BAPTISM FOR THE DEAD
Does the Bible Support the Concept of Baptism for the Dead?
The practice of baptism "for the dead" is mentioned once in the New Testament. "If the dead are not raised at all, why then are they baptized for them?" (1 Cor. 15:29). Though the passage is somewhat obscure, several things are evident:
First, it gives no sanction to the modern practice (by Mormons) of proxy baptism (i.e., a living person being baptized so that some dead person can receive salvation). That idea would contradict numerous passages.
For example, the consequences of neither obedience nor disobedience are transferable to others (see Ezek. 18:20). Each person must give an account of his conduct (Rom. 14:12; 2 Cor. 5:10). Those who die unprepared will meet the Lord in that fashion (Mt. 25:1ff; Heb. 9:27). Moreover, it is impossible, after death, to alter one's destiny (see Lk. 16:26).
This controversial passage is an ad hominem argument. Ad hominem arguments are designed to expose an opponent's inconsistency. In this text, the argument is intended to counter the claim of some at Corinth that "there is no resurrection of the dead" (1 Cor. 15:12).
In some way, Paul's statement shows that if there is no resurrection from the dead, it is useless to continue practicing baptism. The sense may be: "If the dead will never be raised, why do these false teachers continue practicing baptism -- the very form of which pictures a resurrection from a grave?"
First, it gives no sanction to the modern practice (by Mormons) of proxy baptism (i.e., a living person being baptized so that some dead person can receive salvation). That idea would contradict numerous passages.
For example, the consequences of neither obedience nor disobedience are transferable to others (see Ezek. 18:20). Each person must give an account of his conduct (Rom. 14:12; 2 Cor. 5:10). Those who die unprepared will meet the Lord in that fashion (Mt. 25:1ff; Heb. 9:27). Moreover, it is impossible, after death, to alter one's destiny (see Lk. 16:26).
This controversial passage is an ad hominem argument. Ad hominem arguments are designed to expose an opponent's inconsistency. In this text, the argument is intended to counter the claim of some at Corinth that "there is no resurrection of the dead" (1 Cor. 15:12).
In some way, Paul's statement shows that if there is no resurrection from the dead, it is useless to continue practicing baptism. The sense may be: "If the dead will never be raised, why do these false teachers continue practicing baptism -- the very form of which pictures a resurrection from a grave?"
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Mormon Doctrine: Baptism for the DeadAn examination of the Mormon doctrine of vicarious baptism—the baptism for the dead
Adapted from the book "Bible Words and Theological Terms Made Easy" by Wayne Jackson
