10:34-35

“Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him”

10

“What Shall We Do?” Acts 2:37

An alien sinner must… Hear the Gospel - Romans 10:17 Believe - Romans 10:10 Repent – Acts 17:30 Confess Christ - Acts 8:37 Be Baptized in water - Acts 2:38

An erring Child of God must… Repent and Pray - Acts 8:22

11