The Bible Answers Short Questions From Our Readers - Plain Truth Staff - May 1958

Plain Truth Staff

Question: Should Christians be baptized in behalf of dead friends or relatives who died unbaptized? Did Paul teach "baptism for the dead"? Answer: The practise of being baptized for unconverted friends is widely taught by one particular denomination. This custom is founded on their misinterpretation of I Corinthians 15:29. The inspired New Testament Church did NOT practise this custom! The apostle Paul did not teach it! The custom was introduced into the professing Christian world about 150 A.D. by the heretic Marcion. Notice! Before a person may be baptized, he must first REPENT (Acts 2:38) and BELIEVE (Mark 16:16 and Acts 16:31, 33). The dead are not able to repent or believe. The dead are dead - "for the living know that they shall die; BUT THE DEAD KNOW NOT ANYTHING" (Ecclesiastes 9:5). The dead have no hope until the resurrection! Baptism is for the living. - Information Supplied By: Herbert W Armstrong Library