He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved

   It is the general rule of this universe that there cannot be a general rule for all situations and individuals. There will be and must be exceptions for every rule. This is the rule that governs the universe – There may be some exceptions even for this rule! All the laws in the spiritual and physical realm are applicable situationally. All the moral and ethical laws are applicable dispensationally and situationally. An act or a deed which is allowed in one dispensation is counted as sin and crime in another dispensation. A thing which is an abomination in a given situation and dispensation will be highly revered and loved in another situation. This is the all embracing law of the universe. Many examples can be given to substantiate this statement.

   Under the Mosaic law of Old Testament it was prohibited for an ordinary Israelite to eat the bread that was in the Holy place of the Temple of God. But we know that David entered into the Holy place and ate the Holy bread of the Temple of God. On the surface level it seemed as though David was breaking and transgressing the law of God. But God accepted the actions of David and blessed him. David was an exception in God’s judgment and assessment. Many more similar examples can be given. God had deliberately commanded prophet Hosea to marry a Harlot. This was actually prohibited for any spiritual leader of Israel. The case of Hosea was an exception. Moses himself gave the commandment of the Lord to the kings and leaders of Israel that they should not marry a woman from gentile nations. But Moses himself had later married a Cushite woman. Moses was again an exception. The list will be long enough almost to write a small book.

   Apostle Paul wrote against the practice of circumcision among the Christians. But we know that he himself got Timothy and Titus circumcised!

   The Lord Jesus said – “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” but we know that the thief on the cross who repented and was saved was not baptized. The thief on the cross was an exception. It is good to see people who strictly want to keep the law of God. There is nothing wrong with that kind of an attitude. It can be even said that such an attitude is highly commendable. But we must also be mentally prepared to allow for some exceptions for every rule and law. All the rules and laws of God were given not only to restrict the freedom of mankind but to teach certain precious spiritual lessons. Let us learn to use the law of God to edify rather than cause harassment for people. May God give us the right perspective in this regard!