CHRISTIAN BAPTISM IS A COMMANDMENT OF JESUS

Frank writes:  "The Priestly Judaism of Jesus' day no longer exists,
having disappeared when the temple was destroyed during the
siege of Jerusalem by the Romans (70 CE).  The purpose of the
distinction created by baptism no longer exists. Consequently,
since the first century there has been no need for baptism."

Answer:

While it is true that the ceremonial law has come to an end, that
has nothing to do with our on-going duty to obey The Father and
His Son.  The commandment of Jesus regarding baptism continues
to the end of the world:

"And Jesus came and spake unto them [the eleven disciples],
saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.  Go ye
therefore, and teach all NATIONS, BAPTIZING them in the name
of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:  Teaching
them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and,
lo, I am with you always, EVEN UNTO THE END OF THE
WORLD. Amen."   Mat 28:18-20

Earlier, Jesus had sent his disciples only to the lost sheep of the
house of Israel. After His resurrection, Jesus sent them into all the
world beginning at Jerusalem. When the first believers said:
"What shall we do?"

"...Peter said to them, 'Repent, and be BAPTIZED every one of you
in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and
you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  For the promise is to
you and to your children and TO ALL THAT ARE AFAR OFF,
EVERY ONE WHOM THE LORD OUR GOD CALLS TO HIM'"    
Acts 2:38-39  (RSV)

If God has called you to Jesus, you must be baptized.  That is what
Jesus commanded; that is what the apostles taught --and no one has
the authority to change their instructions.

Donna Kupp