People give a variety of reasons for rejecting the Bible’s association between baptism and remission of sins. Some claim that since the thief on the cross was saved without being baptized, so can we. The thief may, or may not, have been baptized earlier (Mark. 1:5; John 3:22). Either way, to avoid twisting the Scriptures, we must see if God intends for us to be saved just like the thief was.

• Did the thief believe that Jesus was raised from the dead and ascended to the right hand of God? Must we? (Acts 2:30)
• Could the thief be baptized into Jesus’ death? Must we? (Romans 6:3-4)
• Could the thief be baptized into “one body” [which did not yet exist]? Must we? (1 Cor. 12:13)

It is possible that the thief was forgiven of his sins without baptism as were Moses, David, and many others. Today, we must hear the words Jesus spoke after He was resurrected-- “He that believes and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16).