3. [[Rule - Self examination]] When we start with a practice and attempt to justify it with scripture, our thought pattern is backwards.  

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'''Close reading'''

:'''what shall they do?''': Though grammatically, Paul may include himself in 'they', it is likely that he did not. Here is the 'penciled in' reasoning which should be studied as it's own topic: Paul knew that salvation came before baptism <ref>The Hebrews were saved by the blood before they crossed the water.</ref> and he would not have considered himself among the dead.<ref>{{bgw|Mt 22:32}}  I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.</ref>  He will say that he is in continual danger and dies daily, but he knows that he is alive in the midst of it. His religion is not of or for the dead. It is for the living. <ref>{{bgw|Mt 8:22}}  But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.</ref>

:'''a purpose of baptism''':

:One purpose is so that we should walk in the newness of life.  Can those who have lived and then died able now to walk in newness of life if someone is baptized on their behalf?  This suggests that proxy baptisms are not the subject.

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