Baptized For the Dead

BAPTIZED FOR THE DEAD: Mandeans: As death approaches the dying person is bathed, water is brought in from the river, the dying person is undressed and then washed with a threefold sprinkling from head to feet. He/she is then lifted and placed on clean bedding facing the North Star and is then dressed in a new rasta, with gold or gold threads sown on the right side of the stole and silver or silver threads sown on the left side. Weeping is forbidden. (To die at the sacred season of Panja means that the soul of the deceased will fly quickly to the worlds of light and escape the tortures and dangers of the purgatories. ) The dead person is interned facing north and the tomb goes unmarked - " .. the body is dirt and rubbish, once the Soul has left it" is a Mandaean saying. At the moment the body is being lowered into the tomb the lofani (ritual meal) is begun . A Zidqa Brikha, prayers and baptisms are also performed.Among the Mandeans:

Baptized for the Dead and Baptism for the New Birth: 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? 1 Corinthians 15: 29

A person who is baptized MUST believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. That is a fundamental meaning of the PROTOTYPE "gospel" which Paul defines as the death, burial and resurrection.

Furthermore, Jesus commanded that the Apostles MAKE DISCIPLES by baptizing AND teaching what Jesus taught. Paul insisted that to mean that the elders must "teach that which has been taught." In Romans 15 the "synagogue" must speak "that which is written." Those who do not do this DENY that Jesus is now the Holy Spirit presence.

A person who questions baptizm questions or "rejects the counsel of God for their lives."

AFTER Pentecost "to all nations" or Gentiles or "into all the WORLD" or Gentiles the command was that humans like John baptize you in water as the ONLY defined time and place where we REQUEST A holy spirit or A clear conscience. The prophecy was that Messiah would cleans both Jew and Gentile. Therefore, water baptizm was practiced AFTER Pentecost in order to the remission of sins. Faith only invented by Zwingli in 1525 is not the focus of a believer's trust.

Believers who TURN away from their old lives may be baptized. The result is that God washes or sprinkles their human spirit so that God can seek them as their only Teacher through the now-discernable Word.

FAITH which was demanded by Jesus meant that one must have faith in Jesus and His resurrection as PROOF that Deity dwelled fully in him AND they must therefore believe Him when He said that "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved."

Those who did not believe that fact is defined by Jesus as those who BELIEVETH NOT. That meant that they were TREACHEROUS and were not capable of being baptized in truth.

Added Notes

Because of Mormon distortion, baptism for the dead has been placed behind a veil which can only be penetrated by diligent and thoughtful consideration of the whole context of 1 Corinthians 15 and especially 15:29. To try to save someone who has been dead for centuries is identical to the notion of purgatory by which the institution scams money from the sincerely ignorant. First, ask:

What is the Gospel?

Euaggelizo (g2097) yoo-ang-ghel-id'-zo; from 2095 and 32; to announce good news ("evangelize") espec. the gospel: - declare, bring (declare, show) glad (good) tidings, preach (the gospel).

First Corinthians 15 is Paul's definition of the gospel. In chapter two he had resolved not to preach anything but Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Of course, he taught the resurrection and a lot of other things. However, the cycle of Jesus' incarnation through His ascension is the gospel or good news that God had made a path into the Spirit realm which we can follow if we walk in the steps of Jesus.

Every time Paul preached, he preached some good news even if it had to discipline because "he whom God loveth he chastises."

God is pure or Holy Spirit and is in no way material or physical. Mankind, on the other hand, it totally physical. However, Because He is Spirit, God put spirit into all humans. This then allows a spirit to Spirit relationship. However, in a figurative sense, it is not possible to understand Spiritual things until our old "self" is considered dead and we are born all over again by water and spirit.

The good news or gospel is that God manifested or "imaged" Himself in human form to demonstrate the new birth. Jesus had been born already in a physical sense. However, in His death, burial and resurrection He died physically but was "alive by the Spirit."

The gospel is facts about Jesus to be taught. However, the facts illustrate a mystery which must be imitated in a limited sense so that we become as a litle child.

First Corinthians chapter 15 demonstrates this gospel put into practice. I will make all of these verses red so that you can read the entire chapter. I will not attempt to comment on all of the verses but you should read it over and over.

The model, pattern or "form of doctrine" of the gospel is the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. If He was not resurrected then He was not God and therefore had no power to resurrect our dead bodies so that we might live forever in the Spirit world. Paul presents the pattern:

MOREOVER, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 1 Corinthians 15: 1

By which also ye are saved,

if ye keep in memory (possess) what I preached unto you,

unless ye have believed in vain. 1 Corinthians 15: 2

For I delivered unto you first (in order of time) of all that which I also received,

how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 1 Corinthians 15: 3

And that he was buried, and

that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 1 Corinthians 15: 4

And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: 1 Corinthians 15: 5

After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. 1 Corinthians 15: 6

After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. 1 Corinthians 15: 7

And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. 1 Corinthians 15: 8

For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 1 Corinthians 15: 9

But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. 1 Corinthians 15: 10

What Had Paul Preached in Corinth?

Because most of the Corinthians were faithless and put their faith in the baptizer instead of the Resurrected Jesus, Paul declared that he was not central to the baptizing process. In fact, he was happy that he had not baptized for the dead those people who still put their trust in the "preacher.' Therefore, he continues the "Gospel" message:

Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed. 1 Corinthians 15: 11

When Paul was in Corinth and baptized some:

And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks. Acts 18:4

And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ. Acts 18:5

And when they opposed themselves (lined up against), and blasphemed (spoke evil of), he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean; from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles. Acts 18:6

And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue,

believed on the Lord with all his house;

and many of the Corinthians

hearing believed, and were baptized. Acts 18:8

These people had not believed in vain: they acted upon what their faith led them to believe and they were baptized for the dead.

Paul didn't claim some of the Corinthians because they had been been baptized to make the "preacher" happy or some other reason. However, they did not believe in the resurrection so how could they believe that Jesus was resurrected?

Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? 1 Corinthians 15: 12

But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: 1 Corinthians 15: 13

And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. 1 Corinthians 15: 14

Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. 1 Corinthians 15: 15

For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: 1 Corinthians 15: 16

And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. 1 Corinthians 15: 17

Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. 1 Corinthians 15: 18

Did you notice that it is possible to believe in the message and even the Messiah but not in what Jesus taught? Their faith was vain because it didn't include the death, burial and resurrection when they were involved. They were not baptized for the dead in imitation of Christ. The gospel or "good news" also includes our resurrection.

The "gospel" probably does not often include perfect happiness for most of us. In fact, to Paul as he compared his work with that of the "many" who lived off the work of the Corinthian poor, identified suffering and persecution as marks of true discipleship.

If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 1 Corinthians 15: 19

However, our hope is based upon the fact that Jesus proved that the human body can rise from the dead:

But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits (beginning of sacrifice) of them that slept. 1 Corinthians 15: 20

Adam allowed death into the world when he sinned and was cast out of the garden of Eden which was a spiritual or celestial world. We are not guilty of Adam's sin but we also die because we live in a world where false teachers can attack us:

Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adams transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. Romans 5:14

We sin because we live in Adam's world but are not guilty of Adam's sin. Therefore, the gospel means that Christ translates us into His invisible kingdom (in our hearts) so that our lives and worship cannot be contaminated by Satan's agents trying to force body rituals upon us.

For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 1 Corinthians 15: 21

For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 1 Corinthians 15: 22

By being "in" Christ we are "clothed" with Him and "hidden from view" and are not subjected to the world which belongs to Satan. Having the Mind or Spirit of Christ in our hearts we have a guarantee of the resurrection of the dead.

But every man in his own order: Christ the first fruits; afterward they that are Christs at his coming. 1 Corinthians 15: 23

Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule, and all authority and power. 1 Corinthians 15: 24

For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. 1 Corinthians 15: 25

The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. 1 Corinthians 15: 26

The gospel or good news is that death can be destroyed. Christ destroyed it for Himself personally and was resurrected. He was dead and was buried for the dead.

For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. 1 Corinthians 15: 27

And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all. 1 Corinthians 15: 28

Baptized for the Dead

First, who are dead in need of being resurrected in a spiritual sense? We must look for the antecedant to "baptized for the dead" within Paul's writings and not from some latter-day inventor:

In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Col 2:11

Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen (the dead rise) with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. Col 2:12

For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 2 Cor 5:14

For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. Gal 2:19

Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. 1 Pet 2:24

So the believer is dead in trespasses and sin and the believer is baptized for himself who is dead spiritually.

> AND you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Ephesians 2:1

Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened (the dead rise) us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) Ephesians 2:5

Paul continues in Colossians:

> And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened (the dead rise) together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Col 2:13

Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; Col 2:14

> For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: 1 Corinthians 15: 16

And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. 1 Corinthians 15: 17

Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. 1 Corinthians 15: 18

If Christ has proven how to be (1) "buried for the dead" and then was resurrected to life, (2) you were baptized in connection with that death, and (3) you don't even believe that He has defeated your own death, then (4) why are you baptized for something you don't even believe in.

And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all. 1 Cor 15:28

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? 1 Corinthians 15: 29

What dead?

> Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen (the dead rise) with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. Col 2:12

For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 2 Cor 5:14

> For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: 1 Corinthians 15: 16

And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. 1 Corinthians 15: 17

Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. 1 Corinthians 15: 18

As DEAD PEOPLE you were baptized into Christ because Christ was baptized, died and was resurrected.

You were baptized for FOR or in order to your own resurrection because of your faith.

If no dead people are resurrected then all people who are baptized are doing so in vain.

If these people were baptized to satisfy some favorite preacher and even believed in Christ, but did not believe in the resurrection, then why was Paul risking his life for them?

And why stand we in jeopardy every hour? 1 Corinthians 15: 30

I protest, brethren, by my pride in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die every day! 1 Corinthians 15: 31RSV

If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die. 1 Corinthians 15: 32

Be not deceived: evil communications (crowds) corrupt (wither, spoil) good manners (morality). 1 Corinthians 15:33

Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God (not agnostics) I speak this to your shame. 1 Corinthians 15:34

Those in Corinth who didn't even believe in the resurrection for which they were baptized were not just "prospects" -- they were destructive to the church because if we don't have hope after the grave then "let us eat drink and be merry for tomorrow we die."

From 2 Corinthians we understand that some of these may have been false teachers who were teaching just for a living. Oh, yes, they were pretend followers of Christ but they believed in and preached a different Christ. So, Paul anticipates their next taunting question:

But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come? 1 Corinthians 15:35

Because of Paul's harsh response we understand the nature of the false teachers:

Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die: 1 Corinthians 15:36

When people reject the full gospel God sends His wrath in the form of "excitement of the mind,violent passion, desire." That describes what was happening in Corinth's assembly which "did more harm than good" (1 Cor 11:17). These false teachers or fools were:

Aphros (g876) af-ros'; appar. a prim. word; froth, i.e. slaver: - foaming. (mindless, egotistical)

The "fools" were material thinkers: they had seen dead bodies decay and resurrection was not logical. Therefore, Paul shows that resurrection is to a new form of life:

And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be,

but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain: 1 Corinthians 15:37

But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body. 1 Corinthians 15:38

All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds. 1 Corinthians 15: 39

There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. 1 Corinthians 15: 40

There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. 1 Corinthians 15: 41

So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption: 1 Corinthians 15: 42

It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: 1 Corinthians 15: 43

It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. 1 Corinthians 15: 44

And so it is written. The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. 1 Corinthians 15: 45

Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. 1 Corinthians 15: 46

The first man is of the earth, earthy:

the second man is the Lord from heaven. 1 Corinthians 15: 47

As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. 1 Corinthians 15: 48

And as we have borne the image of the earthy,

we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. 1 Corinthians 15: 49

Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. 1 Corinthians 15: 50

Through baptism we are translated into a spiritual, heavenly kingdom. As our bodies represent our citizenship, the church is the kingdom of heaven already begun.

Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 1 Corinthians 15: 51

In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 1 Corinthians 15: 52

For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 1 Corinthians 15: 53

So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 1 Corinthians 15: 54

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 1 Corinthians 15: 55

The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 1 Corinthians 15: 56

But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15: 57

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, alway abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:58

STING is related to the mortal body: those who are baptized into Christ have PUT OFF this body and are hidden in Christ. Therefore, the sting cannot touch us in a deadly sense.

How Others Were Baptized for the Dead!

If you could literally die and be born again you would be like a new baby. In baptism, one can, on the basis of faith, be born again:

And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, Matthew 18:2

And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye

be converted, (turn around or repent) and
become (be born) as little children,
ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3

Converted is: Strepho (g4762) stref'-o; strengthened from the base of 5157; to twist, i.e. turn quite around or reverse (lit. or fig.): - convert, turn (again, back again, self, self about).

Become is: Ginomai (g1096) ghin'-om-ahee; a prol. and mid. form of a prim. verb; to cause to be generate), i.e. (reflex.) to become (come into being),

Enter is: Eiserchomai (g1529) ice-er'-khom-ahee; from 1519 and 2064; to enter (lit. or fig.): - * arise, come (in, into), enter in (-to), go in (through).

Jesus repeated this "gospel" sermon to Nicodemus:

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. John 3:3

Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mothers womb, and be born? John 3:4

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be
born of water and
of the Spirit,
he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. John 3:5

Born is: Gennao (g1080) ghen-nah'-o; from a var. of 1085; to procreate (prop. of the father, but by extens. of the mother); fig. to regenerate: - bear, beget, be born, bring forth, conceive, be delivered of, gender, make, spring.

Enter is: Eiserchomai (g1529) ice-er'-khom-ahee; from 1519 and 2064; to enter (lit. or fig.): - * arise, come (in, into), enter in (-to), go in (through).

In the Great Commandment of Jesus He said:

He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved;
but he that believeth not shall be damned. 16:16

These people would not be damned because they had not been under the water: they would be lost because they "refused the counsel of God for their lives" and because they refused to become like a little, submissive child. They would be lost because they refused to be born all over again and be baptized for the dead.

Jesus explained to Nicodemus that He might be a Jew but he still had to become a "proselyte" to Christianity just like a Gentile:

"At the latter ceremony two disciples of the wise stood by to tell him more of the light and heavy commandments. When he came up after the immersion, those assembled addressed him saying: 'Unto whom has thou given thyself? blessed art thou, thou hast given thyself to God; the world was created for the sake of Israel, and only Israelites are called the children of God...

After his baptism he was considered (reckoned to be dead and now alive)

to be a new man, 'a little child newly born'; a new name was given him." (Int Std Bible Ency, Proselyte).

"The effect of this baptism was held to be complete regeneration; he was born anew. He was called a little child just born, the child of one day. All his sins were remitted because God cannot punish sins committed before he was born." (Barclay, William, Romans, p. 84)

Now, look at Paul's question to those who were baptized for the dead but didn't believe in the resurrection of Christ or themselves:

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? 1 Corinthians 15: 29

We repeat: Nothing that a human can do "earns" or "merits" salvation. However, as God offers salvation out of His own grace upon the grounds or of faith, the human soul must accept it out of gratitude and in faith of the physical resurrection:

Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: Colossians 1:13

In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Colossians 1:14

In 1:18 Christ is the head of the body or the church or the kingdom. However, Paul notes that people were trying to change their opinions about the Christ they had received. They were complete because Christ had cut them off from the world without human hands:

In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Colossians 2:11

The people were effectively dead and reborn into the kingdom or church because they had been:

Buried with him in baptism,
wherein also ye are risen with him
through the faith of the operation of God,
who hath raised him from the dead. Colossians 2:12

Paul shows that it was not the initial faith that Jesus was the Messiah; the faith which saved was put into effect when the people believed that when they were baptized and buried, they were were raised in connection with Christ by their faith in God Who had raised Christ from the dead.

The Form of Doctrine:

For if by one mans offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) Romans 5:17

Therefore, as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. Romans 5:18

For as by one mans disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Romans 5:19

Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: Romans 5:20

That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 5:21

Because of Adam, those who were not guilty of his sin suffered death. Likewise, the New Adam made righteousness possible but it did not come as soon as it was purchased.

Now that the price had been paid people did not have to carry around the guilt imposed by the Law. Therefore, Paul asked:

WHAT shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin (dead), that grace may abound? Romans 6:1

God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Romans 6:2

Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into (eis) his death? Romans 6:3

Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that (i.e. baptized for the dead).

like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father,

even so we also should walk in newness of life. Romans 6:4

When we are baptized into Christ's death we are baptized for the dead. We are baptized because we reckon ourselves dead to sin but the result is that we walk in a new, resurrected life. Baptism pictures both: a baptism for the dead and a resurrection for the new life.

The gospel centers on the death, burial, resurrection, witnessing, ascension and return as pure or Holy Spirit. This event is the purchasing or earning or meriting power of Christ to enable us to be baptized for the dead.

The only "form of doctrine" or imitation of this great Mystery is water baptism. The Jews clearly understood this to mean the way for one not in the kingdom to become a little child and be born again.

Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. 1 Peter 1:21

Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: 1 Peter 1:22

Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. 1 Peter 1:23

Those who are born again were "once dead" in a spiritual sense.

But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you. 1 Peter 1:25

The Word of the Spirit is the "seed" which is emplanted in the heart. In the New Birth, it is not the seed of the husband but of God. As a result of the seed being planted and germinating, a new life comes forth.

The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of (request for) a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: 1 Peter 3:21

Baptism for the dead is the fundamental doctrine of Christ. As one accepts Christ as a result of hearing the Words through Christ's Spirit and believes, the next step is to "present the body as a living sacrifice" and offer it up to God. Then being dead to the old physical self it is proper to "bury" or baptize the dead. Then, God resurrects us in a spiritual sense so that we are moved by our Spirit-enlightned spirit or mind and not by how glorious we can display out body:

FORASMUCH then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; 1 Peter 4:1

That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. 1 Peter 4:2

For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: 1 Peter 4:3

Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: 1 Peter 4:4

Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead. 1 Peter 4:5

For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. 1 Peter 4:6

Whatever remedy is needed for the dead who had no opportunity is taken care of by Lord Jesus Christ as Spirit. We have no merit to become alive for others who are DEAD or deceased. Baptism is always to "wash" a human body with real water and ask God for a clean conscience.

As Jesus used the Literal Passover to institute the literal Lord's Supper with literal bread and literal fruit of the vine to preach or show forth faith in Him, He used the literal washing with water as a way to participate in that death and be resurrected as a new child in the kingdom. He did not demand the ceremonial washing of pots and pans and everything else because as a little child we are uncontaminated with sin.

Those who believed in predestination, like the Jews and later Calvinists such as the Puritans,

"were obsessed with a terror that they would not be saved.

Conversion became a central preoccupation,

a violent, tortured drama in which the sinner and his spiritual director wrestled for his soul.

Frequently the penitent had to undergo severe humiliation or experience real despair of God's grace until he appreciated his utter dependence upon Goe." (Karen Armstrong, A History of God, p. 283).

Jesus and the gospel just insists that the old body just be put to death, be buried and resurrected to walk like a new born child. This is the only way to be baptized for the dead and enjoy the new birth.

Going to Church.

"Such ought those who are consecrated to Christ appear, and frame themselves in their whole life, as they fashion themselves in the church for the sake of gravity; and to be, not to seem such-so meek, so pious, so loving. But now I know not how people change their fashions and manners with the place. As they say that polypi, assimilated to the rocks to which they adhere, are in colour such as they; so, laying aside the inspiration of the assembly, after their departure from it, they become like others with whom they associate. Nay, in laying aside the artificial mask of solemnity, they are proved to be what they secretly were.

"After having paid reverence to the discourse about God, they leave within [the church] what they have heard. And outside they foolishly amuse themselves with impious playing, and amatory quavering, occupied with flute-playing, and dancing, and intoxication, and all kinds of trash.

"They who sing thus, and sing in response, are those who before hymned immortality,-found at last wicked and wickedly singing this most pernicious palinode (ode to retract their church song),

"Let us eat and drink, for to-morrow we die."

"But not to-morrow in truth, but already, are these dead to God; burying their dead, that is, sinking themselves down to death. The apostle very firmly assails them. "Be not deceived; neither adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor railers," and whatever else he adds to these, "shall inherit the kingdom of God."

Kenneth Sublett

The Free Gift of God By Faith

Living Waters

What is the Gospel - Baptized For the Dead

Beginning of the Gospel

The New Birth

First Command of the Gospel

The Gospel at Pentecost

Paul, the Gospel and Baptism

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