Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
The thief on the cross did not have the opportunity to do ant missionary work, or visit the fatherless and the poor in their affliction. He did not have time or the opportunity to do any of these good things in the literal world, which would often signal to the casual observer that true repentance is taking place. He did not even get baptized.
In fact, the thief on the cross never uttered those words “I am sorry, forgive me”. All he asked for was that Jesus remember him when He will come in His kingdom, and thus, the thief on the cross would be saved strictly on the merits of the Gift and promise.
Those trembling words, uttered by the thief on the cross, was not the result of his own doing. He did not, after years of banditry, suddenly have a change of heart, as he stared into eternity without hope. It was the work of God in his heart, that led him to say what he said as he chooses to accept God’s free gift.
Luke 23:40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. 42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
May God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!