On Wednesday Night, July 17th, we will have a discussion on the Mormon Doctrine of “Baptism for the Dead”. Some of our members have recently had discussions with people of the Mormon faith. As they discussed their beliefs, something was mentioned about “Baptism for the Dead.”  The Mormons apparently believe it is both proper and Biblical to have a living person be baptized on behalf of a person who has already died in order to guarantee their salvation. Mormons believe this practice is Biblical because of a verse found in 1 Corinthians 15:29.

If you study Mormon beliefs, you will discover that baptism is a very important ritual to them. They believe that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon) is the only true church and therefore a Mormon temple is the only place where a proper baptism can take place. Therefore, if you die having been baptized by some other denomination you cannot enter the Kingdom. Therefore, some Mormon must be baptized in your place in order for you to enter the Kingdom.

Mormon Elder Mark Edward Peterson taught: “(proxy baptism) is a practice that has been observed throughout the history of Christ’s Church. We read in 1 Corinthians 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?’ Such rhetorical questions teach much. A just and righteous God would not punish the millions of people who have lived on the earth and never had the opportunity to learn of the gospel and baptism. The Savior Himself declared that He was God of both the living and the dead, ‘for all live unto him’ (Luke 20:38), showing that He regards them all in the same light… People who die without having been taught the gospel may yet be saved in the presence of God. This is made clear in the scriptures. But how? That is the question. Jesus preached to the dead. The Apostle Peter taught this in his day, saying that after the death of the Savior, and while his body lay in the tomb, the Lord, as a spirit, went to the realm of the dead and there preached to the spirits of the people who previously had lived on the earth. (1 Pet. 3:18–20.) Then he gives us the reason for this preaching: ‘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 Pet. 4:6)”… Having heard the gospel, they might accept it or reject it and thus be “judged according to men in the flesh.” As they did accept it, they could then “live according to God in the spirit” just as the scripture indicated. Mormons are therefore very zealous about collecting and submitting the names of their ancestors for this great, saving work. Baptism for the dead in Mormon temples gives those who would have embraced Christ and His Church the opportunity to do so after death. It is a wonderful gift granted by a merciful God.”

As you can tell, the Baptist doctrine of Baptism is a lot different than the Mormon teaching. Both groups use Scripture. Can both groups be right? What do you think?

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