Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 15:29

Today's Favorite Verse: 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?"

I learned something new about baptism for the dead..

"No baptisms for the dead were performed before the Savior visited the spirit world and bridged the gulf between paradise and the spirit prison. Vicarious baptisms were performed only after Jesus was resurrected. The only Bible passage that mentions vicarious baptism for the dead is 1 Corinthians 15:29, although other ancient texts attest that baptism for the dead was practiced by early Christians."

(New Testament Student Manual, "Chapter 40: 1 Corinthians 15-16", Baptism for the Dead)

I had never really thought much on when vicarious baptism for the dead started. I know many scriptures are missing and just assumed mention is lost in the Old Testament. Turns out baptism for the dead could not take place until Jesus Christ was resurrected. It makes so much sense considering President Joseph F. Smith's vision of the redemption of the dead after reading 1 Peter 3:18-20, and 1 Peter 4:6. Where Christ preached to the spirits in prison in the brief time between his crucifixion and resurrection.

"And as I wondered, my eyes were opened, and my understanding quickened, and I perceived that the Lord went not in person among the wicked and the disobedient who had rejected the truth, to teach them;

But behold, from among the righteous, he organized his forces and appointed messengers, clothed with power and authority, and commissioned them to go forth and carry the light of the gospel to them that were in darkness, even to all the spirits of men; and thus was the gospel preached to the dead.

And the chosen messengers went forth to declare the acceptable day of the Lord and proclaim liberty to the captives who were bound, even unto all who would repent of their sins and receive the gospel.

Thus was the gospel preached to those who had died in their sins, without a knowledge of the truth, or in transgression, having rejected the prophets.

These were taught faith in God, repentance from sin, vicarious baptism for the remission of sins, the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands,

And all other principles of the gospel that were necessary for them to know in order to qualify themselves that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

And so it was made known among the dead, both small and great, the unrighteous as well as the faithful, that redemption had been wrought through the sacrifice of the Son of God upon the cross."

(Doctrine and Covenants 138:29-35)

Day 3236