QUESTION: If none can be saved outside the church without baptism, how is it that Jesus saved many without the church or baptism when He was on the earth?
ANSWER: During Jesus’ earthly ministry, the Great Commission of Mark 16:15- 16 had not yet been given; the church had not yet been established. It did not come into existence until fifty days after His death. Therefore, the people saved by Jesus during His public ministry, having lived under the Old Testament Law (including the thief on the cross) were saved neither in the church, nor out of the church! Jesus physically healed and forgave sins while on this earth in order to prove His divinity (Matthew 9:1-6), not to set a pattern by which men for all time could receive remission of sins. This one authorized pattern was set forth for the first time on the birthday of the church, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). It is binding upon all men everywhere, even unto the end of the world (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:39). Those who gladly receive and obey this one pattern will be added by the Lord to His church (Acts 2:41-47). There is no other pattern; no other way!