Thief on the cross already saved?

Question

Is it possible that the thief on the cross already knew of Jesus' ministry and was a believer, he knew what Jesus could do for him didn't he?

Answer 1

According to Mark 15:32, at first both of the theives mocked Jesus. If the one theif was already a believer, I don't think He would have mocked Jesus. The quick turn-around in his heart shows us the power and forgiving love of Christ; in Luke 23:39-43 we see him admit he is a sinner and deserves punishment, and admit that Christ is perfect and could save him. So, Christ saved Him. Amen? Amen!

Answer 2

It is possible that the thief was aware of our Lord's ministry, but that does not necessarily mean that he was saved. He asked for salvation on the cross and received it. There are many people today that are very much aware of Jesus and his ongoing ministry through believer, yet they refuse to accept him as Lord and Savior. I meet a lot of them in church and on the Internet. You can never be sure of a person's commitment to Christ until you hear them make a public confession of faith. This is what the confessing church is all about---public confession that Jesus and only Jesus is Lord, and that only the blood of Jesus saves.

Answer 3

I believe that the theives being crucified with Jesus knew of Him. They knew His ministry, but probably were not believers in Him or followers of His teachings. If he were, he would not have to "ask for salvation" again.

The one thief came to know of Christ's salvation and grace when he asked to be remembered when Christ came into His kingdom. Jesus assured him the indeed the thief would be with Him in paradise.

Answer 4

This doesn't seem like much of a question. You can support your own point just by reading the passage. The thief's comment suggest he knew and believed, and Jesus promised him paradise.

Answer 5

Anything is possible. I would agree that he knew of Jesus' ministry (he new that Jesus was being wrongly executed) however, while he may have known intellectually what Jesus could do for him, he wasn't living as a believer.

Answer 6

Perhaps the thief had heard of Jesus, just as everyone else had. The thief was not already saved, it can be determined so be of what Jesus said to him; (Notice - "Today")

LUKE 23:42-43

42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.

43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.

Answer 7

Yes, Jesus made the thief a promise.

Luke 23:39-43
39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!"

40 But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? 41We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong."

42 Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.[f]"

43 Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."

Answer 8

Of course. That is very likely the reason He could say "this man has done nothing wrong."

Although he may not have truly believed until that moment. Or maybe not! What we do learn from this scripture is that it doesn't take a special prayer to be born again... it take belief. We also learn that people go to heaven immediately after death (i.e., no "soul sleep").

Answer 9

That is not likely. If he knew and followed Jesus's teachings then he won't be a theif anymore. Nice idea though.

Answer 10

he had to have known, everyone knew but not all believed. when he realized that they were actually going to crucify Jesus, he must have thought that without Jesus' forgiviness or promise, he was destined for hell (as the Sadducies adn Pharisees had said)