The scripture in question is 1 Corinthians 15:29

"Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead,

if the dead not rise at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?"



What we have here are two Questions. Nowhere do we have a command.

First thing we have to determine is what is the topic of the chapter?



The first part of the topic is vs. 3-4 that Christ was died for our sins, was buried, and rose again.



Then in verse 12 we have the brunt of the topic,

"Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?"



Now we have the topic , the belief that there is a resurrection. Then in verse verse 21-22 we read something interesting.



"For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive."



So the point is that IN CHRIST shall all be made alive.

How are we in Christ?

By believing in him?

How do we believe in Christ?

Does it take thinking?

On which side of the cross does our salvation lie?

Do not the scriptures say that "for it is appointed for man once to die and after that the jugdement"?



There are many scriptures that prove that it is our choice to accept Christ or reject him.



Remember the story of Lazerus and the Rich man? Jesus said "There was a certain rich man..." Nowhere did Jesus ever let on that this was a parrable. So we must say that it was a real event. The man was allready in the flames.

Could he be baptized for and get out of the flames?

Should we recite 1 Cor 25:29?

Is this verse a command from God?

From Jesus?

From Joseph Smith?

Is a question asked from Paul?

Hmmmmmmm.....



We also need to recognize that there were many errors in the Corinthian church. Notice in verse 34, "Awake to righteousness, and sin not; FOR SOME HAVE NOT THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD: I speak this to your shame."



Then in verse 35 they have asked a question about the risen body and Paul goes as far to call them Fools.



So where in the Old or New testement is there a command from the Lord for the Jews or the Christians to baptize anyone for the dead?

Where is it in the book of Morman?

Where is it in the handbook of Joseph Smith of Brigham Young?

Who do you believe?



Some things to consider:

It is a law of scripture that every doctrine must be proved by two or more scriptures (2Cor 13:1, Mt 18:16, Deut 19:15-18). We have this verse only (1 Cor 15:29), casually mentioning the subject.



Again the Corinthians were in many errors and herisies (1 Cor. 11:19)



Salvation is a personal matter and cannot be obtained by proxy or any other way. Mk 16:16, Lk 13:1-5, Jn 3:16-20, Acts 3:19, Rom 1:16; 10:9-10, Eph 2:8-9 Rev 22:17)

Again there is no command or example of baptism for the dead in scripture.



The simple truth here is that Paul is here showing the inconsistency of false teachers at Corinth in denying the ressurection and yet accepting the fallacy of baptism for the dead. He does not sanction such a doctrine or practice just because he makes one passing reference to this error.



One might as well believe there is no ressurection of the dead on the basis of false teachers saying there is none (vs 12) as to believe in their practice of baptism for the dead.(vs 29)



If baptism for the dead was (is) a christian practice, then why does Paul say in verse 29 "why are THEY then baptized for the dead" and why not "why are WE then baptized for the dead"? The answer is,

it is NOT a christian practice.

Comprehend and obey...

...ACTS 2:38!