Yeah, he really took the easy way out, all he had to do was be crucified for his crimes, just like my Savior, who died precisely to spare us the wages of our sins. Personally, I'd rather do the faithful worship route. Will I and my faith be tested along the way? Certainly. Would I be willing to hang on a cross for my beliefs? Easy to say "yes" from behind a keyboard, but I suspect nobody could ever know for sure unless they were faced with that very test.
LOL you guys are so funny. Did I or anyone else hint that the thief on the cross took the easy way out. If you want to get into this discussion with any depth, try stating something doctrinal or where anyone is wrong by showing a scripture to back it up. Stay away from the lightweight dribble.
There is the heart of the error of Rome. If you think that somehow you are "faithful" enough to warrant heaven, you think wrongly, my FRiend. According to Paul, there is no one who seeks God, no one who is adequately "faithful", no one who will take the other way out. Paul notes that unless God rescues you by His decision, you will remain dead in your trespasses and sins...irrespective of the great life you may think you live.
So then, it does not depend on man who runs (lives faithfully) or the man who wills (chooses God), but upon God. And He will have mercy upon whom He desires and He will harden whom He desires.
May want to read the letter to the Romans all the way through sometime...if Rome allows.