I Corinthians 15:29
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“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 passage represents a central teaching of the Mormon Church, which feels that the phrase “baptized for the dead” means that each convert has an ongoing obligation to be baptized for every deceased relative that he or she can identify. This leads Mormons to meticulously research and comb their genealogy, so that all their relatives can be “saved” by ‘‘substitute” baptism. While utterly ridiculous and contrary to the entire plan of salvation, incredibly, millions believe it.
This verse actually means that all Christians “are baptized for the hope that the dead are later resurrected.” Colossians 3:3 explains that a Christian’s life is “hid(den) with Christ in baptism” (also Rom. 6:3-6). Hebrews 6:17-19 shows that the resurrection is the hope that Christians have as an “anchor of the soul.” Colossians 1:18 states that Christ was the firstborn from the dead—this was His hope!
In I Corinthians 15:1-58, heresy (I Cor 15:12) was occurring. Some were saying that there is no resurrection from the dead. Paul proves this to be wrong and this is the context of the whole passage. In other words, he asks, “What about the dead who died with hope of the resurrection, if there is no such thing?”
No suggested reading.