The Romans didn’t execute common criminals by that method.
Crucifixion was reserved for crimes against Rome. So it is highly unlikely that Jesus was flanked on Cavalry by thieves.
You know, I suppose I could have been charged with heresy and burned for saying such things not too very long ago, or at least flogged. But that was then and this is now.
Today, you may not have enough self-respect to control yourself by not making outlandish statements—such as that Welch’s grape juice and unsalted crackers actually become flesh & blood—but if you do, you’ve got to expect to be called on it by those of us who do have some respect for ourselves and the truth.
I know this has very little to do with this thread, but regarding this specific question, Our Lord Jesus Christ died before the believing thief. Verses 32-33 of Chapter 19 of the Gospel of John
John 19:30-37
30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.
31 The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.
32 Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him.
33 But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs:
34 But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.
35 And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe.
36 For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken.
37 And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced.
But that is a minor side point. You are correct. Church membership won't save you. The Lord Jesus Christ Saves - and the Lord Jesus Christ alone.
Catholic seem to believe their doctrine supercedes the plain words of Joel, Peter and Paul, which are as follows:
"And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall call." (Joel 2:32 KJV)
"And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Acts 2:21 KJV)
"For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent?" (Rom 10:12-15 KJV)
There are no other requirements to be saved.
Philip