I’m not Mormon, yet Paul did say, “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?” (1Corinthians 15:29 KJV). Baptism depicts: “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” (Romans 6:4). Baptism is a Loyalty Oath of confessing ‘Jesus is Lord’ before the world, required by those who do the baptizing, so the convert can have the understanding they are now saved. “Because if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9 NET). 

[This is a longer entry. Scan ahead to see how long.]

Mormons believe, “With a few exceptions everyone will be redeemed” — kind of a universalism — but first, Mormons will go to Paradise, everyone else will go to Spirit Prison, where “Righteous spirits” will preach to them, giving them a chance to repent. Meanwhile, on earth, Mormon faithful will consent to be “baptized or confirmed by proxy for (in behalf of) someone,” which would be done in Mormon temple worship, i.e., being baptized for the dead. But, before dealing with Baptism for the Dead —

How does Scripture deal with Mormon beliefs? 

First, since God was here first, humanity in general, and Mormons in particular, have the burden of proving their case to God. In other words, God is the Judge, not you. Remember, the words of Joseph Smith or Doctrines and Covenants do not establish truth, but must reply to What Saith the Scripture? “Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge? Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou Me. Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding” (Job 38:2-4 KJV). 

Second, Mormons significantly add to the divine revelation of the traditional Word of God by establishing the Book of Mormon and Pearl of Great Price as of equal importance. “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book” (Revelation 22:18-19). 

Third, Mormons fatally mistake Jesus as merely one of the gods or simply a spirit brother of Lucifer, when He is in fact the Almighty God, Creator of the Universe, Him By Whom All Things Consist, Him With Whom We Have to Do, the Judge of All the Earth, the Savior of the World. “Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known Me, Philip? he that hath seen Me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of Myself: but the Father that dwelleth in Me, He doeth the works. Believe Me that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me: or else believe Me for the very works’ sake” (John 14:9-11).

Fourth, Mormons misrepresent the afterlife, since Jesus’ account of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31) informs us that the Rich Man in “hell” (Greek, hadēs) was not exceptionally evil, just rich, was not debating for a second chance, no Righteous Spirit was attempting to gain his repentance, and a “great gulf fixed” (16:26) prevented his escape or help ever to reach him. 

Now, what about Paul’s statement, “Else what shall they do which are baptized for [Greek, huper, concerning] the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for [Greek, huper, concerning] the dead?” (1Corinthians 15:29)? 

First, evangelical Bible interpreters do not agree what baptism for the dead must absolutely mean, but it concerns the resurrection, i.e., why baptism for the dead, “if the dead rise not at all?” (15:29). 

Second, since evangelical Bible interpreters (along with Mormons) have offered their opinions, so I offer my opinion. I will paraphrase 1Corinthians 15:29, ‘Else what shall they do which are baptized concerning or because of the dead, if the dead rise not at all? Why are they then baptized concerning or because of the dead?” 

Third, baptism is not then for the benefit of the dead or departed ones (as Mormons mistakenly believe), baptism is concerning or because of the dead, who will resurrect with Christ, as shall we, who are baptized. “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit” (1Corinthians 12:13). Baptism is that truth representing our death to sin, conversion to Christ, forgiveness of our sins, reception of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38), resurrection to new life, and final resurrection to eternity in Heaven with Christ. “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost” (Titus 3:5). 

Father, cause Your Spirit to bless us with a revelation of Your Son to us. May our appreciation of Baptism for the Dead be an occasion for rejoicing what You have done for us, giving us newness of life in Christ Jesus. Magnify Your name. Lord Jesus, return quickly for us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen and amen.

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