Saved Like a Thief

"The thief on the cross wasn't baptized, so why should I be?" It's one of the most common objections to baptism. This tract answers it with care, straight from Scripture.

Saved Like a Thief is a tract by Carl McMurray on the thief who died beside Jesus. It explains why his salvation isn't the pattern for us today and points readers to the conversions recorded in Acts.

Why Hand Out This Tract

Many sincere people rest their hope of salvation on the thief's story. This tract gently shows that the thief lived and died under the Old Law, that no one can prove he was never baptized, and that Jesus forgave sins in person while He was on earth. Then it turns to the book of Acts, where every conversion follows the same pattern of hearing, believing, and being baptized for the forgiveness of sins.

What It Covers

• A different covenant: the thief lived under the Old Law, and the new covenant came through Jesus' blood (Hebrews 7:12; Luke 22:20)
• An assumption, not a fact: Matthew 3:5-6 and why no one should rest salvation on a guess
• Jesus' authority on earth: Matthew 9:6 and what that means for us now
• The pattern in Acts: Pentecost, Samaria, Saul, Cornelius, Lydia, and the jailer (Acts 2:38; 22:16; Romans 6:3-7)

Ways to Use It

Give it to friends who've raised the thief on the cross in a conversation about baptism, use it in personal Bible studies, and keep it in your tract rack for visitors with questions about salvation.

Custom Imprinting

Want your congregation's information on every tract? Choose Custom Imprint ($0.95 per tract) and we'll print your church's logo, website, and address on the back.

After you place your order, email office@spiritbuilding.com with:

• Your order number
• Your congregation's name, address, and website
• Your logo as a high-resolution PNG, JPG, or PDF

We'll begin printing once we have your information.

Common Questions

How much does it cost?
$0.70 per tract, or $0.95 with a custom imprint, with no minimum order.

Is there room for our church's name?
Yes. The back has a blank "These thoughts are presented by..." line you can stamp or label yourself, or choose Custom Imprint and we'll print your logo, website, and address for you.

About the Author

This tract was written by Carl McMurray. See more of his work in the Carl McMurray collection.

Browse all Spiritbuilding tracts or try the Tract Sampler.

Product Details

• Author: Carl McMurray
• Publisher: Spiritbuilding Publishers
• Format: Trifold tract
• Language: English
• Price: $0.70 each; $0.95 with custom imprint