Why Aren't Sins Washed Away At Baptism?

[Esaias]

Originally Posted by Strict Baptist

That would also make you equal to Rome and possibly Christadelphians. The former on that point are emphatic.

Not quite. Rome accepts YOUR baptism (if the trinitarian formula is used) as a valid, though irregular, baptism. Rome does not accept our baptisms as valid at all. In fact, Rome is emphatic that all baptisms, performed with the trinitarian formula, make one a Roman Catholic, though in schism:

"Right intention is the intention to do what the Church wants, what Christ wants

Even non-Catholics can validly administer Baptism. In every case, however, it is the Baptism of the Catholic Church, which does not belong to those who separate themselves from her but to the Church from which they have separated themselves (cf. Augustine, On Baptism 1, 12,9). This validity is possible because Christ is the true minister of the sacrament: Christ is the one who truly baptizes, whether it is Peter or Paul or Judas who baptizes (cf. Augustine, Treatise on the Gospel of John VI, 1,7; cf. CCC n. 1127). The Council of Trent, confirming this tradition, defined that Baptism administered by heretics in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, with the intention of doing what the Catholic Church does is true Baptism (cf. DH 1617). http://www.ewtn.com/library/theology/mormbap1.htm

1239 The essential rite of the sacrament follows: Baptism properly speaking. It signifies and actually brings about death to sin and entry into the life of the Most Holy Trinity through configuration to the Paschal mystery of Christ. Baptism is performed in the most expressive way by triple immersion in the baptismal water. However, from ancient times it has also been able to be conferred by pouring the water three times over the candidate's head.

1240 In the Latin Church this triple infusion is accompanied by the minister's words: "N., I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." In the Eastern liturgies the catechumen turns toward the East and the priest says: "The servant of God, N., is baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." At the invocation of each person of the Most Holy Trinity, the priest immerses the candidate in the water and raises him up again.

1271 Baptism constitutes the foundation of communion among all Christians, including those who are not yet in full communion with the Catholic Church: "For men who believe in Christ and have been properly baptized are put in some, though imperfect, communion with the Catholic Church. Justified by faith in Baptism, [they] are incorporated into Christ; they therefore have a right to be called Christians, and with good reason are accepted as brothers by the children of the Catholic Church." "Baptism therefore constitutes the sacramental bond of unity existing among all who through it are reborn." - all three citations from the Catechism of the Catholic Church

Can. 869 §1 If there is doubt as to whether a person was baptised or whether a baptism was conferred validly, and after serious enquiry this doubt persists, the person is to be baptised conditionally.

§2 Those baptised in a non-catholic ecclesial community are not to be baptised conditionally unless there is a serious reason for doubting the validity of their baptism, on the ground of the matter or the form of words used in the baptism, or of the intention of the adult being baptised or of that of the baptising minister. Canon Law of the Roman Catholic church - http://www.intratext.com/IXT/ENG0017/_P2W.HTM

Additionally, Rome teaches that the Holy Spirit is automatically conferred in the sacrament of baptism (trinitarian baptism, that is). Campbellites believe likewise. Apostolics* do not believe the Spirit is automatically received via water baptism.

*I use the term "apostolics" to refer to those who genunely adhere to the teachings of the apostles as recorded in the Holy Bible. Not all "oneness Penetecostals" are actually apostolic, even if they use the term "apostolic" to describe themselves.