Correspondence: Meaning of "Baptized for the Dead"

From: Young Christian: Volume 2, 1912

1 Corinthians 15:29 • 3 min. read • grade level: 6

Question 37: What is the meaning of the words, “baptized for the dead” (1 Cor. 15:29²⁹Else 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? (1 Corinthians 15:29))?

Answer: In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul is proving that the saints rise from the dead, some were denying it. From verses 20 to 28 is a parenthesis. 1 Corinthians 15:19¹⁹If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. (1 Corinthians 15:19) says, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.” As much as to say, Christians are put to death; what is the good of turning to be a Christian, if it is only in this life. Baptized for the dead, is taking the place of those already put to death as martyrs for Jesus.

They would have no object if the dead do not rise.

Question 38: “Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.” Does the rod mean chastening? A. M. C.

Answer: Psalm 23, is so ordered by the Spirit as to apply to Christ here on earth, or to saints now, or in the future. The rod would signify Jehovah’s power wielded for our good, the staff our stay and support. Chastening could not apply to the Lord, but is included in what we need.

“He restoreth my soul,” is the thought of refreshment, when faint and weary, or cast down and troubled.

Question 39: What is the difference between New Birth, Conversion and Salvation?

Is Salvation instantaneous, both as to a fact before God and as to the enjoyment of it by the one that is saved?

Can one be saved and not know or enjoy it? J. H. J.

Answer: New birth is the communication of a new life in a soul. Without it one cannot understand the things of God (John 3:3³Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. (John 3:3)). This life is wrought in the soul by the work of the Holy Spirit, using the word of God. (See John 3:5⁵Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. (John 3:5); James 1:18¹⁸Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. (James 1:18) Peter 1:23).

Conversion is the soul turning to God (Matt. 18:3³And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18:3)).

Salvation is deliverance. As this word is used in various connections, we need to consider the context each time it is used. Eternal Salvation is given to the soul the moment it receives the gospel (Acts 16:31³¹And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (Acts 16:31); Rom. 10:9⁹That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (Romans 10:9)). This is a fact before God and also for the one who believes.

Often, through careless walking, or looking into oneself, the enjoyment of this truth is marred, and doubts arise.

Saved ones are to work out their own salvation with fear and trembling, lest they should hinder the work of God in their souls. He is to do the willing and the doing for us (Phil. 2:12, 13¹²Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. ¹³For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. (Philippians 2:12‑13)). This is day by day.

Then we are to wait for the coming of the Lord, and when He comes He will save us out of this world (Rom. 13:11¹¹And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. (Romans 13:11); Phil. 3:20-21²⁰For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: ²¹Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. (Philippians 3:20‑21)).

Question 40: Who are the sheep and goats in Matthew 25:32³²And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: (Matthew 25:32)? N. C.

Answer: These are the nations or Gentiles, the living people who help or persecute the Jews, the King’s brethren, during the tribulation period.

Those who believe the gospel of the kingdom, that is that the King (the Son of Man), is coming to set up His kingdom, and help His brethren, the Jews. These are the sheep, and they enjoy the kingdom— everlasting life on earth, while the goats, those who persecute the King’s brethren, go away into the lake of fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.

Click here to show subject links in the text for more information.