What is the true meaning of 1 Corinthians 15:29?

[Postvieww]

I 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?



As concerning the LDS interpretation of this verse we have a classic example of pulling a verse out of its proper context and creating a doctrine on it.


Was Paul referring to a doctrine such as the one promoted by the LDS church? If one takes the time to study the verse in its context you cannot come to that conclusion.


Earlier in the chapter, 1 Corinthians 15:12 Paul was addressing those who did not believe in a resurrection.


Let’s look at the entire passage without pulling out one verse to build a doctrine on.


1 Corinthians 15: 12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?

Paul is saying this gospel we preach says Jesus rose from the dead how can some among you deny that fact?

13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:

If you guys are right Christ did not rise from the dead.

14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.

If you guys are right about the resurrection our preaching is pointless and your faith has no basis.

15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.

If you guys are right we are bearing false witness by preaching Jesus rose from the dead.

16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:

If you guys are right and there is no resurrection then Christ is not raised.

17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.

If you guys are right , then your faith is vain and you have no remedy for your sin.

18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.

If you guys are right then all who have died before us are perished.

19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.

If you guys are right and our hope is only in this life we are most miserable.

20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.

But you guys are wrong and Christ is risen.

21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.

Since death came by Adam by the man Christ Jesus we have the resurrection of the dead.

22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

Since because of Adam all men die and it is because of Jesus men can be made to live.

23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.

Christ the first to be resurrected then those that believe on Him when He returns.

24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.

Amen!

25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.

Amen!

26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.

Through the resurrection.

27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.

Amen!

28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.

Amen!

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?

Remember the context thus far.


What shall all of those people do who were baptized for a dead Christ if you guys are right and Christ did not rise. Why do they waste their time baptizing for a Christ that did not rise.

This passage in no way supports a doctrine of bringing salvation to the dead who died without Christ.

30 And why stand we in jeopardy every hour?

Why do we risk our lives preaching this gospel if you guys are right.





My dear friends neither this passage nor any other in the Holy Bible promotes a doctrine whereby we can have a baptismal ceremony to bring dead people who have not accepted Christ while living into the Kingdom of God.


That is heresy and a lie of satan to deceive mankind. This false notion is just false doctrine plain and simple.

 

[Dave-W]

We have no idea what that verse means.

Any proposal such as athe LDS one are mere conjecture. And you have done a good job of showing the problem of any such conjecture.

 

[Jane_Doe]

Is the OP assuming that LDS practices are solely based off of 1 Cor 15:29?

 

[Postvieww]

Is the OP assuming that LDS practices are solely based off of 1 Cor 15:29?

No, I do not assume that, but I am confident we can remove 1 Corinthians 15 from the list of support texts for this false doctrine. I realize there are a few other Biblical texts miss-used to support this false notion, if you would like to make your case and I will address it.

 

[Jane_Doe]

No, I do not assume that, but I am confident we can remove 1 Corinthians 15 from the list of support texts for this false doctrine. I realize there are a few other Biblical texts miss-used to support this false notion, if you would like to make your case and I will address it.

LDS aren't sola Biblia, hence trying to address things from a sola Biblia standpoint doesn't make sense.

 

[Postvieww]

LDS aren't sola Biblia, hence trying to address things from a sola Biblia standpoint doesn't make sense.

My advice would be to run from any doctrine having to do with salvation not found within the pages of the Holy Bible.

 

[Jane_Doe]

My advice would be to run from any doctrine having to do with salvation not found within the pages of the Holy Bible.

Salvation is found in Christ.

 

[Postvieww]

Salvation is found in Christ.

On that we agree, but there is no method to obtain salvation after death found in any scripture.

 

[Daniel Marsh]

The why are they then baptized refers to someone outside the true christian church.

1 Timothy 1:4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.

Titus 3:9 [Full Chapter]
But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.

Looking at a few of LDS pages online, it appears they only quote the Bible to justify it to Christians. D&C 128.18-21 is not accepted by True Christians as being Scripture. Baptisms for the Dead
Doctrine and Covenants 128

 

[Ironhold]

The why are they then baptized refers to someone outside the true christian church.

1 Timothy 1:4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.

Titus 3:9 [Full Chapter]
But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.

Looking at a few of LDS pages online, it appears they only quote the Bible to justify it to Christians. D&C 128.18-21 is not accepted by True Christians as being Scripture. Baptisms for the Dead
Doctrine and Covenants 128

So "No True Scotsman", eh?

Not letting us use our own material to define our own theology?

 

[ViaCrucis]

If we are engaging in conjecture, St. John Chrysostom's comments are at least worth taking a gander at. His homilies/commentaries on 1 Corinthians can be found here.

Chrysostom's position is that Paul wishes to underscore the truth of the doctrine of the resurrection of the dead by reminding the Corinthians of baptism, and does so by referring to, e.g., Romans 6:4 that the baptismal act itself is a sign of resurrection and by it we have, truly and really, been buried with Christ, having died with Christ, in order that we might be raised up. In essence, according to Chrysostom, Paul is saying that if there is no resurrection then why were you, why was anyone, baptized? How could someone say there will be no resurrection of the dead when that is the very significance of Baptism.

-CryptoLutheran

 

[Daniel Marsh]

??????????????

 

[BigDaddy4]

So "No True Scotsman", eh?

Not letting us use our own material to define our own theology?

Your "material" is based on a misapplication of 1 passage in Christian Scripture. So, yeah, we're going to call you on that...

 

[Daniel Marsh]

Your "material" is based on a misapplication of 1 passage in Christian Scripture. So, yeah, we're going to call you on that...

D&C 128.18-21

 

[iEye]

Many of those whose bodies lie dead and buried will rise up, some to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting disgrace.—Daniel 12:2

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.—Hebrews 4:12

So he went and preached to the spirits in prison--those who disobeyed God long ago when God waited patiently while Noah was building his boat. Only eight people were saved from drowning in that terrible flood.—1 Peter 3:19-20

632 The frequent New Testament affirmations that Jesus was "raised from the dead" presuppose that the crucified one sojourned in the realm of the dead prior to his resurrection.478 This was the first meaning given in the apostolic preaching to Christ's descent into hell: that Jesus, like all men, experienced death and in his soul joined the others in the realm of the dead. But he descended there as Savior, proclaiming the Good News to the spirits imprisoned there.479

Amen. O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to Heaven, especially those most in need of Thy mercy. Amen.

 

[Postvieww]

Galatians 1:8

But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.


Considering how Joseph Smith received this so called new revelation we should apply this verse.

 

[Postvieww]

D&C 128.18-21

As is made clear in 16 &17 it is a misuse of the writings of Paul and Malachi that are used to support this false doctrine.

D&C 128:15-21

15 And now, my dearly beloved brethren and sisters, let me assure you that these are principles in relation to the dead and the living that cannot be lightly passed over, as pertaining to our salvation. For their salvation is necessary and essential to our salvation, as Paul says concerning the fathers—that they without us cannot be made perfect—neither can we without our dead be made perfect.

16 And now, in relation to the baptism for the dead, I will give you another quotation of Paul, 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?

17 And again, in connection with this quotation I will give you a quotation from one of the prophets, who had his eye fixed on the restoration of the priesthood, the glories to be revealed in the last days, and in an especial manner this most glorious of all subjects belonging to the everlasting gospel, namely, the baptism for the dead; for Malachi says, last chapter, verses 5th and 6th: Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

18 I might have rendered a plainer translation to this, but it is sufficiently plain to suit my purpose as it stands. It is sufficient to know, in this case, that the earth will be smitten with a curse unless there is a welding link of some kind or other between the fathers and the children, upon some subject or other— and behold what is that subject? It is the baptism for the dead. For we without them cannot be made perfect; neither can they without us be made perfect. Neither can they nor we be made perfect without those who have died in the gospel also; for it is necessary in the ushering in of the dispensation of the fullness of times, which dispensation is now beginning to usher in, that a whole and complete and perfect union, and welding together of dispensations, and keys, and powers, and glories should take place, and be revealed from the days of Adam even to the present time. And not only this, but those things which never have been revealed from the g foundation of the world, but have been kept hid from the wise and prudent, shall be revealed unto h babes and sucklings in this, the dispensation of the fullness of times.

19 Now, what do we hear in the gospel which we have received? A voice of gladness! A voice of truth out of the earth; glad tidings for the dead; a voice of gladness for the living and the dead; glad tidings of great joy. How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those that bring glad tidings of good things, and that say unto Zion: Behold, thy God reigneth! As the e dews of Carmel, so shall the knowledge of God descend upon them!

20 And again, what do we hear? Glad tidings from Cumorah! Moroni, an angel from heaven, declaring the fulfilment of the prophets—the c book to be revealed. A voice of the Lord in the wilderness of Fayette, Seneca county, declaring the three witnesses to bear record of the book! The voice of Michael on the banks of the Susquehanna, detecting thef devil when he appeared as an angel ofg light! The voice of Peter, James, and John in the wilderness between Harmony, Susquehanna county, and Colesville, Broome county, on the Susquehanna river, declaring themselves as possessing the keys of the kingdom, and of the dispensation of the fulness of times!

21 And again, the voice of God in the chamber of old Father Whitmer, in Fayette, Seneca county, and at sundry times, and in divers places through all the travels and tribulations of this Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! And the voice of Michael, the archangel; the voice of Gabriel, and of Raphael, and of divers angels, from Michael or Adam down to the present time, all declaring their e dispensation, their rights, their keys, their honors, their majesty and glory, and the power of their priesthood; giving line upon line, precept upon precept; here a little, and there a little; giving us consolation by holding forth that which is to come, confirming our hope!

 

[Jane_Doe]

Galatians 1:8

But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.

12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it,but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.


I actually find Galatians 1 to be a chapter incredibly endorsing of the LDS faith and continuing revelation from God.

 

[Rescued One]

Mormons claim that salvation is found in Christ. But that salvation and every single blessing has to be earned according to what they are taught.

Doctrine and Covenants 130
20 There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated—
21 And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated.

3 We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
Articles of Faith 1

 

[Rescued One]

As is made clear in 16 &17 it is a misuse of the writings of Paul and Malachi that are used to support this false doctrine.

D&C 128:15-21

18 I might have rendered a plainer translation to this, but it is sufficiently plain to suit my purpose as it stands. It is sufficient to know, in this case, that the earth will be smitten with a curse unless there is a welding link of some kind or other between the fathers and the children, upon some subject or other— and behold what is that subject? It is thee baptism for the dead. For we without them cannot be made perfect; neither can they without us be made perfect. Neither can they nor we be made perfect without those who have died in the gospel also; for it is necessary in the ushering in of the dispensation of the fullness of times, which dispensation is now beginning to usher in, that a whole and complete and perfect union, and welding together of dispensations, and keys, and powers, and glories should take place, and be revealed from the days of Adam even to the present time. And not only this, but those things which never have been revealed from the g foundation of the world, but have been kept hid from the wise and prudent, shall be revealed unto h babes and sucklings in this, the dispensation of the fullness of times...

Your information is so good and accurate. I suggest using another link so that you don't end up with extra letters in the text.

For instance, Verse 18 "It is thee baptism for the dead" should read "the baptism for the dead.

Your link Doctrine and Covenants 128 does that.

Try this link:
Doctrine and Covenants 128

Please honor us with more input.