Saved before baptism?
The baptism of Paul is a good example of whether someone is saved before they are baptized. Paul was a devout jew who was persecuting the christians. Paul was on the road to Damascus when Jesus appeared to him and of course Paul believed in Jesus at that point. Paul was blind because of the vision and was led to Damascus. The Lord sent Ananias to Paul to give him his sight back. Ananias also said to Paul:
"And now why do you delay? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on his name." (Acts 22:16)
Paul believed in Jesus but was still in his sins. It is in baptism that we receive the forgiveness of sins.
Baptism in the early church
