Some people argue that because the thief on the cross was saved without baptism that means we are saved without baptism today (Luke 23:42-43).

Obviously, the thief wasn’t taken down from the cross and baptized at that moment, but how do you know he wasn’t baptized prior to his crucifixion?

Many people were baptized by John for the remission of sins (Mark 1:4-5), and Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John (John 4:1-3). This thief could have been one of them.

Also, this thief seems to have known about the identity and mission of Jesus. “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom” (Luke 23:42).

Now, I have no way of proving that he was baptized prior to this event, but no one can prove that he wasn’t. Regardless, as we pointed out in last Sunday’s sermon, the salvation of the thief on the cross is not an example of how we are saved today.