Early heresiologists Epiphanius of Salamis (Panarion 28) and Chrysostom (Homilies 40) attributed the practice respectively to the Cerinthians and to the Marcionites, whom they identified as heretical "Gnostic" groups.[1] For that reason, the practice was forbidden by the early Church, and is therefore not practiced in modern mainstream Christianity, whether Oriental Orthodox, Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, or any Protestant churches.
Baptism for the dead - Wikipedia
"And the tradition I heard of says that this is why the same holy apostle said, “If the dead rise not at all, why are they baptized for them?”31 But others explain the text satisfactorily by saying that, as long as they are catechumens, the dying are allowed baptism before they die because of this hope, showing that the
person who has died will also rise, and therefore needs the forgiveness of
his sins through baptism.
6,6 Some of these people have preached that Christ is not risen yet,
but will rise together with everyone; others, that the dead will not rise at
all.32 (7) Hence the apostle has come forward and given the refutation of
both these groups and the rest of the sects at once on < the subject of
resurrection >. And in the testimonies that he gave in full he produced the
sure proof of the resurrection, salvation and hope of the dead (8) by saying, “This corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put
on immortality,”33 and again, “Christ is risen, the fi rstfruits of them that
slept.”34 This was to refute both kinds of sects at once and truly impart the
unsullied doctrine of his teaching to anyone who wanted to know God’s
truth and saving doctrine"
https://gnosis.study/library/Критик...lamis - The Panarion, Book I (Sects 1-46).pdf
"
1 Corinthians 15:29
Else what shall they do which are
baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why then are they
baptized for the dead?
He takes in hand again another topic, establishing what he said at one time from what God does , and at another from the very things which they practice. And this also is no small plea for the defense of any
cause when a man brings forward the gainsayers themselves as witnessing by their own actions what he affirms. What then is that which he means? Or will you that I should first mention how they who are infected with the
Marcionite heresy pervert this expression? And I
know indeed that I shall excite much laughter; nevertheless, even on this account most of all I will mention it that you may the more completely avoid this disease: viz., when any Catechumen departs among them, having concealed the living man under the couch of the dead, they approach the corpse and talk with him, and ask him if he wishes to receive
baptism; then when he makes no answer, he that is concealed underneath says in his stead that of course he should wish to be
baptized; and so they
baptize him instead of the departed, like men jesting upon the stage. So great power has the
devil over the
souls of careless sinners. Then being called to account, they allege this expression, saying that even the Apostle has said, They who are
baptized for the dead. Do you see their extreme ridiculousness? Is it meet then to answer these things? I trow not; unless it were necessary to discourse with madmen of what they in their frenzy utter. But that none of the more exceedingly simple folk may be led captive, one must needs submit to answer even these men. As thus, if this was
Paul's meaning wherefore did God threaten him that is not
baptized? For it is impossible that any should not be
baptized henceforth, this being once devised: and besides, the fault no longer lies with the dead, but with the living. But to whom spoke he, Unless you eat My flesh, and drink My blood, you have no life in yourselves?
John 6:53 To the living, or to the dead, tell me? And again, Unless a man be born again of water and of the
Spirit, he cannot see the
kingdom of God.
John 3:5 For if this be permitted, and there be no need of the mind of the receiver nor of his assent while he lives, what hinders both Greeks and
Jews thus to become
believers, other men after their decease doing these things in their stead?
But not to prolong fruitless toil in cutting asunder their petty spiders' webs , come let us unfold unto you the force of this expression. What then is
Paul speaking of?
2. But first I wish to remind you who are initiated of the response , which on that evening they who introduce you to the
mysteries bid you make; and then I will also explain the saying of
Paul: so this likewise will be clearer to you; we after all the other things adding this which
Paul now says. And I desire indeed expressly to utter it, but I dare not on account of the uninitiated; for these add a difficulty to our exposition, compelling us either not to speak clearly or to declare unto them the ineffable
mysteries. Nevertheless, as I may be able, I will speak as through a veil."
CHURCH FATHERS: Homily 40 on First Corinthians (Chrysostom)
"
Marcionite definition, a member of a Gnostic ascetic sect that flourished from the 2nd to 7th century"
