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NASB | 1 Corinthians 15:29 ¶ Otherwise, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why then are they baptized for them? |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Corinthians 15:29 ¶ Otherwise, what will those do who are being baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people even baptized for them? |
Bible Question:
Hi All, Can we be baptised on behalf of the dead (RSV)? Surely everyone has to make the personal decision to be baptised and saved? Can anyone reflect on what Paul means with this verse and please back it up with 3 or more verses. Thanks |
Bible Answer: Greetings Ronaldo, 1 Corinthians 15:29 "Otherwise, what do people mean by being baptized on behalf of the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized on their behalf?" [ESV] [ESV] - English Standard Version This passage has always seemed to be the source of various interpretations, and it will most likely continue to be obscure for Christians to understand.. Paul is not advocating or giving any support of any kind to any such practice as "being baptized on behalf of the dead." Christianity teaches that such a practice, or view, is heretical, since our baptism is based upon the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, who is alive! There is no support for the practice of "being baptized on behalf of the dead" in the entire Bible, including this verse. What Paul is saying here is that if there is no resurrection and no life after death, then why are people coming to Christ, following the hopes of those who have passed on? The only sufficient baptism is that of Jesus Christ and His Resurrection. If you are not baptised on the basis of Jesus' Resurrection, then what is the point of your baptism, since you cannot be raised from death without Christ? I believe that the English Standard Version does an excellent and superb job in rendering this verse. Blessings to you, Makarios |