The Thief on the Cross
Today’s Bible study focuses on the question: Is baptism necessary for salvation? This topic is often debated, with many citing the example of the thief on the cross, who was not baptized, yet was granted entry into paradise. Does this example apply to us today, or does Scripture provide further clarification on the necessity of baptism? To answer this, we will examine the Word of God in its full context, exploring biblical teachings on salvation and baptism.
In Acts 2:38, it is clearly stated what mankind must do to be saved and inherit the Kingdom of God. At Pentecost, Peter preached to the men of Judea and everyone living in Jerusalem, explaining that salvation requires repentance, baptism in Jesus’ name for the remission of sins, and receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit. As Acts 2:38 says, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” These are the same requirements that were followed by all believers in the New Testament after the formation of the early church.
The New Testament church began in Acts 2 when the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the disciples. This fulfilled Jesus’ instructions in Luke 24:46-49, where He said, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things. Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.”
Jesus told His disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit. Once they received the Spirit, they were to preach repentance and remission of sins in Jesus’ name, beginning at Jerusalem during Pentecost, which was a significant feast day when many people gathered to give gifts and offerings to the Lord. The disciples, having been filled with the Holy Spirit, became witnesses of the Gospel and the power of Jesus.
On that day, as recorded in Acts 2:37, the people were convicted and asked Peter and the other apostles, “What shall we do?” Peter responded by instructing them to repent, be baptized in Jesus’ name, and receive the Holy Spirit, marking the start of the New Testament church and laying out the requirements for salvation and entrance into the Kingdom of God.
For this New Covenant to be established, Jesus had to die and rise again, as foretold in Jeremiah 31, Hebrews 9, and many other scriptures. Hebrews 9:15 states, “For this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.” Jesus’ death ransomed humanity from the consequences of the Old Covenant (the Law of Moses), establishing a New Covenant through which believers could inherit eternal life.
The New Covenant, however, could not come into effect until after Jesus’ death and resurrection. Prior to that, everyone under the Old Covenant followed different requirements. For instance, Old Testament figures such as David, Noah, Abel, Abraham, Moses, and Samson are all considered righteous by faith, though none of them were baptized in Jesus’ name or received the Holy Spirit as described in Acts 2. In 1 Samuel 13:14, David is called “a man after God’s own heart,” despite not meeting the specific New Covenant requirements. This shows that salvation under the Old Covenant was based on faith and obedience to God.
Now, let’s examine the thief on the cross. It is often pointed out that the thief was not baptized, nor did he speak in tongues, yet he inherited the Kingdom of God. Like in the Old Covenant, God required faith and repentance for salvation. Hebrews 11:7-12 provides examples of how faith justified Noah, Abraham, Moses, and the Israelites. Likewise, the thief on the cross was saved under the Old Covenant, not the New Covenant. He repented, displayed faith, and recognized Jesus as the Messiah, asking to be remembered in His kingdom (Luke 23:40-42). Jesus responded by assuring him, “Today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43), affirming that salvation under the Old Covenant was still possible through faith.
The New Covenant practices—repentance, baptism in Jesus’ name, and receiving the Holy Spirit—came into effect after Jesus’ death and resurrection, which occurred after the thief’s death. Therefore, the thief’s salvation occurred during a transitional period between the Old and New Covenants. Under the Old Covenant, salvation came through faith in God, repentance, and adherence to the Mosaic Law, often demonstrated by animal sacrifices (see Leviticus 16).
In Mark 2 and Luke 7, we see Jesus forgiving sins based on a person’s faith, even before the formalities of baptism or the Holy Spirit, because His mission had not yet been completed. Similarly, the thief on the cross received forgiveness due to his faith and repentance, illustrating that salvation ultimately comes by grace through faith.
In conclusion, the thief on the cross was saved under the Old Covenant by his faith in Jesus, his repentance, and the grace extended by Christ, who had the authority to forgive sins. However, today, under the New Covenant, we must adhere to the instructions given in Acts 2:38. Faith remains foundational to salvation, but it must be accompanied by repentance, baptism in Jesus’ name, and the reception of the Holy Spirit. These steps represent the full conversion experience under the New Covenant, as seen in Acts 2:37-39, when Peter preached to the convicted crowd. Baptism in Jesus’ name emphasizes His authority and saving power, and receiving the Holy Spirit is essential for eternal life, as Romans 8:9 says, “Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.”
Ultimately, faith is the foundation, but Acts 2:38 provides the complete blueprint for salvation under the New Covenant. Salvation in the New Testament involves both faith and obedience, culminating in repentance, baptism in Jesus’ name, and receiving the Holy Spirit—the full experience of turning from sin and becoming a new creation in Christ.
