Luke 23 39-43:
"39 One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, "Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!" 40 But the other answered, and rebuking him said, "Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 "And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong." 42 And he was saying, "Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!" 43 And He said to him, "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise."
The other thief is assured by Jesus Christ, Himself that he will be in Heaven with Him in Paradise. This thief was not baptized.
Being baptized is an act of obedience and identification with Christ. It is not a prerequisite for one's salvation, as not all who have accepted Christ have necessarily been baptized or have necessarily had the opportunity to be baptized.
FReegards!
Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!" 43 And He said to him, "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise."
As a Catholic I was taught there are three types of Baptism. 1. by water,2.Blood (martyrdom),and 3. desire. Which would cover the thief on the cross.
The criminal spoke not words from his lips, but belief from his heart. That is why he was saved.
I think it's a good question, though.
The answer seems to be "Yes!", but also "no" and "maybe", depending on who you ask, but it's a question we have to each answer for ourselves.
I can't claim the Father's understanding, so I'm working out my own answer to that question day by day, even hour by hour to minute by minute sometimes.
As such, and for what it's worth, as the material might be unexpected, this message, "Ask For The Grace Of Compunction", is helpful for me.
Also, given the perspective found in the message "The Ten Commandments", I know that I'm definitely not where I need to be with my heart, words and deeds.
I'm a sinner in a confused, sin-saturated world and there are still dark places in my being, habits, thoughts, reactions, etc., that I've not yet surrendered to the the Holy Trinity.
Not sure why I fight so about some things but will surrender so easily with others, but that's how it is with me and my inner rebel. Definitely not on the Path of Virtues these days, but at least now I've heard of it.
Bottom line? I've read, and I believe that it's a very good thing, that this is a time of His Grace and Mercy.
