Baptism for the dead - Ever heard of it?
Baptism for the dead, is one of the most controversial doctrines of Mormon theology.
Mormonism teaches that anyone - who did not get an opportunity to hear the gospel in this life - will be given a second chance to hear it in the next life. In the meantime, their baptism which is an earthly ordinance has, to be performed on their behalf - by a living Latter-day Saint in an LDS temple.
Mormonism teaches that this ordinance known as “baptism for the dead” was practiced in the ancient church. It draws its interpretation from an obscure passage – just one verse – in the New Testament. The Apostle Paul mentions it in, 1 Corinthians 15:29 “Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead if the dead rise not at all? Why are they then baptized for the dead?”
The first thing to notice about this verse is that “baptism for the dead” is ONLY mentioned - it is not actually taught as a commandment.
The best way to understand any single verse in Scripture is to examine the verses surrounding it – putting it in context. That way, we properly interpret a passage as it was intended by the original writer. Instead of, interjecting our biased opinion as an interpretation.
When we read 1 Corinthians 15:29 in its context it is clear, that RESURRECTION - not baptism - is the dominating theme throughout chapter 15. At that time, false teachers had infiltrated the church at Corinth, teaching “that there is no resurrection of the dead.” The whole chapter is devoted to reasons why this spurious teaching - of there being no resurrection - is a false teaching.
In verse 29, Paul is pointing out an inconsistency in the practice of these false teachers. Apparently, they did not believe the dead would rise - but some practiced proxy “baptism for the dead,” anyway. The question is - If the dead do not resurrect - why did they even bother doing baptisms for them?
Afterall, who were these people that were baptizing for the dead?
By carefully noticing the third person pronouns in this verse, we can see who was,
NOT practicing baptisms for the dead. Paul says, “…what shall THEY do which are baptized for the dead… Why are THEY then baptized for the dead?” Paul did not say, “Why are YOU - Corinthian Christians - baptizing for the dead?”
He did not say, “Why are WE - followers of Christ – baptizing for the dead?” He was asking, in effect, a rhetorical question: Why, these false teachers, who did not even believe in the Resurrection, would want to baptize for, the dead if the dead will, never rise?
Another important question to ask: Is baptism even necessary for salvation? Because that must be the premise for “baptism for the dead,” right? Latter-day Saints do believe that baptism IS necessary for salvation. I strongly disagree with that.
While the New Testament teaches that baptism is an important step - it does not teach it is necessary to receive eternal life. In that regard alone, “baptism for the dead” cannot accurately be called a Christian practice.
Mormonism is the only religion to claim that every one of the billions of people who have ever lived in history needs to be baptized - or have baptisms performed on their, behalf.
They realize that it will take a very long time to accomplish this work. Much time, energy, and expense - that is unnecessary. But, along with baptism – other works for the dead in the LDS temples according to Mormonism, are necessary for salvation.
Latter-day Saints spend endless hours researching the names of their dead relatives. It is called genealogy – which by the way – is condemned in the New Testament for religious practices. Paul instructed Timothy in, 1 Timothy 1:3-4 “As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies.” Paul repeats this warning in, Titus 3:9 “But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.”
Genealogy is a popular past-time and hobby for millions of people in the world who are interested in their ancestorial family lines. In that regard, it is only “unprofitable” as Paul says it – if you think your genealogy is of eternal worth. That’s because, the only relation that IS of eternal worth – is the relationship you have with Jesus Christ.
In Mormonism, once all this “work” for the dead is completed by a member of the LDS Church - the individual dead persons on the “other side” will decide if they want to accept those ordinances on their behalf. If they don’t, they will never get to live with Heavenly Father.
That’s the Mormon plan of salvation!
All of that, including the required ten percent of their income to build these elaborate multi-million-dollar temple buildings, from just one obscure verse in the Bible - totally, misinterpreted and completely misapplied.
So, the real question is: Who at Corinth is practicing “baptism for the dead,” and do they have Paul’s approval for this ritual?
Latter-day Saints believe that - for Paul to even mention “baptism for the dead” -appears to be an endorsement for this practice.
Interestingly this “baptism for the dead” is not taking place inside a Jewish or Christian temple. They were being performed in a public venue.
It is abundantly clear In Paul’s epistles and throughout the Bible - that we cannot save ourselves. Nor does any religious institution or ritual have the power to save us or our dead ones. It is the power of God alone, through His mercy and grace, that we are saved.
But, Joseph Smith said, in Journal of Discourse 6:7 “The greatest responsibility in this world that God has laid upon us is to seek after our dead.” He also taught that “baptism for the dead was the only way that men can appear as saviors on mount Zion.”
Smith is mistaken! No human being can redeem any other human being. There is only one Savior – Jesus Christ. The Palmist made it clear, Psalm 49:7 “None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him.” Men are redeemed only by the precious blood of Christ.
Mormonism teaches that the doctrine and practice of “baptism for the dead” was restored to the earth in these latter days.
Once again, the claim that “baptism for the dead” was part of original Christianity - that was lost and needs to be restored - lacks any historical, scriptural, or logical basis.
Despite all the manuscript writings and archaeological discoveries of early Christianity - absolutely no evidence has ever been found to show that anyone practiced proxy baptism in the early church. This lone account in 1 Corinthians 15:29, was reference to an isolated event - limited to either some misinformed Corinthian converts, or possibly a pagan cult.
The LDS Church teaches in Doctrine and Covenants 128:17 “…this most glorious of all subjects belonging to the everlasting gospel is, namely, the baptism for the dead.” If the Book of Mormon contains the “fullness of the gospel” and is the “most correct book on earth” as it claims – Then, why isn’t this doctrine of baptism for the dead in the Book of Mormon?
Besides, the Book of Mormon does teach in Alma 34:34-35, that if people procrastinate their repentance until after they die, they would, have NO need for proxy baptism, anyway - their fate is ALREADY determined!
Anyway, something to consider! To learn more - check out episodes 22 and 23 on our website at Talking to Mormons. com. Please share with family and friends. God Bless!