Subject: "need" for baptiam |
Bible Note: Greetings Toft! The answer to this question is found in the entire fourth chapter of Romans. Everyone is saved by faith. Old and New Testament believers alike were all saved by faith in God. The faith of those in the Old Testament looked forward to what Christ would do on the cross, while the faith of those in the New Testament looked back upon what Christ had done on the cross. Paul said: Romans 4:1 - "What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather, discovered in this matter? 2 If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God. 3 What does the Scripture say? ‘‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”" Romans 4:13 - " It was not through law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. 14 For if those who live by law are heirs, faith has no value and the promise is worthless, 15 because law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression" Romans 4:23 - "The words ‘‘it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, 24 but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification." Thus, the thief was forgiven in exactly the same way that every believer throughout time has been or ever will be forgiven - through grace by faith. Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |