No, not at all, as it did just that.
Are you saying John's baptism washed away sins but, as in the case of the thief on the cross, sinners did not have to be baptized to be saved before Christ died?
Water does wash away past sins, if done in the name of Jesus Christ, or the name of the Father Son and Holy Ghost.
That is how baptism is done since the death and resurrection of Christ.
Before Christ died baptism was not done with the same meticulous wording you call for so was it essential for salvation?
Both were done within minutes of each other, and since his salvation won't be shown until the day of judgement, both "will" be instrumental in his salvation.
That is, as long as he maintains his repentance from sin.
You are straining to get interpretations from scripture to match your erroneous doctrine, but your twists are easily reproved. Here is the record concerning Cornelius. Let's note a few things:
Acts 10
34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
God accepts those who fear Him and work righteousness but there is no mention here of the necessity for baptism to be accepted of God.
36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all
God sent witnesses to preach peace, not baptism.
37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;
The word published after the baptism of John was not said to be a continuation of John's message of baptism.
38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:
40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;
41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.
42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
God's messengers preached Jesus, not baptism.
44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
The Holy Ghost fell on those who believed and yet had not been baptized, proving baptism is not a prerequisite for being given a new spirit in Christ.
45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
There is no mention of baptism being a necessity for receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost.
46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
Baptism serves as a testimony of salvation already received, not as a necessity before salvation will be given.
