The Thief on the Cross

Introduction:
The thief on the cross is mentioned only in 14 verses in the NT. (Mt. 27:38, 44; Mk. 15:27-28, 32; Lk. 23:32-33, 39-43; Jhn. 19:18, 22) While Jesus was on earth He laid down general principles of salvation—but specific terms of pardon where fully announced by his apostles following His death. There are those who point to the thief as an example of being saved into eternity without baptism—therefore baptism is not necessary for men today. Tonight’s lesson will prove that nothing can be held as an example of pardon today that occurred before the Lord’s death, burial, and resurrection.

I. A closer look at the thief on the cross.
    A. Notice: the scriptures do not say that the thief was not baptized.
        1. No question thief forgiven that day—but no one can say he had never been baptized!
        2. Mt. 3:5-6; Jhn. 4:1-2– many baptized during days of Christ’s ministry.
    B. Note his unusual knowledge of Christ as expressed in Lk. 23:39-41
        1. Called Jesus “Lord.” and knew of His “kingdom.”

II. A careful look at the time of the thief’s death.
    A. He died during Christ’s earthly ministry.
        1. Old testament laws still in force. Col. 2:14
        2. Heb. 9:16-17—new law not effective as it’s testator still alive.
        3. To return to the Old Testament law would cause us trouble—Gal. 5:4
    B. He died before the Lord’s church was established.
        1. Acts 2—here the beginning of the church of Christ.
        2. Lk. 24:27—before this repentance/remission of sins not been taught in His name.
    C. Forgiveness and all spiritual blessings are given AFTER the church established
        1. Impossible for the thief to know any of these.
        2. 1 Cor. 15:1-3—he could not have know the gospel as we do today.

III. A look at the new law of Christ.
    A. Jesus died on the cross to put His will into effect.
    B. Thief lived and died before the will of Christ went into effect.
        1. He was never subjected to its conditions.
        2. However….he did all that was required of him.

Conclusion:
A. Have you obeyed the conditions of salvation for Christ?

Thanks to Mike Cornwell of Brighton, MO who contributed to this outline.



The Thief on the Cross Introduction: The thief on the cross is mentioned only in 14 verses in the NT. (Mt. 27:38, 44; Mk. 15:27-28, 32; Lk. 23:32-33, 39-43; Jhn. 19:18, 22) While Jesus was on earth He laid down general principles of salvation—but specific terms of pardon where fully announced by his apostles following His death. There are those who point to the thief as an example of being saved into eternity without baptism—therefore baptism is not necessary for men today. Tonight’s lesson will prove that nothing can be held as an example of pardon today that occurred before the Lord’s death, burial, and resurrection. I. A closer look at the thief on the cross. A. Notice: the scriptures do not say that the thief was not baptized. 1. No question thief forgiven that day—but no one can say he had never been baptized! 2. Mt. 3:5-6; Jhn. 4:1-2– many baptized during days of Christ’s ministry. B. Note his unusual knowledge of Christ as expressed in Lk. 23:39-41 1. Called Jesus “Lord.” and knew of His “kingdom.” II. A careful look at the time of the thief’s death. A. He died during Christ’s earthly ministry. 1. Old testament laws still in force. Col. 2:14 2. Heb. 9:16-17—new law not effective as it’s testator still alive. 3. To return to the Old Testament law would cause us trouble—Gal. 5:4 B. He died before the Lord’s church was established. 1. Acts 2—here the beginning of the church of Christ. 2. Lk. 24:27—before this repentance/remission of sins not been taught in His name. C. Forgiveness and all spiritual blessings are given AFTER the church established 1. Impossible for the thief to know any of these. 2. 1 Cor. 15:1-3—he could not have know the gospel as we do today. III. A look at the new law of Christ. A. Jesus died on the cross to put His will into effect. B. Thief lived and died before the will of Christ went into effect. 1. He was never subjected to its conditions. 2. However….he did all that was required of him. Conclusion: A. Have you obeyed the conditions of salvation for Christ? *Thanks to Mike Cornwell of Brighton, MO who contributed to this outlin*e.