In 1 Corinthians, chapter 15, Paul is getting us ready for our death and resurrection. Because Jesus died for our sins, we are forgiven. And since He is our Lord and God, all things are under Him. We are all subject to Him and only those who are for Him will be raised to life eternal, while those who are not for Him, will be raised to damnation. Baptism is in the representation of the resurrection. We die to ourselves and rise with Christ. Paul taught, “for he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.” (1 Corinthians 15:27,28) We are asked, why baptize if there is no resurrection? No explanation of any form of proxy baptism is taught but questions are raised about this type of baptism. It is never affirmed. If so, we would hear this doctrine made manifest in letters to the church, but this never happened. This brings us to Mormonism and their false teaching.
Mormons take verse 29, in this chapter, out of context and make a doctrine out of it called, “baptisms for the dead”. It reads, “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? And why stand we in jeopardy every hour?” (1 Corinthians 15:29,30) Do you see any teaching being made? No. Only questions, and not answers. Only false teachers like to take this verse out of context and build a teaching around it for the purpose of baptizing for dead people. If this practice was done by church leaders in the past, then these writings would be available to Christians today, but they are not. The truth is, we are to die daily in the Lord, not baptize others in place of dead people. Paul mentioned this same need of dying to ourself. “I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.” (1 Corinthians 15:31) It is important to keep to what is being taught, which is the resurrection of the dead, not a teaching on baptisms for the dead. So please do not make doctrines up where questions are raised. This is a big red flag. Amen.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that people will be ready when it comes to the resurrection of the dead. Not to focus on dead people but the salvation of their own souls. The Mormon people are so caught up in their works for dead people that they have forgotten the need to get right with You. Instead, they have become very religious. Their teachings appear to be for You on paper, but testing these same teachings with the Bible, it is easy to see how false they really are. Lord, I love the teaching of the resurrection of the dead in 1 Corinthians 15. It makes me want to prepare myself for Your coming, Jesus, and for my own death. I want to be ready to meet You, God. I know that one day, I will come before You in judgment. This will either be a good day or bad day for people, but for me, it will be a glorious day. I cannot wait to come before You and receive my new body. A body that will never die, get sick, or feel pain. Thank You, Jesus, for watching over Your people and for preparing the best things for those who truly love You. I will live for You this day and forever. I love You, Jesus. I can’t wait to be with You. Amen.
This is a very interesting topic.
In participating in baptism for the dead, participants take on the role of surrogate savior.