Please forgive the length of this post and its indirect relation to water baptism.
As for the thief on the cross...he too is an example, not an exception. (BTW, I had to pray sincerely/significantly about him before this was opened to me.) The thief on the cross was an example indeed....of what was required under the OLD covenant. (I’m hoping people will at least consider the following before choosing the knee-jerk reaction of disbelief)
Let’s consider it from the aspect of believing the gospel for salvation:
Some suggest that the new testament gospel is “defined” in 1 Corinthians 15. Well, we only need to read the first two verses of that “definition” to understand that the full NT gospel was not even available to be preached to the thief on the cross...because it includes Jesus’ resurrection...which did NOT happen before the thief died.
1 Corinthians 15:3 “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;” 1 Corinthians 15:4 “And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:”
Even the 12 apostles (if Peter and John are any indication) didn’t understand the aspect of his resurrection until after his resurrection…
John 20:8 Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed. John 20:9 For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.
Now....Let’s consider it from the aspect of receiving the Holy Ghost:
The same Paul, who said the gospel includes Jesus’ resurrection, also said “Now if any man have not the spirit of Christ, he is none of his” - Romans 8:9
And the same John said John_7:39 “ (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.” Jesus himself also stating in John_16:7 “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.”
I used to think that Jesus departed from them at the cross… but, again after prayer, God opened the fact that Jesus didn’t depart from them at the cross...He departed from them at his ascension...as supported by Jesus’ words in Acts 1:4-5 (after his death but prior to his ascension)..stating that the outpouring still wasn’t available.
Acts_1:4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. Acts_ 1:5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
SO... if the full gospel has to be believed for salvation...and the full New testament gospel wasn't even available..then the thief on the cross wasn't under that new testament requirement. Hence, he is still under the OT system.
AND...If it is a new testament requirement to receive the Holy Ghost in order to be one of "His"...and the Holy Ghost wasn't even available until after Jesus' ascension...again, the thief on the cross is still under the Old system.
SO... if THOSE New Testament requirements do not apply to the thief on the cross, neither would a NT baptism be required of the thief on the cross. (regardless if baptism is or isn't a new testament requirement).
Others have already pointed out that the bible doesn't say whether he was...or wasn't...baptized with the baptism available in the OT.
Again, my apologies for the length.
Love in Jesus,
Kelby