Acts 22:16 (KJV)
And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
I’ve heard that Sam Houston was baptized under the authority of a Disciples of Christ Church. But a friend of mine—who pastors in Huntsville, Texas, where Houston lived and where the baptism occurred—told me he believes Houston already understood that baptism doesn’t save. Houston is said to have remarked before his baptism something along the lines of, “If this baptism washes away my sins, I pity the fish in this water.”
Some focus heavily on the order of the words in Acts 22:16 and argue that baptism is what washes away sins. But the whole counsel of God’s Word shows clearly that salvation is not dependent on baptism—before, during, or after. Salvation comes only through calling on (relying on, depending upon, trusting in) the name of the Lord.
If Christ does not save, we are lost indeed. But if Christ has saved, no religious duty—baptism or otherwise—needs to assist Him. Baptism is not a precursor to salvation, nor is it synonymous with salvation. But it is a vital testimony of it.
That said, the true focus of this passage is the question: “Why tarriest thou?”
- What’s your hesitation?
- Why wait another moment?
- What objection could you possibly have?
At that moment, Paul wasn’t near water, nor was a preacher present. In fact, his was the longest delay between conversion and baptism that we see in Scripture—three days. But the Lord’s message was clear: don’t delay in these things.
Don’t tarry in calling on the name of the Lord, which does wash away sins.
Don’t tarry in being baptized, which is the first step of obedience, a public testimony, and an identification with Christ and His church.
Why tarriest thou, reader? What objection, obstacle, or excuse could possibly prevent you from placing your full faith in Jesus Christ to wash away your sins? What’s stopping you from joining yourself to a sound, doctrinally faithful local church and being baptized into that fellowship of believers?
And by the way—the tone of the passage makes it clear—the Lord wasn’t looking for your excuses. He’s calling for your obedience.
#WhyTarry #BaptismIsTestimony #SalvationByFaithAlone #CallOnTheLord #ObeyWithoutDelay
“Why Tarriest Thou?” Salvation First. Baptism Follows. No Delay
Are you waiting for a better time to obey God? The Bible is clear—salvation comes through Jesus Christ alone, and baptism is the first step of public obedience, not a part of salvation itself (Acts 22:16). So then—what’s stopping you?
Call on the name of the Lord to save you today, and then reach out to a sound, Bible-preaching church to schedule your baptism. Don’t delay—act now.
—we want to hear your story and encourage others who are right where you were.
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