How Does the Thief Fit into Salvation Theology?

Good question! How does the thief on the cross fit into theology? Not "my" theology or "your" theology,  but let's take a Biblical look at it....

We find the account of the conversation between Jesus and the 2 thieves recorded in Matthew 27:33-44 + Mark 15:22-32 + Luke 23: 32-43.  

Jesus is being reviled and mocked as He hung writhing in agony on the cruel cross of Calvary.  On one side hung a thief worthy of death.  Despite his agony, he joined in the mockery. 

On the other side hung the other thief who realized they were deserving of death. He rebuked the other thief for his mockery and for lack of proper fear toward God.  He knew they were getting ready to meet their Maker and give account for all their sins. He had a healthy fear of God as he humbly asked Jesus to remember him when He came into His Kingdom.  

Jesus said unto him, "Verily I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with Me in Paradise."

At this point,  they are still under the Old Testament dispensation of Law where atonement for sin still came through the sacrifice of a spotless lamb.  JESUS offered Himself as the spotless Lamb that day and made atonement for that man's sins. 

So, is that all we need to do as well?

Jesus was crucified in Mark 15. He resurrected in Mark 16.  After Jesus rose from the grave, He appeared to the Disciples and continued to teach and expound Scripture.  

He instructed them to GO into all the world and PREACH THE GOSPEL.  (Mk 16:15)

Then He taught: he that BELIEVETH AND IS BAPTIZED shall be saved. But he that believeth not shall be damned. (Mk 16:16)

JESUS instructed that we must not only believe but we must also be baptized in order to be saved.  Peter (taught by Jesus) also taught that baptism doth also now save us (1 Peter 3:21) and commanded all to repent and be baptized EVERY ONE in the Name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38). 

Jesus continued teaching the Disciples in Mark 16 verse 17... THESE SIGNS SHALL FOLLOW THEM THAT BELIEVE...they SHALL SPEAK WITH NEW TONGUES...

Jesus taught AFTER His resurrection (1) we must believe (2) we must be baptized in order to be saved (3) signs should follow every believer including speaking with new tongues (receiving the Holy Ghost) which Peter preached as well on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:38-39).

The thief on the cross was saved under the old Testament dispensation of law.  

We are now in the New Testament Church dispensation which began on the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Ghost was first poured out.  

We are now commanded to repent of our sins, be baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins (Acts 10:48), and we shall receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost evidenced by speaking in new tongues. (Acts 2:38-39)

Jesus taught it to His Disciples who then taught it to every one they came in contact with.  

The Bible says if we don't have the Spirit of Christ in us, we are none of His. (Romans 8:9) We don't belong to Him. We're not His child if His Spirit is not in us. We need Christ's Spirit residing in us.  Don't let the devil deceive you out of receiving the greatest Gift...the Holy Ghost! It's for you and to as many as the Lord our God shall call.  

For further study or questions, you can read more by following this link or contact us.  

http://ministering4christ.blogspot.com/2020/07/what-must-i-do-to-be-saved.html?m=1

http://ministering4christ.blogspot.com/2022/01/have-you-received-holy-ghost.html?m=1