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 |