Baptized For The Dead

Dear class,

Sorry for this back dated post. This is taken from the past 2 day's readings from 1Corinthians 15.

v. 29 is one of the more difficult passages in New Testament. (certainly reminds us of what Peter said of Paul! 2Pe 3:16) But the difficulty is mainly in not able to see the verse in the entirety of the context.
Chapter 15 is basically an affirmation from Paul with regards to the fact and the significance of the resurrection, first of Christ and then of the deceased.
Paul starts off with the crux of the gospel - the death, burial and resurrection of Christ (1Co 15:1-4). Indeed if Christ be not raised, then all is vain! (1Co 15:14-19)
This it is in this background that we understand v.29 as part of the manifold arguments that Paul put forth why Christians have the confidence to 1) be in peril for Christ (v.30) 2) suffer and die for Christ (v.31) 3) fight for Christ (v.32) 4) live a sober, sinless life (v.32-34).

Some have argued that the "baptism" here refers to suffering (c.f. Mat 20:22,23). And it seems plausible with the verses that follow.
Some have argued that Paul could refer to people who held on to the hope that they would see their loved ones who have passed on. (though presumably this must have been a side motivation, since to be baptized for this sole reason wouldn't exactly constitute true belief!)
Some have even held the belief that one could be baptized on behalf of those who have passed on!

The bible obviously teaches us that we are PERSONALLY accountable for our actions and salvation. (Mark 16:16; Jhn 12:48; Rom 2:16; Gal 6:7, etc) No one can save another by proxy!
As pointed out by bro Danny in his sermon, the only chance to prepare for eternity personally is in this life. Once we die, it is a DONE DEAL! So the idea of "proxy baptism" is erroneous and merely a doctrine stemming from man's willful disregard of the authority of God.

When we see the argument in it's entirety and not just focus on Paul peculiar use of language here, it becomes easier to see that Paul was basically referring as a whole to the dire states that Christians subject themselves to in the hope of the resurrection in Christ. It is the resurrection that makes us victorious over the "last enemy" (v. 26). Baptism here is seen as a culminating expression of the obedience to the gospel and the entire Christian life. So one could see it as Paul making his opening shot with "Why are we living in Christ to prepare to die, if we do not have the assurance of a resurrection?" Upon which he goes on to elaborate the trials and sufferings of a Christian. Why bother to obey the gospel only to suffer and finally die? How can then be death be overcome if there be no resurrection? Paul's vivid rhetoric reinforces the reader's notions that YES! indeed, because Christ was raised, we obey the gospel, we are baptized into Christ, we live a faithful Christian life, yea, we prepare to die so that we too will be part of the resurrected harvest, in which Christ was first reaped.(v.20,23)

God help us all to put those thoughts continually in our minds, that we be not weary in living a faithful Christian life, but with a joyous, eager anticipation of that glorious day when we shall meet our Lord.

The Lord bless our day ahead.

in Him
Paul


--
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13
As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. ~ Colossians 2:6-8

Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. ~ Colossians 4:6