STUDY QUESTIONS FOR “the thief on the cross”

  1. Explain the argument that sometimes is used by those who appeal to the case of the thief on the cross as an example of why a person can be saved without baptism.

  2. If someone suggests that the thief on the cross was never baptized, what is wrong with that suggestion?

  3. Why is the example of the thief on the cross not a good example to use when discussing what people today need to do to be saved?

  4. What is the implication of the thief’s statement to Jesus, “Lord, when You come into Your kingdom, remember me”?

  5. What can be properly inferred from the thief’s statement to the other thief who was be­ing crucified along with him—“We receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong”?

  6. According to Matthew 3:5, who was going to John the Immerser to be baptized?

  7. Under which covenant did the thief on the cross live—the Old Covenant or the New Covenant?

  8. Explain the significance of your answer to question #7 above.

  9. According to Colossians 2:14, when did the Old Covenant pass away?

10. According to Hebrews 9:16-18, what must happen before a testament can take effect?

11. Considering your response to question #10 above, at what point in history did the New Covenant supercede the Old Covenant?

12. What does Mark 2:10-11 tell us that Jesus had the power to do while He lived here on Earth?

13. In light of the teaching of Hebrews 13:8, explain why Jesus would not say one thing while here on Earth and then say something contradictory in His last will and testament —the New Covenant (the Word of God).

14. According to John 16:13, what did Jesus promise to give to His apostles?

15. According to 2 Peter 1:3, did Jesus keep that promise?

16. What did Peter mean when he said in Acts 2:38, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins”?

17. According to Acts 22:16, how does one “call on the name of the Lord”?

18. What important piece of information does Mark 16:15-16 give us about baptism?

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