What About the Thief?

Both Christians and non-Christians alike are inundated with questions and uncertainties of water baptism. Jesus spoke of water baptism as a Must, [Greek word: dei: it is, (was) necessary]. Jesus said, "Verily, Verily, I say unto thee; You must be born again;" (Greek word: anagennao, pronounced, an-ag-en-nah¿-o), meaning to bear again, or beget again. "Again," is an adverb, meaning, at another time, or on another occasion, repeating what has happened or been done before. Legitimate questions: Is total immersion in water necessary?What is the purpose of immersion water baptism? Does formulation make a difference in baptism, according to the Holy Scriptures? Is baptism just a public confession of faith, somewhat like, coming out of the closet? When do we get the blood washing for our sins? Why do we need to use Jesus' name is baptism? The thief on the cross next to Jesus was never baptized. How did he hang there in the presence of Jesus, who made water baptism mandatory, and make it into the paradise of God without it? According to Jesus in St. John chapter 3, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God. Many deceived souls are seduced from the instructions of Christ, exploited through lust of the flesh; distracted through lust of the eyes, tempted from humility through the pride of life, and X'ed from the book of witness and record, by evil performances - dictated by the wiles of the devil. The thief on the cross, next to Jesus, was not born of water and the Holy Ghost was not yet given when he died, according to scriptures. What qualified him?There are biblical accounts of people ending up in heaven or paradise, as well as others ending up in hell... So... What About The Thief?