Why Do You Wait?

One of the most powerful questions in the New Testament is found in Acts 22:16: “And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.” These words were spoken by Ananias to Saul of Tarsus, later known as the apostle Paul. Saul had encountered the risen Christ on the road to Damascus, and though he was blinded and deeply convicted of his sin, he had not yet been forgiven. It was in baptism that his sins were washed away, as he submitted to the command of Christ.

This question, “Why do you wait?” is just as relevant today as it was then. Why would anyone delay obeying the gospel of Jesus Christ and receiving the forgiveness of sins?

Jesus Himself declared the necessity of baptism in the Great Commission: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). Also, in Mark 16:16, Jesus stated, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” Baptism is not an optional step but an essential act of obedience to the Lord’s command.

The Scriptures demonstrate that baptism is the moment when sins are forgiven. Peter proclaimed on the Day of Pentecost, “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” (Acts 2:38). In baptism, we come into contact with the blood of Christ, which cleanses us from all sin (Ephesians 1:7; Revelation 1:5). Without this washing, our sins remain.

Paul explains in Romans 6:3-4, “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.” Baptism is not merely a symbolic act; it is the point at which we are united with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection.

Through baptism, we are raised to walk in a new life, free from the guilt of sin.

James reminds us, “Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring” (James 4:14). Life is uncertain, and delaying obedience to the gospel is a risk no one should take. The opportunity to obey Christ’s command to be baptized may not always be available. The Ethiopian eunuch understood this urgency when he said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” (Acts 8:36). He didn’t wait for a more convenient time; he obeyed immediately.

The apostle Paul wrote, “Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). God’s invitation is extended today, but we are not guaranteed tomorrow. If you believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, are willing to repent of your sins, and are ready to confess His name, then why do you wait? Rise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name. Do not delay obeying the gospel. If you are ready to make this life-changing decision, we encourage you to act now. Eternity hangs in the balance.