The man commonly called “the thief on the cross” was one of two criminals crucified beside Jesus. As he was dying, he turned to Jesus in faith and asked to be remembered. Jesus answered:
“Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise” ().
Because the account does not mention this man being baptized, some ask: If Jesus saved him without baptism, why should anyone believe baptism is necessary today?
That is a fair and important question. The answer is found in understanding when this promise was made, the authority Jesus possessed, and the instructions He gave after His death and resurrection.
Jesus Had Authority to Forgive Sins Directly
During His earthly ministry, Jesus personally forgave people’s sins.
When a paralyzed man was brought to Him, Jesus said:
“Son, your sins are forgiven” ().
Some of the scribes questioned how Jesus could say such a thing, because only God can forgive sins. Jesus responded by explaining that:
“The Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” ().
Jesus also told a woman who came to Him in sorrow and faith:
“Your sins are forgiven” ().
The man on the cross received this same personal mercy. He acknowledged his guilt, recognized the innocence of Jesus, and appealed to Him in faith:
“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” ().
Jesus possessed the authority to forgive him directly, just as He had forgiven others during His ministry. His promise to the man was certain, and nothing about the necessity of baptism today calls that promise into question.
The Gospel Command Was Given Afterward
The promise to the criminal was made before Jesus died, rose from the grave, and gave His apostles the command to make disciples of all nations.
The new covenant was established through the death of Christ. Hebrews explains:
“For where a will is involved, the death of the one who made it must be established. For a will takes effect only at death, since it is not in force as long as the one who made it is alive” ().
Jesus promised Paradise to the criminal while both men were still alive and while the old covenant remained in effect. The man was not living under the gospel command Christ would give following His resurrection.
After rising from the dead, Jesus instructed His apostles:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” ().
When the apostles first preached the risen Christ and people asked what they should do, Peter answered:
“Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins” ().
The criminal on the cross could not obey a command that had not yet been given. His circumstances were different from ours. We live after the death and resurrection of Jesus and have received the gospel instructions He gave for all nations.
Do We Know Whether the Man Had Ever Been Baptized?
The Bible does not tell us.
John the Baptist had baptized many people throughout the region, and Jesus’ disciples had also baptized during His earthly ministry (; ). It is therefore possible that the criminal had previously received John’s baptism, but Scripture gives us no reason to say that he certainly had.
It is equally unwise to insist that he had never been baptized. The account is silent about his earlier life.
We do not need to build the answer upon speculation. Whether or not the man had previously been baptized, Jesus personally promised to save him before the new covenant command was delivered. That fact is sufficient.
Does This Mean Baptism Is Unnecessary Today?
No. The criminal’s salvation shows that Jesus has authority to forgive sins. It does not overturn the instructions Jesus subsequently gave to those living under the gospel.
We would not use the forgiveness of the paralyzed man in Mark 2 to dismiss baptism. Neither should we use the criminal beside Jesus that way. Both men encountered Jesus during His earthly ministry and received mercy directly from Him.
Our responsibility is to follow the instructions Christ has given to us. Under the gospel, those who heard and believed were told to repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of their sins (). Saul was told:
“Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name” ().
Peter later wrote:
“Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” ().
We should receive Jesus’ mercy to the criminal and His command concerning baptism without setting one against the other. Both belong in their proper place within God’s revealed plan.
What Does the Thief on the Cross Teach Us?
The account reveals the depth of Christ’s mercy. The man could not undo his crimes or rebuild the life he had wasted. He could only acknowledge his guilt, turn to Jesus, and ask for mercy. Jesus did not turn him away.
That is good news for every sinner. No past is so ruined that Jesus is unwilling to forgive a person who turns to Him in sincere faith.
The account does not, however, provide an alternative plan of salvation for people living after Christ’s resurrection. We should not reach back to the circumstances of someone who received a personal promise from Jesus before the new covenant took effect and use them to dismiss what Jesus later commanded us to do.
Christ’s mercy and Christ’s commands do not oppose one another. The Savior who freely offers forgiveness is also the Lord whose words we are called to obey.
Churches of Christ have no central earthly headquarters, so Memorial cannot speak officially for every congregation using that name. This article explains how we understand the biblical account and what we teach here.
Examine the Account for Yourself
Read and consider what the passage says about the man, his faith, and the authority of Jesus. Then read Matthew 28, Acts 2, Acts 8, and Acts 22 to see what people were instructed to do after Jesus died and rose again.
Do not allow one passage to be used in a way that contradicts another. Give each account its proper place and allow the complete teaching of Scripture to guide your conclusion.
Examine God’s Word With Us
At Memorial Church of Christ, we would be glad to study this question with you. We do not want to offer a slogan or avoid difficult passages. Bring your questions, open the Bible with us, and examine every answer in light of God’s Word.
Plan your visit. Come as you are, and ask us anything.
If you would like to examine what the Bible teaches about becoming a Christian, start here.
When we meet:
- Sunday: Bible Class 9:00 am, Worship 10:00 am, Worship 6:00 pm
- Wednesday: Bible Class 7:00 pm