I agree we will go around in circles.
The thief of the cross is just not a good example of being saved because Jesus had not yet died for our sins - he was still alive. The salvation by grace for us came upon His death and resurrection.
Also, Jesus or God do not have to follow any rules whatsoever - we are the ones given instructions and expected to try and follow them. Jesus is the Lord and Saviour and God is the judge of all. In fact God stated that very fact in the Old Testament. That He would save who He wished, condemn who He wished - He Is the Law - not subject to the Law.
Some men say they accept Christ by faith - how is faith shown when those men ignore the verses mentioning repent and be baptized?
What man who does not believe would ever be baptised? It is an act of faith on the part of the one receiving the gift to be baptised for the remission of those sins.
Like you said - we could go around for ever. I have many relatives that are baptists and they are wonderful people. But it amazes me that they would draw a line over baptism claiming that our salvation is an act of faith that we could never earn it. Yet, their faith does not even lead them to following Jesus instructions of repent and be baptised for the remission of your sins.
Again, why the strong, strong need to deny the need for baptism? Such a simple act, yet such a stumbling block for many. I just wonder why.
As for me, because baptism is a work. Romans 3:28 "Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law." It's not the baptism of water that the Bible speaks of but the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Again...Mark 1:8 "I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost." It's the baptism of the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Holy Trinity, that Jesus was talking about, not of water. Matthew 20:23a"And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with:... Was His death, burial, and resurrection not enough for your salvation? It was for mine. If I have to "do something" for my salvation, then His sacrifice wasn't enough.