[Alas]

Does not alter the fact that the thief on the cross had no chance of being baptised. Therefore baptism is not the way to salvation.

[Aquinasfan]

Does not alter the fact that the thief on the cross had no chance of being baptised. Therefore baptism is not the way to salvation.

If you believe that Moses and Elijah (who were not baptised) could have been saved prior to Jesus' coming, then it becomes apparent that the case of the good thief is nothing exceptional. Those saints who died prior to Jesus' resurrection, and His opening of the gates of Heaven, went to "Abraham's bosom."