Welcome back to the Ask Pastor John podcast. We're reading in the Navigator's Bible

reading plan together, and tomorrow we read X-22 together, specifically a chapter where

Paul recounts for us his dramatic conversion experience, his blindingly dramatic conversion

experience. In the story, we're introduced to a devout and godly Christian man named Ananias,

who approached the recently blinded Saul, now named Paul,

and restored his sight to him, or told him that it would be restored soon.

Then Ananias told Paul in verse 16, quote, and now, why do you wait, rise and be baptized

and wash away your sins, calling on his name, Acts 22, verse 16. Water baptism and sin washing

are here connected. Likewise, we have 40 questions in the inbox about Acts 2.38. There in the text,

a bunch of seekers have gathered to hear Peter say to them, quote, repent and be baptized,

every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive

the gift of the Holy Spirit. And quote, Acts 2.38, and 3,000 people repent and are baptized.

It's an amazing sight.

And yet another text that appears to put water baptism in the moment of forgiveness or

conversion.

So dozens of listeners have written in to basically ask, based on Acts 238 and or

X 22 versus 12 to 16, this one same fundamental question.

Pastor John, are we saved after water baptism, before water baptism, or in water baptism?

I would first answer by making the question more precise. Are we justified before, in or

after? Are we united to Christ? Do we become one with Christ and God becomes 100% for us

before, in or after baptism? Because in the the New Testament the word saved is used for

what happens before in and after baptism. Ephesians 2 8 we have been saved. 1st Corinthians

...