If repentance alone can cleanse our sins, then why does Acts 22:16 say, “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins� Belief is the first and underlying requisite for salvation. It is by faith that one repents and is baptized. But repentance is coupled with baptism. Acts 2:38 says, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins." It is during baptism, not repentance, that sin is washed away (see Rom 6:3ff). The church is the body of Christ, “which He purchased with His own blood†(Acts 20:28). Therefore we become a member of the body of Christ when we are baptized and redeemed by Jesus’ blood.
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