The repentance of the thief on the cross is a powerful story indeed. It shows us that conversions can happen at the end of one’s life; that even the vilest criminals will be accepted by God if they come to Him; that no more than a request for salvation made in faith is required by God.
Quoting: TheWorldsEnemy There are so many who are going to be supremely disappointed when their judgment sends them off to the Lake of Fire.
They include those who:
-claim or believe all one has to do is request salvation or profess belief in Jesus Christ
-perform or think in other forms of heresy- such as...
-are waiting for a pre-trib rapture that isn't coming
-do not understand what it means and takes to be vigilant and spiritually wise enough to identify and evade the mark
-make up their own covenant and expect the Lord to adhere to it.
If only getting to "heaven" were as simple as verbalizing a commitment to the Lord.
Instead- it is very much exactly as we are all warned in
Rev 3:21To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throneWhich most seem to ignore or miss. Jesus didn't "overcome" divorce or drug addiction. He also didn't overcome a simple repentance. He overcame hardcore pain, suffering, persection and death.
You will too if you expect to be among the few.
You best repent, get saved and THEN remove yourself from living in Satan's system (the modern world) and live as sin free as possible 24/7 without going back...THEN avoid the MotB...and prove your true faith by accepting persecution and execution over that mark.
We are told this in
Matthew 7:12-1313 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.Understand? No shortcuts or half efforts will cut it for the final generation.
And referencing any Bible but the KJV when it comes to English interpretation is a bad idea.