The bottom line is that we have hope
Acts 26:6
And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers:
Philippians 3:11-14
11......If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
12......Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
13......Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
14......I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
I don’t think we own God’s mercy, nor do we have one single experience that entitles us to an eternal reward. We have hope in Jesus Christ and therefore we are obedient to His Word. Repentance and baptism do go hand in hand, but that remission doesn’t become secured until we hear Him say well done. Our theology will not dictate Gods sovereignty.