Water baptism has never washed away one sin, not has it saved anyone......Get your facts straight about what John was actually doing and what his ministry was about.....
Rom 6:22 NKJV
But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.
"Set free from sin" - amen, thank you Jesus
"Slaves to God" - our Lord who we obey
"Fruit" - "holiness" - our cleansing and position
"Everlasting life" - our reward, our gift
How clear scripture is as the Holy Spirit brings light and life to it.
Having our sins forgiven and being set free from sin is a problem for some.
But maybe the lack of the Holy Spirit ministering in their hearts is the root problem.
The lack of an imperishable seed cannot be covered up. We are either born from above or not.