1. Assumptions About the Thief on the Cross Luke 23:32-43 1

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. CaseBelieveRepentConfessBaptism JewsActs 2:38 SamaritansActs 8:12 SimonActs 8:13 EunuchActs 8:36-37Acts 8:37Acts 8:38 SaulActs 22:16 CorneliusActs 10:43Acts 11:15Acts 10:48 LydiaActs 16:15 JailorActs 16:31Acts 16:33 CorinthiansActs 18:8 EphesiansActs 19:5 “…God is no respecter of persons…” (Acts 10:34-35) 7

8. The Blessings of God And Obedience Spiritual Blessings Remission of sins - Acts 2:38 Washing away sins - Acts 22:16 Blood of Christ - Rom. 6:3-4 Become a New Creature - Rom. 6:5 Put on Christ - Gal. 3:26-27 Sanctified - Eph. 5:26 Cleansing - Eph. 5:26 A Child Of God - Gal. 3:26-27 Enter the Kingdom - Jn. 3:4 A Good Conscience - 1 Pet 3:21 The Church (Body) - Acts 2:47 The Name of Christ - Acts 4:12 Salvation - 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) 8

9. 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

10. “ 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

11. “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