So Christ was lying when He time the (unbaptized) thief in the cross he would be with Him in paradise?
Christ had not yet died for the sins of the world. Being baptized was not an option for the thief, nor for all the godly believers before the cross. But after Christ died for our sins, the need to be baptized began.
More here.
http://executableoutlines.com/ba/ba_05.htm