Baptism for the Dead

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Baptism for the Dead

• 1 Corinthians 1529

2
Introduction

• Pauls statement in 1 Corinthians 1529 is
  difficult and much debated.
• What is the significance of being baptized for
  the dead?

3
Greek Text

• The Greek reads ?pe? t? p???s??s?? ??
  ßapt???µe??? ?p?? t?? ?e???? e? ???? ?e???? ???
  ??e????ta?, t? ?a? ßapt????ta? ?p?? a?t??
  (NA27).
• A literal translation is Otherwise / what /
  will they do / the ones having been baptized /
  for / the dead? / If / all, actually / (the) dead
  / not / they are being raised up / why / even,
  also / are they being baptized / for / them?

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Greek Preposition

• The difficulty centers upon the phrase for the
  dead. The preposition ?p??, here translated
  for, occurring in the genitive case, signifies
• (1) marker indicating that an activity or event
  is in some entitys interest, for, in behalf of,
  for the sake of someone/something
• (2) marker of the moving cause or reason, because
  of, for the sake of, for
• (3) marker of general content, whether of a
  discourse or mental activity, about, concerning.

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Elliptical Construction

• Adding to the difficulty is the elliptical
  wording of this verse.
• In grammar, an ellipsis involves the omission of
  a word (or words) necessary for complete
  grammatical construction, yet the omitted words
  are implied in the context.

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Elliptical Construction

• For example, we often say if possible in the
  place of if it is possible.
• The elliptical wording of for the dead can
  actually signify baptism with view to the world
  of the dead, into which we are all going (Davis
  Dictionary of the Bible, 1983, s.v. Baptism,
  p. 80).

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English Translations

• 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? (KJV)
• Otherwise, what will they do who are baptized for
  the dead, if the dead do not rise at all? Why
  then are they baptized for the dead? (NKJV)

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English Translations

• Else what shall they do that are baptized for the
  dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why then
  are they baptized for them? (ASV)
• 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? (NASB95)

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Discussion

• In 1st Corinthians 15, Paul discusses the
  consequences of denying the resurrection.
• Proper understanding of verse 29 requires an
  answer to the following questions In this
  context,
• What is the meaning of baptism?
• Who are the dead?

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Principles of Bible Study

• Truth is harmonious, consistent, and without
  contradiction. When studying problematic
  passages, such as the present text, we must avoid
  any interpretation that would contradict plain
  teaching found elsewhere.
• Let us, therefore, approach this text as an
  exercise in proper Bible study, interpreting the
  difficult in light of the simple.

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Several Possibilities

• Does the text refer to the practice of proxy
  baptism by the living on behalf of the dead?
• Does it allude to fervent exhortation to
  obedience from saints who have already died?
• Does baptism here symbolically describe
  suffering?
• Does it refer to the practice of Christian
  baptism?

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Baptism for the Dead

• Surrogate Obedience? No!
• Final Exhortations? No!
• Symbolic Suffering? No!
• Water Baptism? Yes!

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Conclusion

• Through Christ Jesus, we achieve victory over
  death (1 Corinthians 1550-58).
• Do you have hope of heaven? Are you willing to
  take those steps necessary to enjoy Gods grace?
• Will you obey the gospel plan of salvation, dying
  to the old man of sin, being buried with Christ
  in baptism, raised to walk in newness of life?

14
Invitation

• Those who are dead in sin, must die to sin if
  they hope to be victorious over death that
  entered the world because of sin.
• Therefore, have you been baptized for the dead?
• If not, obey the gospel while there is time and
  opportunity!