Baptizing The Dead

Q. I really appreciate your site and the wisdom God has gifted you with.

I read your article about the baptism for the dead and realize that some religions (Catholic and Mormon) continue this practice. I wonder if you could give an explanation for the scripture verse 1 Corinthians 15:29? Am I correct in thinking it should not be taken as scriptural corroboration for the practice of doing that?

A. 1 Cor 15:29 says, Now if there is no resurrection, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized for them?

There were apparently some in Corinth who were following this practice, and yet they were questioning Paul about the resurrection, doubting that such a thing could happen. In effect Paul’s response was, “You don’t even believe in the resurrection, so why are you baptizing dead people?” It was a sarcastic response given in an offhanded way and certainly was not meant to condone the practice.

Baptism alone will not even save a living person. Their conscious confession of faith is what saves them. How can it possibly save a dead person who can no longer make such a confession?