Testament of force

>Curious Questioner> The point about the thief dying under the old covenant, prior to Jesus' resurrection, and therefore not needing baptism, is...

Think again. Firstly, both of the thieves and one of the malefactors railed on Jesus: The other malefactor confessed the Lord Jesus, and received assurance that he would be with the Lord Jesus in paradise that day. (Notice in Luke 23:32-34, that the malefactors were led with him and were crucified before his raiment was parted, but in Matt.27:35-38, the two thieves were crucified with him after his garments were parted.)

Secondly, Jesus died at about 3pm local time. Before sunset, soldiers were sent to break the legs of those crucified, in order to hasten their death, and they confirmed that Jesus was "dead already."

It was both necessary for Jesus to die before the malefactor died, and for the malefactor to also die before the end of that day, since Jesus told him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. (Broken legs can sometimes be a good thing! :)

Thirdly, a testament is "of force" with the death of the testator. (See Heb.9:16,17) Therefore the new testament began with the death of the Lord Jesus, and was in effect before any of the others died.

Therefore the malefactor that was crucified with Christ, was saved by grace through faith after the new testament was of force.

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." (Eph.2:8,9)

"But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." (Rom.10:8,9)

"But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Rom.10:16,17)

Believest thou this? Remember that Jesus is the Lord and receive the love of the truth. Grace be unto you for Jesus' sake. Amen. --Richard