AO - Getting baptized for the dead is it Biblical?
AO - Getting baptized for the dead is it Biblical? [∞]
This is a great question to show the difference between the Greek way to study and the way to study the 2nd book.
- 1. Where did the question come from? The Greek just makes up questions [1] We wish to ensure that we are seeking to know God, not merely satisfy curiosities.
- 2. The source? Collect scriptures which speak of baptism for the dead. This is where collaboration starts. The Rules for interpretation say that it must be a complete study: Rule - Complete It is unlikely that one would know all the references in both the literal and 2nd books. Ask for help in finding more. But since one does not know what is not known, the Rule - Humility applies.
Let's collect some sources:
Is there a baptism for the dead? ▸ ± 1Co 15:29 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?
This is the verse that many use to justify their own practice of proxy baptisms; being baptized on behalf of a dead person. Rather than argue with them, we apply the Rules for interpretation:
1. Rule - Rigorous We are not permitted to make an interpretation one one verse.
2. Rule - Complete It is a lazy interpretation since there is no attempt to sum up and include everything the bible says about it.
3. Rule - Self-examination When we start with a practice and attempt to justify it with scripture, our thought pattern is backwards.
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 [2] and he would not have considered himself among the dead. 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. [3]
Ro 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that 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.
1Co 15:29 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?
Col 2:12 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.
