Baptism for the Dead

Does Paul teach in 1 Corinthians 15:29 that we should be baptized for the dead? No, he does not.

This chapter is discussing the resurrection. Whatever conclusion we reach as to the meaning of the verse, we must recognize it as an argument in favor of the resurrection. The line of reasoning goes as follows: “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?” He is promoting, not consciousness during death, but resurrection after death.

Paul here may have been referring to a pagan custom of being baptized for the dead. Notice that he uses the word “they” rather than “we.” He does not say, “we should be” baptized for the dead. He simply says that “they” are. Without actually endorsing their practice, he was saying, Even those who are baptized for the dead believe there will be a resurrection. Else why would they be baptized for them? The argument is similar to verses 16-18 where Paul says, “For if the dead rise not, . . . then they also which are fallen asleep . . . are perished.” The only hope for the dead is in the resurrection.

The Bible clearly teaches that a man must personally repent, believe in Christ, confess his sins, and be baptized in order to be saved (Acts 2:38; John 3:16; 1 John 1:9). You can only “work out your own salvation” (Philippians 2:12). “They shall deliver neither son nor daughter; they shall but deliver their own souls by their righteousness” (Ezekiel 14:20). “None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him” (Psalm 49:7). “The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him” (Ezekiel 18:20).

Those who die in sin have no more opportunity to repent. “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest” (Ecclesiastes 9:10). Now, while we are still alive, while the blood still flows in our veins, while we are still capable of responding to Christ’s invitation—now is the time for us to give ourselves fully to Jesus.