After Pentecost
The Day of Pentecost must have been an amazing experience! God’s prophetic will to save mankind from himself had come full circle and fruition (Genesis 3:15, 28:14, 2 Samuel 7:12-13, Isaiah 2:2-4, Daniel 2:44-45, Zechariah 6:12-13, Matthew 16:16-19, Mark 9:1, Luke 1:32, John 20:29-31, Acts 2:14-39, NKJV). Those who believed and were obedient to this Gospel message were saved. God then added them to the Church (Acts 2:47). This was the culmination of his saving plan from the beginning of time (Hebrews 4:3). But this was never meant to be the end of things, only the beginning. Jesus encouraged us through Thomas to save ALL who believe yet did not see Him Walk this earth. Those who came before the Cross are saved by this precious grace which flowed backward from Calgary (Romans 3:25).
What came after Pentecost was a faith not based on works and personal intimacy in walking with a physical Jesus, but now flows from the knowledge in the truth left afterward. This falters the steps of those who want to be saved “like the thief on the cross”. Periodically one will meet a sincere, searching, often unlearned person desiring to go to Heaven. In their spiritual immaturity, they often desire a plan of salvation which is now obsolete. Yes, the thief believed (Luke 23:42). Yes, the thief was saved by grace. Yes, the thief declared repentance and confession (Luke 23:41), but MOST unknowing souls use this as an objection to baptism. Many will note, that since he hung from the cross and died, he did not or was unable to be immersed in water for the remission of his sins. With only this understanding to guide a decision, I would be inclined to do the same.
The Bible teaches Jesus’ death ushered in the last days (Hebrews 1:2). This commenced a new pattern of living and salvation justified by Christ’s blood through obedience (Romans 10:17, Mark 16:16, Luke 13:3, Matthew 10:32-33, Acts 2:38). These are they which will be saved from their sin. It would be nice to be saved like the thief, but I do not believe any of us are willing to suffer his cross to do so. I encourage all to follow the pattern after Pentecost, not the unattainable one before. Think about it.
God Bless,
Archie R. Green
0 Comments