Did baptism end after Jesus went to heaven?
Question:
Good day, Pastor,
Kindly throw light on this issue: Did baptism end after Jesus Christ went into heaven? Is water baptism still relevant to be a true Christian? I am of the opinion that it is no longer necessary, but I would appreciate it if you could kindly explain it to me in your answer.
Answer:
Based on what passage do you come to this conclusion? I am aware of no passage that suggests Jesus' ascension marked the end of baptism.
Jesus ascended less than 50 days after his resurrection (Acts 1). Yet, soon after his ascension, Peter taught that the Jews needed to be baptized. "Peter said to them, 'Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.' And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, 'Be saved from this perverse generation!' So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls" (Acts 2:38-40). As you continue reading through Acts, you will find numerous occasions where people are baptized. (See Notes on Examples of Conversion and Notes on Things that Accompany Salvation.)
The evidence is strongly against your position. See also Baptisms of the New Testament.
