The “Thief on the Cross” Part One

There are some that say that because Luke 23:43 says of the thief on the cross, “To day shalt thou be with me in paradise,” that it isn’t necessary to be baptized in Jesus name to be saved. But what does the Bible say?

Jesus, the Creator of the universe, was born as a man in order to bring the New Testament, also called the New Covenant. This New Testament did not begin until after His death.

"For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth." - Hebrews 9:17

Obviously, the conversation between Jesus and the thief on the cross was before Jesus’ death. Thus, the thief on the cross was not part of the New Testament/New Covenant that Jesus came to bring.

Because we live AFTER Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, God’s terms of the New Testament/New Covenant apply to us. (Hebrews 8:6-12)

What is the New Testament/New Covenant?

At the last supper before His death, Jesus said:

"For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins." - Matthew 26:28 (Also in Mark 14:24, and Luke 22:20)

When did the new covenant begin?

It began after Jesus shed His blood – after His death, burial, and resurrection, and His ascension up to heaven. It officially began on the Day of Pentecost, when the Holy Ghost was first poured out and the church of the New Covenant began.

The first message of the New Covenant was delivered by Apostle Peter on the Day of Pentecost. He preached of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection – the gospel – and then preached what we must do to obey the gospel. (1Corinthians 15:1-4, Romans 6:1-14, Acts 2:38).

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." - Acts 2:38-39