The Biblical Doctrine Followed by Only a Few Churches Today
In 1 Corinthians 15:29, the apostle Paul poses a question:
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?
You may search far and wide and you will have a very difficult time finding a church that practices baptism on behalf of the dead. To add another layer of difficulty, Paul doesn’t offer any further clarification. All we get is this single statement that if there is no resurrection, then such a practice would be pointless.
Well, there is a resurrection…
So baptizing for the dead is not pointless.
The Restoration of an Ancient Practice
Today, this ancient practice has been revealed again through revelation. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has sacred temples around the world — currently numbering 195 — where baptisms for the dead are performed.
Joseph Smith, the founding prophet of the restoration, taught that “The greatest responsibility in this world that God has laid upon us it to seek after our dead.” His words remind us of our role in this divine work, helping to extend the blessings of the gospel to our ancestors.
The Essential Nature of Baptism
Baptism is not just a symbol but a sacred ordinance essential for salvation. Jesus Christ Himself declared, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16). Similarly, in John 3:5, He taught, “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”
These scriptures make it clear that baptism is a necessary covenant. It is through baptism that we receive a remission of our sins (Acts 2:38) and enter the path that leads to eternal life (2 Nephi 31:17). But what happens those who die without having the opportunity to be baptized?
Here’s where the doctrine of vicarious baptism offers incredible hope. Through the restored gospel, we know that God has made a way for these souls to be redeemed. We can stand as proxies for our ancestors, giving them the chance to accept this essential covenant, and receive the same blessings that Christ offers to the living. This practice reflects God’s love and justice — His desire that no one be left behind in the journey to salvation.
Participating in God’s Great Work of Salvation
This work of salvation extends beyond the veil of death, showing God’s infinite mercy and love for all His children. According to 1 Peter 4:6, those who have died without the gospel still have the opportunity to hear and accept it. Thanks to the Atonement of Jesus Christ, no one is forgotten.
By performing baptisms for the dead, we play an integral role in the salvation of those who cannot do this work for themselves. As the prophet Malachi prophesied, “He shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers” (Malachi 4:6). This turning of hearts through the work of family history and temple service.
Modern prophets also emphasize this role. Joseph Smith revealed that we act as “saviors on Mount Zion” as we help others receive essential ordinances (Obadiah 1:21; D&C 103:9–10). The Book of Mormon further affirms this when it says, “for we labor diligently… to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God” (Jacob 7:23).
An Invitation to All
The invitation to participate in this divine work is open to everyone. As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, we have the privilege of entering the temple and performing baptisms on behalf of our ancestors. This work unites families, turning “the hearts of the children to their fathers” (Malachi 4:6), and offering hope that through Christ’s Atonement, all can be redeemed.
Through the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, we can extend the blessings of baptism even beyond this life. The restoration of baptisms for the dead is a powerful testament to God’s perfect love and justice, showing that His plan of salvation encompasses all His children, regardless of when or where they lived. As modern revelation teaches, “The dead who repent will be redeemed, through obedience to the ordinances of the house of God” (Doctrine and Covenants 138:58).
By accepting the invitation to participate in this work, we join a divine effort, linking generations in love and sealing families together for eternity. Through this sacred service, we gain a deeper understanding of God’s eternal plan for His children.
Thank you for reading.
To speak with missionaries: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/ps/meet-with-missionaries
To read more about eternal families: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2023/01/10-families-are-eternal?lang=eng
To read more about baptisms for the dead:
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/baptisms-for-the-dead?lang=eng
