Is Heaven as simple as the thief on the Cross?

[Rod]

I've been digging into this moment in the Bible for a few years now: Luke 23: 39-43

One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, "are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us! But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong." And then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." And he said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise."


Now this is my favorite part of the entire Bible. I have a theory that this incident is all we need to know and do to get to heaven. Simple eh? Did the thief on the Cross do everything right? I think so.

If that is true, then this moment proves to ALL false religions and untrustworthy sects of Christianity that Salvation is simple and beautiful. But not blind or naive.
The thief (or criminal) was aware of many things, and did a few important steps to fully achieve an eternal friendship and Trust in the Jesus of the Trinity.

Please share your opinions or concerns. I'm curious.