The thief on the cross recognized that he was a sinner deserving of death.
He recognized the Jesus was LORD and called Him so.
He recognized that as LORD, He had the power to forgive sin.
He recognized that Jesus had a future beyond death.
He recognized that Jesus would be king of His kingdom come,
Because he recognized these things, he asked and received the promise of participation with the Lord Jesus Christ in that kingdom.
Jesus said that whosoever believed in Him would past from death to life and be free condemnation. Seems to me, the thief qualified.