At what point does the blood of Christ wash away our sins? This is an important question which is sadly misunderstood by many sincere individuals. The answer may be seen in the conversion of Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9:1-18 NKJV).
Saul was a rabid persecutor of Christians (Acts 9:1-2). Saul himself, later renamed Paul, testified to this fact (1 Cor. 15:9; Gal. 1:13; 1 Tim. 1:13). However, his encounter with the risen Lord would change his life forever (Acts 9:3-7). After learning that by persecuting Christians he persecuted Christ, he penitently asked: "Lord, what do You want me to do?" The Lord said: "Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do" (Acts 9:6). Was it when Saul encountered the Lord that his sins were washed away? No, there was something that he would be told that he "must do."
Saul heeded the voice of the Lord and went into the city of Damascus (Acts 9:8). He was three days without sight (Acts 9:9; c.f. Acts 22:11). Being greatly burdened with guilt, Saul fasted during that time (Acts 9:9). We also learn that he prayed (Acts 9:11). Was it when Saul prayed that his sins were washed away? No, there was something that he would be told that he "must do." He was not told to pray for forgiveness.
The Lord spoke to Ananias in a vision (Acts 9:10-16). The Lord revealed to him how Saul had seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming to him (Acts 9:12). He told him to go to Saul of Tarsus. At first, Ananias questioned the Lord, saying, "I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name" (Acts 9:13-14). However, the Lord reassured Ananias and told him to go (Acts 9:15-16). The Lord had great plans for Saul (c.f. Acts 26:16-18), but there was something that he would first be required to do.
Ananias heeded the voice of the Lord and entered the house were Saul stayed (Acts 9:17). He told his fellow countrymen, "Brother Saul, receive your sight" (Acts 22:12). Still on the floor of the house, Saul looked up at him. Ananias told Saul the great plans for him from the Lord (Acts 22:14-15). However, what was Saul told he must do? Ananias said, "And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord" (Acts 22:16). Did Saul obey? Yes, "he arose and was baptized" (Acts 9:18). It was at the point of Saul's obedience to the Lord in baptism that his sins were washed away! Souls come into contact with the precious blood of Christ by being baptized into Christ (Rom. 6:1-4; Rev. 1:5).
What happened after Saul became a Christian? First, he "received food" (Acts 9:19). Is it not significant that despite being without food for three days Saul chose to be baptized first before he ate? Second, "Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus" (Acts 9:19). While before he wronged Christians, now he was fellowshipping Christians. Third, "he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God" (Acts 9:20). Saul went from persecutor to preacher! What a change the Lord made in the life of Saul.
Saul did many things. First, he met the Lord on the road to Damascus. Second, he saw a vision. Third, he prayed. Fourth, he fasted for three days. Fifth, his sight was restored. However, it was not until Saul heard and obeyed the gospel that his sins were washed away in the blood of Christ. He was baptized "for the remission of sins" (c.f. Acts 2:38). Have your sins been washed away? Will you become a Christian today?