‘Holy Ghost and Fire Baptism is essential for Salvation’ The story of the thief on the cross has been used by many preachers to misrepresent scripture and to persuade many people that water baptism and the Holy Spirit baptism are not essential for salvation. They claimed that the thief was “saved “at the last minute. This is NOT in the scriptures. The bible narrative identifies two male factors (evil doers), each crucified on either side of the Lord on the cross. There was some interchange between them until one in particular put his request to the Lord: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom”, The Lord made a clear reply:” … I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:42-43.) Let us note the terms used and the background of scriptures already expressed with clarity by the Lord. The thief asked for entry into the kingdom. Jesus’ teaching concerning his kingdom is very clear: … “Verily, Verily, I say unto thee, except a man is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Again in the same passage of scripture: “… Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3-6.) Jesus had also declared: “… It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.” (John 16-7.) The coming of the “Spirit” was on the day of Pentecost some fifty days later. Peter had already been alerted: “But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou heart converted, strengthen thy brethren.” (Luke 22-32). The bible teaches that conversion (salvation) came on the day of Pentecost – not before! We note again the reply that the Lord made to the thief: “… Verily I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23-43). Paradise is mentioned three times in the bible. The root meaning of the word is a park or garden. The Lord and the two malefactors died and were buried in the earth (garden). The sequence that follows is the basis of Christianity. Jesus’ tomb was empty – He arose. “But every man in his own order: Christ the first fruits; afterwards that they are Christ’s at his coming (return).” 1 Corinthians 15-23). To be saved all must be born of water and of the spirit. (John 3:3-6 – Acts 2:38-39). THE THIEF WAS NOT – HE WAS UNSAVED! …
Posted on: Thu, 10 Oct 2013 09:31:55 +0000
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