Timing and Testaments: The Thief's Unique Case

Baptism's Essentiality and the Thief on the Cross: A Matter of Timing and Testaments

Photo by Marcos Paulo Prado on Unsplash

The question of whether baptism is essential for salvation often brings up the example of the thief on the cross who received Jesus' promise of paradise without being baptized (Luke 23:32-43).

This can be understood by examining the timing and the testaments involved.

• The Old Testament's Predicted End: The Old Testament itself prophesied its own end, and Galatians 2:14-16 indicates it would be replaced. This transition occurred when Jesus died on the cross.

• Jesus as a Living Testator: While still alive on the cross, Jesus – as the giver of a will – could dispense of his "possessions" (including forgiveness) as he wished. This explains why he could offer salvation to the thief without baptism.

• The New Covenant's Activation: Hebrews 9:16-17 clarifies that a new will only become effective upon the death of the testator. Therefore, Jesus' New Covenant, with its requirement of baptism, was not fully in effect until his death. Matthew 26:28 supports this, emphasizing that Jesus' new will was ratified by his blood.

• The Thief's Unique Situation: The thief on the cross lived and died under the Old Testament. He was not subject to the New Testament's requirement of baptism for the remission of sins.

Conclusion

The thief on the cross represents a unique situation in salvation history, occurring during the transition between the Old and New Covenants. While his case demonstrates God's mercy and grace, it does not negate the essentiality of baptism for those living under the New Covenant. All who live after Jesus' death and resurrection are called to be baptized as a sign of their faith and obedience to Christ.