So in my reading this week I read Acts 22. I this Paul is telling his story to an accusing Jewish group. He is building his credentials then gives his testimony to the Jews. Then in verses 12-16 he gives the instructions he is given.

Acts 22:12-16 (ESV)
12 “And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there, 13 came to me, and standing by me said to me, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight.’ And at that very hour I received my sight and saw him. 14 And he said, ‘The God of our fathers appointed you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear a voice from his mouth; 15 for you will be a witness for him to everyone of what you have seen and heard. 16 And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’

In Acts 22:16 Paul is asked what is he waiting for?
Then he is told “Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name”

I have to ask, what does this mean if baptism is not connected to the forgiveness of sins? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins! How much more plane can this get? How much more specific can it be that baptism is the time appointed by God to bestow salvation upon us?

I wonder about those who would argue that this is a spiritual baptism! How is Paul suppose to control the Spirit to be baptized? Nope can’t be that. Can he arise and submit to being immersed? Yep must be this one. Physically submitting to water immersion, performed not by Paul but by someone else on/to Paul! Even at this point Paul, still a sinner, could refuse to be baptized, refuse to submit to Christ. He had a choice. But he is given the instructions on what to do! Paul what are you waiting for! Paul you have all the information you need, now is the time to decide, are you for or against this Christ you have been persecuting, who met you on the road to Damascus and told you to wait for me. Paul NOW IS THE TIME! If you believe all you have been told “Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name” Paul if you believe all this about Christ and wish to make him Lord of your life, be baptized and WASH AWAY YOUR SINS, Calling on HIS Name!

So I ask you, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

THE WAY of SALVATION
SIN Romans 3:23
DEATH Romans 6:23
POWER of GOD John 1:12
HEAR Romans 10:14-17
BELIEVE John 3:16-18
REPENT Acts 2:38
CONFESS Matthew 10:32-33 Romans 10:9-10
BAPTISM Acts 8:38 Romans 6:1-10 1 Peter 3:20-21
FAITHFUL Revelation 2:10 Romans 2:27
GREAT COMMISSION Matthew 28:19-20