Dismas

Dismas and his partner were violent thieves, who for their crimes were being executed alongside another agitator by their local government.  Knowing his own guilt, Dismas expressed remorse for his crimes and sympathy for the innocent man who was being killed along side those who deserved their punishment.  In response, the innocent man (Jesus) said to Dismas,  "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise."  Does a notorious criminal who repents his crimes at the very last minute deserve to go to heaven alongside those who led a lifetime of sainthood?  Maybe not deserve, but... can he can  claim his "free pass" just like the rest of us guilty parties.