Jesus told the disciple he would send the Holy Spirit to guide them into all truth. Do you think Peter contradicted Jesus in his epistles?
First off, Jesus had the power to forgive sins. He forgave them thief when he asked to be forgiven.
Jesus, though the teachings of his disciples, has told us how to come to Him.
I never said baptism equals salvation. But baptism IS essential for Salvation. Jesus died on the cross for us. We come into contact with His blood through obedience, which includes baptism for the remission of sins.
You are assuming people need baptism to have sins remitted...The verses just as easily read that we get baptized because of the remission of sins...And in fact, that is how it is to be read...We get baptized AFTER we become Christians, after our sins have been remitted; NOT to become Christians...
Can you point me to the chapter and verse in the Bible that says baptism is essential for Salvation? I actually DO read my Bible and have never seen that.