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Answer · The New Birth

What about the thief on the cross?

His salvation under Christ's earthly authority does not cancel the later command given to the church.

Direct answer

The thief died before the new-covenant gospel response was commanded and preached after Christ's death and resurrection.

Place the event in covenant history

Jesus had not yet died, been buried, risen, or commissioned the apostles to preach the completed gospel to all nations.

Follow the post-resurrection command

After the resurrection, “What shall we do?” receives the apostolic answer of repentance, baptism in Jesus' name, and the Holy Ghost.

Key Scriptures

Luke 23:39–43Jesus grants mercy to the thief before the new-covenant gospel is preached after the resurrection.Luke 24:46–47The risen Christ connects the completed gospel to repentance and remission preached in his name.Acts 2:37–38The first post-resurrection gospel appeal receives an apostolic response of repentance and Jesus-name baptism.
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The New Birth

The apostolic response to the gospel includes repentance, water baptism, and receiving the Holy Ghost.

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Luke 23:39–43
Luke 23:39–43Open in Bible appYouVersion / Bible.comOpen in Bible GatewayBrowser fallback · KJV
Luke 24:46–47
Luke 24:46–47Open in Bible appYouVersion / Bible.comOpen in Bible GatewayBrowser fallback · KJV
Acts 2:37–38
Acts 2:37–38Open in Bible appYouVersion / Bible.comOpen in Bible GatewayBrowser fallback · KJV
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The New Birth

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Guided pathwayRepentanceGuided pathwayReceiving the Holy Ghost