Forgiveness of sins

It is so hard to understand how Protestants can claim that the forgiveness of sins comes through "preaching" only and not through the Sacraments when Scripture is outright:
Acts 22:16
And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

Pentecost

One thing which had troubled me for a long time, was the fact that Jesus refers to this episode as a Baptism:

Acts 1:4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me 5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

Romans 7:25

Question:
What is Paul saying in Romans 7:25?

Well, let's see: Romans 7 King James Version (KJV) 1 Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) St. Paul is speaking to everyone, but he is emphasizing that this is something which those who are from a Jewish background, should know.

Justification, forgiveness and works

I 
Justification, literally, is to be made righteous (or just) in the eyes of God.  It is simultaneously, the process of Sanctification.  Being made right in the eyes of God, we are made holy.  Sanctified.


The entire process begins, in my opinion, with the process of "sanctification".  Turning to and seeking God.  At this point, one begins to seek justification but has already begun the process of sanctification because in seeking God, one acts in a holy manner.