Baptism for the dead: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 20:22, 12 October 2004

Revision as of 04:33, 13 October 2004

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==Overview==

It is imperative that one understand the Latter-day Saint view of baptism before understanding the importance of the ordinance of baptism for the dead. John 3:5 states that man must be born of water and of the spirt to enter the kingdom of God. Mormons believe firmly that personal baptism is a required ordinance for those who desire to enter the kingdom of God. Baptism fofor the Dead allows this saving ordinance to be offreredoffered to all those who have previously passed on without hearing of the Gospel of Jesus Chirst. If baptism is a required ordinance as Mormons believe is evidenced by Jesus's own desire to receive it from John the Baptist, then this ordinance is becomes a burden for all those who wish to spread the Gospel with all the inhabitants of the earth who have previously passed on to the afterlife.

According to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, their practice of baptism for the dead is based on a revelation [[Joseph Smith]] received. Smith first taught the doctrine at the [[funeral]] sermon of a deceased member of the Church, Seymour Brunson. In a letter written on [[October 19]], [[1840]], to the [[Quorum of the Twelve Apostles]] of the Church (who were on a mission in the United Kingdom at the time), Smith refers to the passage in [http://scriptures.lds.org/1_cor/15 1 Corinthians 15:29] (KJV):