|
Baptism
for the Dead?
By: David M. Curtis
DOWNLOAD THIS
PAGE AS A PDF FILE
(Email it to your friends)
(right click then select SAVE TARGET AS)
|
"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?"
1 Corinthians 15:29 |
In Salt Lake
City, the church of Latter Day Saints also known as the Mormon church
owns the most all inclusive and extensive genealogy records on the
planet. They believe that one person can become baptized for his or her
ancestors, and that this act will grant forgiveness of all that persons
sins and make a way for their salvation. The Mormon church practices
baptism for the dead.
The verse that
they base this doctrine on is found in 1 Corinthians 15:29 (which is
displayed to the left).
A surface
reading of this verse would appear to support the Mormon churches
practice, but here on thefourwinds.org we are not surface readers. Our
goal is to take our knowledge of the Bible to the next level.
The New Testament teaches that we should not become involved in
genealogy for religious reasons.
Neither
give heed to fables and endless genealogies,
which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith:
so
do.1 Timothy 1:4
But avoid
foolish questions, and genealogies,
and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable
and vain. Titus 3:9
The Bible teaches it is impossible for one person to redeem another.
Psalms 49
7
None of them can by any means
redeem his brother,
nor give to God a ransom for him:
8 (For the redemption of their soul is
precious, and it ceaseth for ever:)
9 That he should still live for ever, and
not see corruption.
Ezekiel 14
14 Though these three men, Noah, Daniel,
and Job, were in it,
they should deliver but their
own souls by their righteousness,
saith the Lord GOD.
16 Though these
three men were in it, as I live, saith the Lord GOD,
they shall deliver
neither sons nor daughters; they only shall be delivered,
but the land shall be desolate.
Why is this Mormon baptismal
surrounded by Golden Calves? Those being Baptized bow before these
golden calves to reach the water. Does that remind you of any
stories in the Bible? Exodus 32:8 perhaps?
What about that verse in 1
Corinthians 15:29?
We must
take into account a warning given to us from Peter concerning the
writings of Paul. "As also in all his
epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things
hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable
wrest, as they do also the other Scriptures, unto their own
destruction." 2 Peter 3:16
1 Corinthians 15 is discussing
people who doubted in the resurrection. The ENTIRE chapter is
devoted to correcting this error. This chapter is discussing the
validity and reality of the resurrection. Please carefully read the
context building up to this verse.
1Co 15:12 Now if Christ be
preached that he rose from the dead,
how say
some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?
1Co 15:13
But if
there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:
1Co 15:14
And if
Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain,
and your faith is also vain.
1Co 15:16
For if the
dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:
1Co 15:17
And if
Christ be not raised, your faith is vain;
ye are yet in your sins.
1Co 15:21 For since by man
came death,
by man came also the resurrection of
the dead.
1Co 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even
so in Christ shall all be made alive.
1Co 15:25 For he must reign,
till he hath put all enemies under his feet.
1Co 15:26
The last enemy that shall be
destroyed is death.
1Co 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 Corinthian Church doubted the
validity of Paul's teaching of the resurrection. They must have been
influenced by Greek philosophy or by the teachings of the Jewish Sadducees.
Anyway, Paul begins by saying 500 people saw Jesus alive. Peter saw Him, and
then he says I SAW HIM MYSELF with my own eyes. He gives several convincing
arguments and then gives his best one. He says If you do not believe that in
the resurrection, then Christ is not raised from the dead verse - 13. Then
he asks, why are you baptized for the dead, or in other words, in the name
of someone you believe is dead.
"The dead" in the context is clearly
referring to Jesus Christ. Paul is asking the Corinthian church,
"Why are you being baptized for someone you
believe is dead? Especially since Baptism is a symbol of faith in the
resurrection!!!"
That is what Paul was asking the Corinthian Church! He is NOT talking
about a vicarious baptism for those who are dead!!!
|
The Counterfeit Christ
