Baptism

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Baptism for the Dead
BAPTISM BY PROXY = SALVATION THROUGH BAPTISM
EXPECTATION OF RESURRECTION
1Cor. 15:29 Now if there is no resurrection, what will those do who are
baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people
baptized for them?
What can this mean? There are many interpretations to this passage:
• Proxy Baptism. I believe that the most likely answer is this. Like many
even today, there were people who believed in the mystical transforming
effect and salvatory effect of the ceremony of baptism. So it was
imperative for any one who died to be baptized to go to heaven. Since
they were dead, a proxy was made. The double error is evident. These
cults of the period of Paul are known by the name Cerinthians and
Macionites. Cerinthians, Macionites and other heretics had a custom to
baptize a living person in the name of the dead who died believing but
without getting baptism so that the dead may be considered as baptized.
Paul is using it for his argument for favor of resurrection. Otherwise there
will be no reason for their proxy baptism. Paul is not supporting this
action, but is only using their own argument to establish his point.
Mormons perform this baptism even today. You can check out their
reasoning in the section Other Points of Views
• As creed of faith for baptism. Chrysostom interprets it in terms of the
creed of faith, which says, "I believe in the resurrection of the dead" as a
precondition for baptism. In the early church, believers were indoctrinated
before baptism and they were to confess their faith in the assembly before
baptism. The confession most probably involved these words.
• Martyrs. Spanheim believes that it refers to the martyrs. Their example of
courting death in expectation of resurrection will encourage people to be
baptized.
• Fullness of numbers. Olshausen interprets that all who are converted are
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