Hiding Behind the Thief

(from 2004)

Introduction

Several years ago, I had an exchange with a man who believed in the “Faith Only” doctrine and touted the Sinner’s Prayer as the means to be saved. An exchange is similar to a debate except it is usually in written form between the two individuals. I tried to tell him that baptism was just as essential as belief and he couldn’t fathom it. Below is his final post and I then wrote some remarks to it as he was finished with me.

Here’s his final post:

Keith wrote: If baptism is required for salvation, then Jesus lied, and the thief on the cross is in Hell. What if one receives Christ as Savior, but dies on the way to their baptism? What of all the people who have received Christ as Savior on their deathbeds? I certainly hope there was a Pastor there with a bowl of Holy water, or by your standards, they're in Hell too.

The concept of salvation you hold is not only blasphemous, it's foolish and dangerous. If you believe you have to be baptized, then your faith is in vain because you're not relying solely on Christ's sacrificial death to provide your salvation.

        Notice his first sentence. He states that Jesus is a liar and the thief on the cross is in Hell. He’s referring, of course, to one of the two thieves who were crucified with Jesus; the thief who repented of his sins (Lk. 23: 39-46).  Let’s look at verses 40-43, “But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, "Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41."And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong." 42. Then he said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom." 43. And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise."

Here we see the one thief admit his guilt and that they got what they deserved and the asked Jesus to remember him which is the same as asking for forgiveness. Jesus did just that. 

Now this comes before Jesus’ death. The next question to ask is when did Jesus command us to be baptized? In Matt. 28: 18-19, Jesus makes this statement after he was resurrected, “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19."Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Since His command to be baptized came after Jesus was resurrected then what of the thief? Is he still saved or in Hell as Keith stated?

Since Jesus was still alive when He talked to the thief, they were still under the Old Law; the Law of Moses. The New Law; the Law of Christ, wasn’t in effect. The writer of the Hebrew letter addresses this in Hebrews 9:16-17, For where there is a testament, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is in force after men are dead, since it has no power at all while the testator lives.  (NKJV)

The apostle Paul wrote something similar in his letter to the Colossians, Colossians 2:14, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.  (NKJV) Paul is referring to the Old Law, which was done away with when Jesus died. Since Jesus was still alive when He forgave the thief, the thief is still saved and in paradise as Jesus stated. 

Death Before Baptism

The other part of Keith’s assertion was in regards to people receiving Jesus as their savior and dying on their way to be baptized. He also commented about the deathbed penance; one who is just minutes away from dying and suddenly believes in Jesus. In the first part, he’s assuming that you have to travel down to the church building to be baptized. Is that what the Ethiopian Eunuch did? Let’s look at Acts 8:36-37, Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, "See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?" Then Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." The two were out in the middle of nowhere but came to a pond or lake. The eunuch knew it had a sufficient amount of water to be baptized (immersed).

In regards to his second statement about receiving Jesus on the deathbed. Yes, baptism (immersion in water) is necessary. Jesus said it in Mark 16:16, "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” Just because they are on their deathbed doesn’t mean they can’t be lifted up and placed in water. For Keith to suggest “a bowl of holy water” means that he believes that I think there is something “magical” about the water used in baptism. Nothing of the sort. Jesus commanded baptism after he was raised from the death therefore, it is essential for salvation.

Baptism is Essential

Baptism was never part of the Law of Moses. It is, though, a part of the Law of Christ. At the conclusion of the first gospel sermon, the Jews listening to Peter asked, “What shall we do?” Peter responded in Acts 2:38, Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Those in the Old Testament who did not even know Jesus but walked in the ways of God are saved without baptism also. All too often people want to “Hide behind the thief” as an example of “faith only” and not needing baptism. Since we are under the Law of Christ today, baptism is essential to salvation.

I’ve never said baptism is the only requirement though some would believe that I talk that way. I merely emphasize baptism because too many out there do not think it’s essential. They merely see baptism as an outward sign of an inward grace. If that’s true, please share with me the scripture to support that.

Conclusion

        People like Keith want to cut corners in regards to God’s plan of Salvation. Since they don’t see baptism as essential, they don’t want to include it. But what about repentance of sin? Is that important? And what of confessing Jesus as your savior with you mouth? If you say Yes to both then you don’t believe in ‘faith only’.

If you truly want to become a child of God, here’s what you need to do:

Hear the Word of God (Rom. 10:17)

Believe Jesus is the Son of God (John 8:24)

Confess Jesus is the Son of God (Rom. 10:9-10)

Repent of your sins (Acts 2:38)

Become baptized to wash away your sins (Acts 22:16)

Live your life faithfully even unto Death. (Rev. 2:10)