Baptism for the Dead
There are a couple of other texts some may use to show we are saved by baptism.
So we should look at those texts as well.
Mark 16:16 "He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.
The key in this passage for those that shall be saved is their belief. Notice this verse shows that unbelief is the reason for being
condemned not the lack of being baptized.
1 Pet 3:18-21
18 For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, in order that He might bring us to God, having been put to
death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;
19 in which also He went and made proclamation to the spirits now in prison,
20 who once were disobedient, when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark,
in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water.
21 And corresponding to that, baptism now saves you-- not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good
conscience-- through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
Noah and his family were saved through the water because Noah was obedient and built the ark like he was told. Noah first
believed God and then followed instructions. Corresponding to that we first put our trust in God and follow his instructions to be
baptized. Yet it is not the dunking in the water that saves us, rather our appeal to God for a good conscience through the
resurrection of Jesus.
Noah would not have been saved if he did not use the ark. Being dunked in water does not save without the heart being
purified by the Holy Spirit. Baptism by itself with an unregenerate heart saves nobody. However the thief on the cross is an
example of someone who was saved by a regenerate heart without baptism.
2. Salvation comes through faith; it is a matter of the heart.
When we read MT.19:16 we learn that a rich young man was asked specifically how to gain eternal life. He was told to sell his
possessions and follow Jesus. (This is a matter of the heart!)
When we read LK.10:25 we learn a lawyer asked Jesus specifically how to gain eternal life. He was told "You shall love the
Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as
yourself." Again a matter of the heart
When we read Acts 16:30 we learn a jailer asked Paul and Silas what they had to do to be saved. They were told believe in the
Lord Jesus Christ.
3. There is no biblical reference instructing or suggesting that one does genealogical research. (A necessary step
preceding baptism for the dead)
If baptism for the dead were a true doctrine it certainly would be important. One would expect to find it clearly taught in the bible,
which a reading of the New Testament shows it is not. Furthermore since genealogy is a necessary step preceding baptism for
the dead we would also expect to find reference to it in the bible. Aside from the genealogies of Jesus showing that he is the
Messiah told about in the Old Testament genealogy is only mentioned twice in the New Testament.
Titus 3:9 But shun foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law; for they are unprofitable and
worthless.
1 Tim 1:3-4 As I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, remain on at Ephesus, in order that you may instruct certain men
not to teach strange doctrines, nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculation
rather than furthering the administration of God which is by faith.
Granted these texts have nothing to do with baptism for the dead. They are however our only references to genealogy in the
New Testament. They certainly in no way encourage anybody to do genealogical work.
4. Born of water does not mean baptized.
In Doctrines of Salvation we were told that born of water means to be baptized.
John 3:3-8 Jesus answered and said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the
kingdom of God." Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his
mother's womb and be born, can he?" Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit,
he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is
spirit. "Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.' "The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it,
but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit."
The word "baptized" is not in this passage. Although the Jewish mind may connect baptism with the use of the word "water"
I believe the usage of the word is much deeper than that. The passage is referring to someone that is born again. We are first
born physically. Before we are born spiritually we are said to be dead in our trespasses and sins, Eph.2:1-5, Col.2:13.
In other words until you are born again even though you are physically alive, you are spiritually dead. The second birth is
spiritual, when you are "born again" you are both physically and spiritually alive. The Mormons of course focus on the part of the
text that reads: "unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God"
We will take this in two parts.
A. "Born" does not mean baptized.
B. "water" does not mean baptized.
A. "Born" does not mean baptized. The word "born" in this passage is defined by Strong's defintion of Greek words in the
following manner.
1080 gennao (ghen-nah'-o); from a variation of 1085; to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother);
figuratively, to regenerate:
KJV-- bear, beget, be born, bring forth, conceive, be delivered of, gender, make, spring.
B.Water does not mean baptized either.
Thayers definition of Greek words.
5204 hudor-
water:
a) used of water in rivers, in fountains, in pools
b) used of the water of the deluge
c) used of water in any of the earth's repositories
d) used of water as the primary element, out of and through which the world that was before the deluge, arose and was
compacted
e) used of the waves of the sea
f) figatively, used of many peoples
"Water" is not a reference to baptism. This word "water" in this passage by definition can mean literal water. This Greek word
however is not bound only to this literal definition. This same Greek word "water" found in John 3:5 is also used in the following
passage. Eph.5:26
Eph 5:25-27 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her; that He might sanctify
her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory,
having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she should be holy and blameless.
(The next two verses give us a little more insight.)
1 Pet 1:23 for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and
abiding word of God.
Titus 3:5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the
washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,
Notice the proceeding verse declares that we are not saved by deeds done in righteousness. In the following text we will see
that Jesus declares his baptism is a deed to fulfill all righteousness.
Matt 3:13-15 Then Jesus arrived from Galilee at the Jordan coming to John, to be baptized by him. But John tried to prevent
Him, saying, "I have need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?" But Jesus answering said to him, "Permit it at this
time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he permitted Him.
Furthermore Jesus when asked about doing the works (or deeds) of God he simply says they must believe in him as you can
see in the following text.
John 6:28-29 They said therefore to Him, "What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?" Jesus answered and said to
them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent."
Let us consider again 1 Pet.1:23 we find that these ones that have been born again have done this through the word of God.
How are they born again? They are born again through the word of God. Remember Jesus was talking to Nicodemus about
being born again in John chapter 3.
Take special notice of how Eph 5:25-27 said that Christ cleansed his church. (having cleansed her by the washing of water
with the word) Water in this case is used in reference to the word of God. Christ church is cleansed by the washing of water
with the word. The Church in Eph. 5:25-27 is made up of "born again believers" Since Jesus said that "unless one is born
again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" John 3:3 we can conclude that his church is born again. Christ's church is born
again through the word of God by the washing of water with the word as well as the washing of regeneration and renewing by
the Holy Spirit Titus 3:5.
In the very next chapter after the discussion between Jesus and Nicodemus we find Jesus talking to a Samaritan woman. Here
again we see Jesus using water as an illustration that does not mean baptism, but rather Jesus is referring to eternal life which
is salvation.
John 4:14 but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall become
in him a well of water springing up to eternal life."
Isa 12:3 Therefore you will joyously draw water from the springs of salvation.
Jesus talked to Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman using "water" as an illustration. In both cases Jesus was talking about
eternal life. The word "baptism" is not in either text. Jesus certainly knew that a Jewish mind might connect baptism with the
use of the word "water". However the bible also shows us that the usage of the word "water" is much more than the act of
baptism. The Jewish mind would be very aware of that as well. The bible shows us that the term "water" has to do with our
regeneration by the Holy Spirit through the word of God. Baptism is our act of obedience to God's command and our
proclaiming to the world that we have been regenerated through the Holy Spirit and the word of God.
There are a couple of other texts some may use to show we are saved by baptism.
So we should look at those texts as well.
Mark 16:16 "He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.
The key in this passage for those that shall be saved is their belief. Notice this verse shows that unbelief is the reason for being
condemned not the lack of being baptized.
1 Pet 3:18-21
18 For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, in order that He might bring us to God, having been put to
death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;
19 in which also He went and made proclamation to the spirits now in prison,
20 who once were disobedient, when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark,
in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water.
21 And corresponding to that, baptism now saves you-- not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good
conscience-- through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
Noah and his family were saved through the water because Noah was obedient and built the ark like he was told. Noah first
believed God and then followed instructions. Corresponding to that we first put our trust in God and follow his instructions to be
baptized. Yet it is not the dunking in the water that saves us, rather our appeal to God for a good conscience through the
resurrection of Jesus.
Noah would not have been saved if he did not use the ark. Being dunked in water does not save without the heart being
purified by the Holy Spirit. Baptism by itself with an unregenerate heart saves nobody. However the thief on the cross is an
example of someone who was saved by a regenerate heart without baptism.
2. Salvation comes through faith; it is a matter of the heart.
When we read MT.19:16 we learn that a rich young man was asked specifically how to gain eternal life. He was told to sell his
possessions and follow Jesus. (This is a matter of the heart!)
When we read LK.10:25 we learn a lawyer asked Jesus specifically how to gain eternal life. He was told "You shall love the
Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as
yourself." Again a matter of the heart
When we read Acts 16:30 we learn a jailer asked Paul and Silas what they had to do to be saved. They were told believe in the
Lord Jesus Christ.
3. There is no biblical reference instructing or suggesting that one does genealogical research. (A necessary step
preceding baptism for the dead)
If baptism for the dead were a true doctrine it certainly would be important. One would expect to find it clearly taught in the bible,
which a reading of the New Testament shows it is not. Furthermore since genealogy is a necessary step preceding baptism for
the dead we would also expect to find reference to it in the bible. Aside from the genealogies of Jesus showing that he is the
Messiah told about in the Old Testament genealogy is only mentioned twice in the New Testament.
Titus 3:9 But shun foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law; for they are unprofitable and
worthless.
1 Tim 1:3-4 As I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, remain on at Ephesus, in order that you may instruct certain men
not to teach strange doctrines, nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculation
rather than furthering the administration of God which is by faith.
Granted these texts have nothing to do with baptism for the dead. They are however our only references to genealogy in the
New Testament. They certainly in no way encourage anybody to do genealogical work.
4. Born of water does not mean baptized.
In Doctrines of Salvation we were told that born of water means to be baptized.
John 3:3-8 Jesus answered and said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the
kingdom of God." Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his
mother's womb and be born, can he?" Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit,
he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is
spirit. "Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.' "The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it,
but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit."
The word "baptized" is not in this passage. Although the Jewish mind may connect baptism with the use of the word "water"
I believe the usage of the word is much deeper than that. The passage is referring to someone that is born again. We are first
born physically. Before we are born spiritually we are said to be dead in our trespasses and sins, Eph.2:1-5, Col.2:13.
In other words until you are born again even though you are physically alive, you are spiritually dead. The second birth is
spiritual, when you are "born again" you are both physically and spiritually alive. The Mormons of course focus on the part of the
text that reads: "unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God"
We will take this in two parts.
A. "Born" does not mean baptized.
B. "water" does not mean baptized.
A. "Born" does not mean baptized. The word "born" in this passage is defined by Strong's defintion of Greek words in the
following manner.
1080 gennao (ghen-nah'-o); from a variation of 1085; to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother);
figuratively, to regenerate:
KJV-- bear, beget, be born, bring forth, conceive, be delivered of, gender, make, spring.
B.Water does not mean baptized either.
Thayers definition of Greek words.
5204 hudor-
water:
a) used of water in rivers, in fountains, in pools
b) used of the water of the deluge
c) used of water in any of the earth's repositories
d) used of water as the primary element, out of and through which the world that was before the deluge, arose and was
compacted
e) used of the waves of the sea
f) figatively, used of many peoples
"Water" is not a reference to baptism. This word "water" in this passage by definition can mean literal water. This Greek word
however is not bound only to this literal definition. This same Greek word "water" found in John 3:5 is also used in the following
passage. Eph.5:26
Eph 5:25-27 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her; that He might sanctify
her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory,
having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she should be holy and blameless.
(The next two verses give us a little more insight.)
1 Pet 1:23 for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and
abiding word of God.
Titus 3:5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the
washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,
Notice the proceeding verse declares that we are not saved by deeds done in righteousness. In the following text we will see
that Jesus declares his baptism is a deed to fulfill all righteousness.
Matt 3:13-15 Then Jesus arrived from Galilee at the Jordan coming to John, to be baptized by him. But John tried to prevent
Him, saying, "I have need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?" But Jesus answering said to him, "Permit it at this
time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he permitted Him.
Furthermore Jesus when asked about doing the works (or deeds) of God he simply says they must believe in him as you can
see in the following text.
John 6:28-29 They said therefore to Him, "What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?" Jesus answered and said to
them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent."
Let us consider again 1 Pet.1:23 we find that these ones that have been born again have done this through the word of God.
How are they born again? They are born again through the word of God. Remember Jesus was talking to Nicodemus about
being born again in John chapter 3.
Take special notice of how Eph 5:25-27 said that Christ cleansed his church. (having cleansed her by the washing of water
with the word) Water in this case is used in reference to the word of God. Christ church is cleansed by the washing of water
with the word. The Church in Eph. 5:25-27 is made up of "born again believers" Since Jesus said that "unless one is born
again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" John 3:3 we can conclude that his church is born again. Christ's church is born
again through the word of God by the washing of water with the word as well as the washing of regeneration and renewing by
the Holy Spirit Titus 3:5.
In the very next chapter after the discussion between Jesus and Nicodemus we find Jesus talking to a Samaritan woman. Here
again we see Jesus using water as an illustration that does not mean baptism, but rather Jesus is referring to eternal life which
is salvation.
John 4:14 but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall become
in him a well of water springing up to eternal life."
Isa 12:3 Therefore you will joyously draw water from the springs of salvation.
Jesus talked to Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman using "water" as an illustration. In both cases Jesus was talking about
eternal life. The word "baptism" is not in either text. Jesus certainly knew that a Jewish mind might connect baptism with the
use of the word "water". However the bible also shows us that the usage of the word "water" is much more than the act of
baptism. The Jewish mind would be very aware of that as well. The bible shows us that the term "water" has to do with our
regeneration by the Holy Spirit through the word of God. Baptism is our act of obedience to God's command and our
proclaiming to the world that we have been regenerated through the Holy Spirit and the word of God.
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