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It's another great day to listen to the word of God by his servant Bro Eli Soriano.
The Thief On The Cross
Baptism is a commandment given by Christ a mandate delivered to us by Jesus Himself. It was instructed to the disciples as part of God’s will, and after baptism, believers are expected to obey all of God’s commandments as part of their journey toward salvation.
The law of baptism began after the resurrection of Jesus Christ. During the time of the thief on the cross, baptism had not yet been established as a requirement. That is why the thief was not obligated to be baptized. Every disciple of God today, however, must submit themselves to baptism, because after Christ’s death on the cross, it became a command for all believers.
According to book of Luke 23:43 “And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.”
It’s also important to understand that a person can still enter heaven even without being baptized. Many people in the Old Testament Abraham, Abel, Elijah, and Enoch were not baptized, yet they were righteous before God. Baptism was introduced during the ministry of John the Baptist and continued by the Lord Jesus Christ.
The thief crucified beside Jesus was forgiven and promised paradise, not because he was baptized, but because Jesus the Savior and Lawgiver showed him mercy. Jesus personally declared that the thief would be with Him in paradise. Matthew 28:19 “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:”
However, believers today cannot use the thief’s situation as an excuse to reject baptism. The thief received mercy because he sincerely believed in Jesus during their final moments on the cross. His exemption was due to his circumstances he met Jesus at the end of his life, and there was no physical opportunity for baptism. Both of them were nailed to crosses under Roman authority, making baptism impossible.
There is always an exception in the law, and the thief was that exception. He believed, he repented, and Jesus granted him grace. But for us who still have time and opportunity, obedience to Christ’s command of baptism remains essential.
Thanks for reading.