Richard’s Remarks - The Thief on the Cross - Part 2

    In last week’s bulletin article, we addressed the fact that the events that took place on the cross were prior to the institution of the “better covenant, which was
established upon better promises” (Heb 8:6).  Therefore, baptism (as it exists under the New Covenant) had not yet been instituted at the time Jesus and the thief
were on the cross.  However, since we now live under the New Testament scriptures, we must abide by their teachings.  Included in those teachings is baptism -
Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16, Rom 6:3-4, Gal 3:26-29, Col 2:12, 1 Pet 3:21, etc.  However, there is more to be considered with the account of the thief on
the cross and Jesus - hence, Part 2.
     To say that the thief on the cross had never been baptized is to make an unwarranted assumption.  How do we know whether or not he had been baptized? 
Is it possible that he may have been baptized some time prior to the events of the crucifixion?  Let’s consider some rather intriguing information in regards to the
thief.
     We know that Jesus was crucified between two thieves.  In Matthew 27:44, we are told that the “thieves” (note the plurality) joined in with the crowd’s mocking
of Jesus.  Mark 15:32 reveals the same.  However, as the events of the crucifixion unfolded, it is no longer both thieves railing Jesus but just one.  Luke 23:29-43
reveals a change of heart in one thief - and what a change it was!  When this thief spoke out from his cross, now in defense of Jesus, he revealed some interesting
information.
     First of all, this thief revealed his faith in God.  Remember he asked the other thief, “...Dost thou not fear God...” (Luke 23:40).  And, he also revealed a basic
understanding that his punishment was just - because he was guilty.  Therefore, he understood the basic standard of right and wrong.
     Secondly, he revealed the fact that Jesus had “done nothing amiss” (Luke 23:41).  Had the thief concluded this based solely upon the events of the crucifixion? 
Or, is it possible that he had learned about the teachings of Jesus prior to that day and had either not responded to them or had digressed from them?  And think
about the significance of the thief’s statement.  Why was Jesus being crucified?  Was it not because of His claims of being the Son of God? (see Mark 14:61-62) By
stating that Jesus had done nothing wrong, the thief was showing faith in Him as the Son of God. 
     Third, consider the thief’s statement of “...remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom” (Luke 23:42).  The thief believed that Jesus would continue to exist
even after the events of the crucifixion.  Notice also, he was expecting Jesus to establish a kingdom.  Remember, Jesus had gone forth preaching “...Repent: for the
kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matt 4:17).
     It is possible, but I think improbable, that this thief could have concluded such information only from the events of the crucifixion.  Therefore, it is possible that the
thief had previously been subjected to the teachings of Christ or perhaps the teachings of John the Baptizer.  If so, it is very possible that he may have previously
been baptized for the remission of sins because both John and Jesus baptized their followers (see John 3:22-23).  If so, then while on the cross, this man who had
since digressed back into thievery displayed a penitent heart as an erring disciple.
     I am not presenting this in an attempt to prove that the thief had indeed been baptized.  I am simply providing this information to illustrate that those who state that
the thief was not baptized are making an unwarranted assumption.  We simply cannot determine, with certainty, whether the man was baptized or not. 

     Whether the thief was baptized or not, our situation remains the same.  Again, one must abide by the specific instructions that apply to the time in which he lives
(see last week’s article).  For us, we are under the doctrine of Christ (2 John 9-11) - the New Testament scriptures - and must respond accordingly.  To do so, one
must be baptized into Jesus Christ for the remission (forgiveness) of their sins (see previously referenced verses).