Baptism, the simple version.

That was definitely not baptism. "...therefore shall he wash his flesh in water..." simply means taking a bath.

The baptizer does bear responsibility. He is accountable to God for what he teaches and how he administers baptism. The reality of remitting sin that comes about through obedience to God-ordained water baptism is no small matter. (John 20:21-23)

"Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:
Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained." (John 20:21-23)

There are man-made preachers and Jesus disciples. Jesus disciples have received the Holy Ghost and are sent. (Luke 24:46-49) Whereas man-made preachers proceed into ministry prior to being equipped for the task; and sadly some may never be.

Albeit sincere, many teach baptism from the standpoint of man-made tradition. One begun years after the apostolic era by the forerunners of a church that consistently goes against God's word. And even considers Protestant church members as daughters of their self-proclaimed mother church; since they still conform to the water baptize practice they distorted. (Roman Catholic Church) Jesus cautioned about accepting tradition that makes the word of God of none effect. (Matt. 15:6, Mark 7:13)

I relied upon the teachings of a "man of God" prior to receiving revelation in God's word concerning baptism.

As a young believer seeking God, I was instructed to be baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost as a public display of my belief in Jesus and His sacrifice. Some years later I was surprised to realize that what I had been taught did not line up with the word.

I believe it was the Holy Ghost that led me on a journey pointing out the truth as revealed in scripture. I became aware of just how the apostles administered baptisms. And that they baptized everyone in Jesus' name because it was He who was crucified for the sins of everyone. And that it is through obedience to baptism in His name that one's personal sin is washed away. (Acts 22:16, 2:38...) Also, the reality that Paul pointed out; that those who are baptized have been connected with Jesus; being buried with Him into His death. (Rom. 6:3-6)
I was very surprised that there was no evidence that anyone in the NT was ever baptized an other way then in the name of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And that was a powerful witness of the truth in and of itself.

Consider also the believers of Jesus, to whom He will profess, I never knew you. Wow. What a shock. Clearly they had been misled by some erroneous teaching; what was missing? They believed in Jesus there is no question of that, Yet they still heard those dreaded words. It brings to mind the possibility that they had not been buried with Him through baptism. It is a convincing argument considering after Jesus made that profound statement, (Matthew 7:23) He goes on to point out the error of the foolish man that built on a wrong foundation. Immediately after receiving the Holy Ghost on the Day of Pentecost Peter presented details of what the foundation consisted of; believers were told what they must do, they believed and obeyed him, and were added to the body of whom Jesus is the head.

What about the parable of the person rejected from attending the marriage supper of the Lamb? What was missing? He had no garment. (Matt. 22:11-14) When is the garment applied? The OT reveals this. Important to note upon reading the following is NT believers are considered a royal priesthood. (1 Peter 2:9)

"And thou shalt anoint the laver and his foot, and sanctify it.
And thou shalt bring Aaron and his sons unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and wash them with water.
And thou shalt put upon Aaron the holy garments, and anoint him, and sanctify him; that he may minister unto me in the priest's office.
And thou shalt bring his sons, and clothe them with coats:" Ex 40:11-14

It not only means that, but can also mean sorrow. Repentance is an ongoing process. The bible says even God repented such as in Genesis 6:6

Yes... He was grieved by the sons of men and determined to destroy the wicked.

However, that was always His plan... destroying the wicked, that is .

If the Greek work metanoia(repent) means to change your mind or think differently, hasn’t someone who comes to believe done that?

Your beginning quote of John 20 doesn't apply. It relates more to Mat 16 and 18, it not at all to this discussion.

And I'm not at all against baptism; In fact as stated before, I'm a 1000000% believer in it's necessity to be saved. I'm simply questioning the current day administration of it as relates to the bible. I've been a member of the coC for almost 50 years, but that doesn't mean the coC is infallible nor that I accept everything blindly. FYI, I like a capella singing but don't think it's sinful to use instruments for example. A slippery slope using instruments, yes, but sinful, no. It can and does lead to entertainment rather than worship. Yes, a slippery slope.

But back to the subject at hand. I've done some additional thinking and research. See below prepared text. Look: I'm struggling with this, but in sincerely looking at scripture and trying to understand how it is infallible and compliant with itself, I'm having a hard time reconciling Mat 28:19 and Acts 2:38 as others apparently are as well, and maybe have so been struggling for many years, but I know for sure that they are NOT in disagreement and we must figure out what they say and mean. Anyway, see below.

To my previous notes suggesting that we today, may be placing too much emphasis on the baptizer and what he says or doesn't say as relates to the process of baptism at the actual time of immersion, as opposed to the emphasis being on the one about to be baptized, and many being concerned that a baptism may be invalid if the baptizer doesn't say the appropriate words, I'll provide some other scriptural information and observation below for further consideration.

Although we today make reference to Matthew 28:19 and/or Acts 2:38 as guides to follow, one saying something different than the other causing confusion and controversy, and either one or the other being typically used at the time of baptism in somewhat of a ceremonial process being verbalized by the one performing the baptism, you'll find no record in the scriptures of any such thing occurring at the time of baptism or just prior to the actual act of the baptizer performing the immersion (baptism) of the new believer. Nowhere can be found a baptizer saying "I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost", or, "I baptize you in the name of Jesus Christ" or anything similar, or even, anything at all for that matter. What you do find is simply that the person or persons were simply immediately baptized.

Also, in only two instances recorded, you'll find that anything at all was said or required to be said relative to either of these 2 scriptures, and in both instances, it's the one being baptized that either says something or is told to say something. Those 2 instances are found in Acts 8 and Acts 22.

In Acts 8:34-38 below KJV, you'll see in verse 37 that upon believing, the Ethiopian eunuch confirmed his belief verbally in the presence of only Philip, by stating he believed "that Jesus Christ is the Son of God". Immediately after that, verse 38 says he was baptized, immersed in water. Nothing else was recorded as being said by the baptizer, Philip, prior to the baptism. Note too this is also consistent with the requirement of Romans 10:9-10, that belief and confession are a necessary part of the salvation process.

"34And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? 35Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. 36And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? 37And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. 38And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him."

Romans 10:9-10

"9That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."

In Acts 22:6-16 below KJV, Saul (Paul) recounts his conversion which was initially recorded in Acts 9:3-19. And you'll notice what is said in verse 16 of this scripture. Upon Paul's belief, Paul was told to "be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord". ("of Him" 'autou', in the original Greek per the interlinear.)

"16And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord."

So, it raises questions in my mind, such as, was anything more said by the baptizers of the bible unlike today? Was or is anything really necessary to be said by baptizers today? Does whatever is said 'incorrectly' or thought to be incorrect by baptizers today have effect on the validity of the baptism? Speak where the Bible speaks and remain silent where it is silent. Is thus applicable here as well? Were the baptizers silent? Are we as baptizers silent today? Should we be simply immersing those who have heard the gospel, believed it, confessed their belief, and repented? It's a good question. Were the 3000 that believed as noted in Acts 2:37-42, immediately baptized by who knows how many baptizers, or was some sort of ceremonial words spoken before each as they were baptized? The scriptures don't say, but???

I am interested in what you understand John 20:23 to be referencing if not water baptism.

"Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained." John 20:23

and the word baptizo' is not in that passage. It was, indeed, basically a bath, a ritual cleansing with soap and water before donning the ceremonial robes.
baptizo' means to immerse, which is where the Anglicized word "baptize" comes from.

John 20:23 has nothing to do with baptism within the context of John 20:20-23 unlike the great commission as recorded in Matt 28 or Mark 16 and sounds much like Matthew 18:18, or Matthew 16:19

John 20:23

23Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.

Matthew 18:15-20 (see verse 18 in particular)

15Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. 16But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. 18Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. 20For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

I might be confused, but I don't see how the scriptures your reference apply to the account in John.

The great commission was Jesus sending out the disciples to baptize, and teach all that He commanded of them. (Matt. 28:19-20) In John 20:21, Jesus stated that as the Father sent Him, even so He was sending the disciples. He told them to receive the Holy Ghost. And referenced remitting sin. And the remission of one's sin takes place in obedience to the command to be baptized after an individual has first placed their trust in the shed blood of the resurrected Christ.

"Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:
Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained." John 20:21-23

Granted the John scripture is a version of the great commission of Matt and Mark as noted but to assume this has something to do with baptism is a stretch since there is no text in John to say or even remotely suggest that. Even the wording doesn't suggest baptism is the means of sin remission as it infers selection not belief and faith being the basis for the selective remission.

I don't see the scripture as inferring selection. Rather, as a statement that those who believe the gospel message and are obedient to the baptism command have their sins remitted. Whereas, retention of sin is the result of rejecting the message. Jesus words, "He who believes and is baptized shall be saved..." come to mind.

Also, I am reminded of Peter's comment to the Jewish Council concerning the Gentiles, Who was I to withstand God AFTER seeing God fill the group with the Holy Spirit. We know Peter's comment pertained to water baptism, because it was AFTER the indwelling of the Holy Ghost that he gave the command to be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And those of the council stated, that as such, God had granted repentance unto life to the Gentiles. (Acts 11) Important to note, is the fact that Peter could have barred Cornelius and others from receiving remission of sin by refusing to water baptize the group. Remember he asked the other Jews with him, Can any forbid these to be baptized? If someone had said yes, they would have been held accountable to God for interfering in His Will to remit their sin in accordance with the shed blood of Jesus.

Also relevant is that Jesus gave Peter the keys (plural) to the kingdom. Those keys have the ability to provide, as well as bar access to God's kingdom.

"Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls." Acts 2:37-41

Where in the entire text of this event is there any mention at all of baptism?

John 20

19Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. 20And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. 21Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. 22And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: 23Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.

Truth can be ascertained when a specific word, such as baptism, is not recorded in a scripture. It is revealed through the study of all scripture relevant to the topic. A search shows obedience to water baptism by God's design, is the vehicle in which He chooses to remit sin of individual's who believe in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. His sacrifice paid the price for All mankind. However, not all take hold of what He died to provide.

John the Baptist was appointed to introduce water baptism for remission of sin:
"Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.
And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;
As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight." Luke 3:2-4

Scripture records water baptism is for remission of sin. (Mark 1:1-5, Luke 3:3, etc.)

Mark 1:1-4
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;
As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

After Jesus' resurrection, He said that repentance and remission of sin would be preached in His name to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem. We know Jesus' prophecy pertained to Peter's message in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost. It was the first record presented that repentance and water baptism was to be administered in the name of Jesus Christ for remission of sin.

Go back a bit further in Matt 18 to verse 15 and see the Greek in the interlinear. It's talking about forgiving the brother that sins 'hamartese' you. Read the entire text of Matt 18:5-22. Here it's discussing forgiveness of sins too, not by baptism. You're reading into this specific text something not there. As stated, the John text mentions nothing about baptism as the mechanism for sin remission here.

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This leads us to an interesting question then... Why did John Baptize and where did he get his authority to do so? We are left with two possible answers but neither are definitive. 1.) John had a revelation from God to do so and it was not recorded in Scripture. 2.) John got the idea as a way to pave the way for another.
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Thanks for sharing your thoughts. It's something I'll take another look at.

I agree, all Scripture most harmonize in order to see the Truth. However, personal bias often gets in the way of that harmony.

I believe in an earlier post, you said that one is Baptized and then receives the Holy Spirit. This agrees with Acts 2:38:

And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Peter is saying: First Repent - then be Baptized - then in the future you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. However, in the interest of Biblical Harmony - one must note that this verse does not denote a particular order of events. On other occasions, they had already received the gifts of the Holy Spirit before they were Baptized:

Acts 10:44-48 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all them that heard the word. 45 And they of the circumcision that believed were amazed, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Spirit. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47 Can any man forbid the water, that these should not be baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit as well as we? 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

Therefore, we can conclude, that the Holy Spirit may come upon a believer at anytime because the Holy Spirit is Sovereign in His work and not at the whim of mankind. He does work independent of the agency of man or He may work in harmony with the agency of man.

It must be noted here - That this falling/receiving of the Holy Spirit - in both Acts 2:38 and Acts 10:44 is the bestowal of gifts upon the believers of the early Church and is the fulfillment of Jesus' promise in Acts 1:5 & 8. However, this is not the "New Birth" or "Being born from above" of John 3:3-10.

Also, by baptism, there's nothing that ever infers or suggests that it's the baptizer that is forgiving or remitting sins by the act of their baptizing someone, rather it's the Lord thar is the one through baptism into him. John 20;23 is totally in inconsistent with the principles if baptism for the forgiveness of sins. It's certainly not the baptizer that is doing the forgiving.

Just a heads up, scripture does address this:

"Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.
And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;" Luke 3:2-3