ChatGPT and The Thief on the Cross

Question for ChatGPT:

If people use the penitent thief on the cross to say that people do not have to be baptized in water today to be saved, how would you respond?

ChatGPT said:

“If someone argues that the penitent thief on the cross proves that baptism is not necessary for salvation today, here are a few ways you could respond:

1. The Thief Lived Under the Old Covenant

• The thief on the cross was saved before Jesus’ death and resurrection, meaning he was still under the Old Covenant (Hebrews 9:16-17).
• Baptism in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38) was instituted after His resurrection.
• Therefore, the thief’s salvation was based on Jesus’ direct authority while He was on earth, not on the terms of the New Covenant.

2. Jesus Had the Authority to Forgive Sins Directly

• Throughout His ministry, Jesus forgave sins directly (e.g., Mark 2:5-12; Luke 7:48-50).
• He had the power to save the thief in the same way, without requiring baptism.
• After His resurrection, however, Jesus commanded baptism as part of the gospel (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16).

3. The Great Commission Came After the Thief’s Salvation

• Jesus’ command to baptize (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:16) was given after His resurrection.
• The church and the new covenant plan of salvation began on Pentecost (Acts 2).
• The thief was not subject to these commands because he died before they were instituted.

4. Baptism for Salvation is Clearly Taught in the New Testament

• After Jesus’ resurrection, baptism is consistently associated with salvation:
  • Mark 16:16 – “He who believes and is baptized will be saved.”
  • Acts 2:38 – “Repent and be baptized… for the forgiveness of sins.”
  • Acts 22:16 – “Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins.”
  • Romans 6:3-4 – Baptism unites us with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection.
  • 1 Peter 3:21 – “Baptism now saves you.”

5. God’s Plan of Salvation is Different for People Today

• The thief on the cross was an exceptional case where Jesus personally granted salvation.
• Today, we follow the New Testament pattern of hearing the gospel, believing, repenting, confessing Jesus as Lord, being baptized, and living faithfully (Romans 10:9-10; Acts 2:38; Revelation 2:10).

Conclusion:

The thief on the cross does not serve as an example of New Testament salvation. He was saved by Jesus under the Old Covenant before Christian baptism was commanded. Today, under the New Covenant, baptism is an essential part of God’s plan for salvation.”