Originally posted by knightmeister
You might want to look at the idea that the thief had truly repented and had transformed his heart. ---ToO----
Transformed his heart ? I thought that was Jesus' job , or maybe we just don't need him?
In any case there is no evidence that this happened at that point , what we DO know is that he chose to believe.
Jesus doesn't say why He said what He did.
Luke 23:40-43
But the other answered, and rebuking him said, "Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41
And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong." 42 And he was saying, "Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!" 43 And He said to him, "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise."
If the only criteria is proclaiming "belief" in Jesus, then why does Jesus say the following:
Matthew 7:21-23
Not everyone who says to me,'Lord, Lord,' will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will tell me in that day,'Lord, Lord, didn't we prophesy in your name, in your name cast out demons, and in your name do many mighty works?' Then I will tell them,'I never knew you.
Depart from me, you who work iniquity.'
Jesus explicitly states that not everyone who calls him "Lord" will enter heaven. Evidently it take more than "proclaiming belief". What might it take? Jesus goes on to explicitly state that only those who do the will of God will enter heaven. Jesus also explictly tells those who commit acts of sin to depart from Him. In case there's any question, acts of sin go against the will of God. It all ties out.