SAVED THREE DAYS LATER  by steve finnell

Those who believe men are saved without being immersed in water teach that men have their sins forgiven the very minute they believe in Jesus Christ. The writer of thirteen new testament books had his sins forgiven three days after he believed in Jesus. Yes, Saul (later to be called apostle Paul) believed in Jesus on the road to Damascus, however, his sins were forgiven three days later in Damascus when he was baptized in water.Acts (9:1-18, Acts 22:1-16)

1. Saul believes Jesus is Lord. Acts 9:4-5 ...Saul, Saul why are you persecuting Me?" 5 And he said, "Who are You, Lord?' And the Lord said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads."(NKJV)

2. Saul repented. Acts 9:6 So he, trembling and astonished, said, "Lord, what do You want me to do?" And the Lord said to him, "Arise and go to the city, and you will be told what to do."(NKJV)

3. Saul is in Damascus three days later. Acts 9:8-9 ...and brought him to Damascus. 9 And he was three days without sight, neither ate nor drank.(NKJV)

4. Saul's sin were washed away three days after being confronted by Jesus on the road to Damascus. Acts 22:16 'And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord."

Saul became a believer on the road to Damascus, however, his sins were not forgiven until he was baptized in water, calling on the name of the Lord.

Saul (the apostle Paul) was not saved the minute he believed on the road to Damascus. Saul was still in his sins until he was baptized three days later in Damascus, by Ananias.

Mark 16:16 "He who believes and is baptized will be saved...(NKJV)

Jesus was correct was He spoke in Mark 16:16 and was correct when He spoke in Acts 9 and Acts 22.

Forgiveness follows belief and baptism. Men rejecting water baptism as being essential for salvation does not invalidate the words of Jesus Christ.