This is a very important question that needs to be carefully considered.

Again, think about two passages that we have previously studied as you answer this question.

In Acts 2, Peter not only told the people, "Repent, and each of you be baptized," he then explained to them the reason why.

Acts 2:38 - "Peter said to them, 'Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'" -(New American Standard Bible).

They were commanded to be baptized "for the forgiveness" of their sins. If we back up a little in the context of the passage, the people had heard as Peter explained that they were guilty of sin, and their response is found in Acts 2:37.

Acts 2:37 - "Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, 'Brethren, what shall we do?'" -(New American Standard Bible).

The people were "pierced to the heart" and asked, "Brethren, what shall we do?"

They felt terrible about their sin and guilt, so they asked, in essence, "What should we do now?" or "What should we do about it?"

Peter responded, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins."

In Acts 22, Paul was considering his own guilt and sin when he was told by Ananias exactly how to have his sins washed away.

Acts 22:16 - "Now why do you delay? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name" -(New American Standard Bible).

The Bible also tells us, in Acts 9:9, that Paul (Saul) had spent "three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank." In Acts 9:11, we read that he had spent that time "praying." Paul (Saul) had just learned that he had not been serving God, but persecuting the Lord's church. He prayed for three days, and yet, he was still instructed to be baptized in order to wash away his sins.

Does a person need to be baptized to have their sins forgiven?

What Does the Bible Teach About Baptism?