What about the thief on the cross?
His salvation under Christ's earthly authority does not cancel the later command given to the church.
Direct answer
The thief died before the new-covenant gospel response was commanded and preached after Christ's death and resurrection.
Place the event in covenant history
Jesus had not yet died, been buried, risen, or commissioned the apostles to preach the completed gospel to all nations.
Follow the post-resurrection command
After the resurrection, “What shall we do?” receives the apostolic answer of repentance, baptism in Jesus' name, and the Holy Ghost.
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