Religions, long before Christ, used water and were powerless. Water has no special magic. Certain followers of John prove this. As “disciples” trying to obey God, they receive John’s baptism. Despite their sincere hopes, that water has no value, for this is after the end of John’s baptism. Paul teaches them about Christ and His Spirit. Then they receive immersion again, this time “in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 19:4-5).
The power to save is in Jesus! His blood clears us of sin (1 John 1:7; Revelation 1:5; 7:14). Why then does Acts 22 command, “Be baptized and wash your sins away”? Does Jesus link His blood and death to baptism?
Compare Matthew 26 with Acts 2. Jesus gives His blood “for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:28). Yet repentance and baptism are “for the forgiveness of your sins” (Acts 2:38). They share exactly – word for word – the same purpose. Yes, they are tied together! Christ’s blood was poured out as He died on the cross. His sacrifice satisfies both the justice and mercy of God (Romans 3:25-26; 5:1-11). Now we learn where faith meets saving death:
Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life (Romans 6:3-4).
… having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead (Colossians 2:12).
God alone has power to raise you from sin and death. Likewise, God alone decides where and when He applies His saving power to you. Clearly He chooses believing, repenting baptism. In this event one enters “into” Christ (Romans 6:3; Galatians 3:27; Matthew 28:19). This is also where one comes “into” Christ’s death (Romans 6; Colossians 2).
Now we see why Paul must wash away his sins in baptism (Acts 22). Through baptism he enters Christ’s death and its saving blood! Only in that death can grace save. Only in that death is one effectively “calling on His name” (Acts 22:16; see 2:21-42). Do you see why Paul is not saved before baptism? He can never force his way into God’s favor, no matter how sincere his prayers and tears. He – and we – must enter in the way set by God Himself. That way is through His Son’s death, and that death is entered through baptism.