I think we can conclude that SOMETHING washes away sins.
There are only two things ever associated with such a washing away:
1.) The Blood of Jesus Christ (e.g.
Revelation 1:5)
2.) Water Baptism in the name of Jesus Christ (e.g.
Acts 22:16)
If water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ has no bearing whatsoever on the washing away of sins, why does the Bible at all link the two?
If it is the blood only, then why is water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ and the washing away of sins so linked?
Look at the terminology! It is identical:
"...for the remission of sins..."
I am quoting
Matthew 26:28 or
Acts 2:38?
The fact that you can't tell ought to tell us something.