Baptisms for the Dead?
Where did this concept of “baptisms for the dead” originate? Who started it? When and where did the first baptisms for the dead happen? When did they officially add this doctrine to the teachings and the scriptures? Is the idea with baptisms for the dead compatible with other scriptural teachings on the atonement? We’ll explore these questions and more in this interview.
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How Baptisms of the Dead Originated in LDS Church History
- Earliest teachings associated with the later doctrine of baptisms for the dead. (January 21, 1836, Journal, 1835–1836 p.127 – Joseph Smith’s vision of the Celestial Kingdom, which later became D&C 137 in 1981) – 0:36
- In response to the question “If the Mormon doctrine of true what has become of all those who have died since the days of the apostles?” Joseph Smith is believed to have said “All those who have not had an opportunity of hearing the gospel, and being administered to by an inspired man in the flesh, must have it hereafter, before they can be finally judged” (July 1838, Elder’s Journal, JSP #8533 p. 43) – 1:45
- All “baptisms for the dead” references came from late church era (Nauvoo) 1840+ and is not included in the prior scriptures (Book of Mormon, 1833 Book of Commandments, 1835 D&C, Bible) – 2:07
Is Baptizing for the Dead In The Scriptures?
- The requirement for “entering in at the gate” (baptism of fire & the Holy Ghost) is the baptism required for salvation, not baptism of water. Baptism is useless unless there’s the baptism of the Holy Ghost and a remission of sin (Discourse, 9 July 1843, as Reported by Willard Richards July 9, 1843 JSP #1114 p. 304) – 2:40
- Scriptures that challenge the notion of baptism for the dead – 5:07
- Misinterpreting the only reference to baptizing for the dead in the scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:29) – 6:53
- Did baptisms for the dead come from Joseph Smith, and were they practicing it in Nauvoo? – 7:49
- Who are “the dead“? (Colossians 2:12-14, Romans 6:2-4) – 9:26
- Why would God punish the dead for the deeds of the living? (D&C 124:32) – 10:52
Summary of the Doctrine of Baptizing the Dead
- Summary of how apostasies happen (people believe false teachings) – 12:57
- Is Jesus Christ God the Father? (Alma 11:38-39, Ether 4:7, Mosiah 15:1-5, 1 Nephi 11:18,21,32,40 [1830 edition], Helaman 8:23) – 14:39
- Summary & closing remarks – 15:29
Mark, this episode is marvelous on baptism for the dead. Your thought and questioning needs to address this topic, as not much is said in our standard works.
Help me rectify this scripture in D&C 124:33:
“For, verily I say unto you, that to build a house to me, wherein the ordinance of baptizing for the dead belongeth, and for which the same was instituted from before the foundation of the world, your baptisms cannot be acceptable unto me…”
The Lord goes on for a few more verses with baptism for the dead, as if it is a legitimate ordinance in his site.
. Check out v39. Long. Again lumping baptisms for the dead with washing’s and anointings.
I totally agree with you that a baptism by water is only half a baptism. Point well spoken.
Mark, then the Lord thro Joseph makes a point in DC 124:29 that “ there is not upon the earth, that they, my saints, may be baptized for the dead.”
I’m just unclear how all these deceased spirits will get their baptism of fire…. In another mortal probation? So, what good is this baptismal ordinance for the dead if like you say and Joseph said, it mattereth not without the fire and the Holy Ghost?