We had the baptism debate months ago, with one of the examples being the thief on the cross beside Jesus - who told him he would be with him in heaven. Right?

That thief wasn't baptized. Dunked, sprinkled, anointed, whatever you want to call it or however you think "baptism" is to be done. He hung on the cross beside Jesus and died.

If you believe you're not saved until you're dunked then that's on you. I'll believe Jesus on his dying day saving a criminal hanging beside him.