Why wasn't it necessary for the thief on the cross to be baptized?

[OGIA]

Originally Posted by ILG

But, the truth is that we do have an example here of being saved by faith alone.....so, it does happen.

There is a lot in Romans etc. that talks about being saved by faith.

Everyone that stands with God in eternity will have been saved by "faith alone".

I can say that because I believe that "faith alone" encompasses much more than belief. It requires action....or it is not faith, it is only a belief. Every person, from OT to NT, who is saved will have been saved by faith.

Now, what that faith "looked like" does differ.

[OGIA]

Originally Posted by Kutless

so is it a case by case basis?

Hmmmmm? How about "yes" and "no"? Yes, because we will all be judged individually. No, because we will all be judged by one standard -- the word of God.

[Kutless]

Originally Posted by ILG

Right....and the thief didn't have to come down from the cross and make a blood sacrifice....neither would he have to come down and be baptized.

this is a point to ponder.

[Steve Epley]

Originally Posted by ILG

Okay, I can go along with that. I believe that anyone rejecting baptism is not going to be on the happy side of God. But, the truth is that we do have an example here of being saved by faith alone.....so, it does happen. I think that should make folks think a lot less narrowly..

I should say I can go along with that somewhat. There is a lot in Romans etc. that talks about being saved by faith.

Does Romans teach a man can be saved by faith alone without believing in the death burial and resurrection. The thief did not believe that it had not happened. But he did recognize the King and mercy was granted. The NT was not in effect until the work of redemption was accomplished and the New Covenant message was preached. The thief on the cross is not the problem it is the thieves who try to climb up some other way today.

[Ron]

The Law and the Prophets were until John.

Water Baptism in Jesus Name and the infilling of the Holy Ghost did not start until the Day of Pentecost.

There was a time between two testaments.
I believe that those who had been baptised unto John's Baptism who died after Jesus death but before the day of Pentecost where the Spirit of God
was poured out were saved.

That does not negate the fact that people now in this time of the Apostolic Church need to be Water Baptised in Jesus Name and received the infilling of the Holy Ghost.