The scriptures cited by young patriot above go to heart of the matter. An entire reading and understanding of the New Testament reveals the plan of salvation put forth by the writings of the apostles.

The kingdom of God has come and is NOW. We are living it today. We are not waiting for Jesus to come for a second chance. The kingdom was established on the day of Pentecost when the spirit descended on the apostles gathered in the upper room. They went out and preached the gospel…..the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus….to thousands that day in many languages, and over 3000 believed and were baptized into his death. Baptism is the key to receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Note that baptism is symbolic of the death of Jesus (you are DEADin your sins prior to immersion), you are buried with Him (under water you are dead and cannot survive), and are raised to a new life (receiving the Holy Spirit indwelling just as Christ was raised from the dead.) Baptism is deeply rooted in becoming a Christian.

Prior to the beginning of the church on that day at Pentecost, the old Mosaic law was still in effect. Jesus alone lived the law to perfection. The thief on the cross was also under the old law, and baptism into CHRIST was not in effect. John’s baptism was for folks to repent of their sins and announce the coming of the messiah and the new covenant.