I understand all that. But how are the 2 scriptures resolved? And what's important at the immersion of a new believer who has done everything he/she was required to do, and all that remains necessary is immersion for the forgiveness of sins, to receive the Holy Ghost so it dwells in you, and be added to the body of Christ? Does it all, the entirety of
new believer’s eternal soul, fate, and ultimate eternsl destination, rest upon what the baptizer does or doesn't do correctly? The Ethiopian eunuch who knew nothing at all about the Lord, simply believed what Philip said, confessed his belief, and was baptized. The new believer isn't expected to know much other than what was just stated, not the nuances as we've been discussing, so, the oness can't fall on the baptizer, he simply needs to do his part and immerse the individual. God knows why and God knows the hearts of men including that of the new believer that knows nothing. Why must more be said? Why has it become a ceremony with the importance of exact words or phrases being the emphasis and necessary, which if violated, then nullifies the event? If Matt 28:19 is used, or Acts 2:38 is used, or if nothing is said at all, would it matter upon immersion after the believer has done all prerequisites? Would he be saved or not upon immersion? And why would it matter what the one immersing does or says or doesn't say? Something is wrong if salvation is contingent upon the baptizer vs the one being baptized. Im not sure what the resolution is and simply thinking out loud about this, but I for sure don't believe that Matt 28:19 conflicts with Acts 2:38. It can't, and if it appears that it does, it's because of how we are looking at it, and not the scriptures themselves conflicting.
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