Why do Mormons baptize for the dead when water baptism in itself, doesn't save anyone?

Question

What washes our sins away is Christ redeeming blood. We are saved by Grace. It is a gift of God and not of works, lest anyone boast.

When it writes about the last resurrection (those not part of the 1st resurrection) when the dead stand before the Great White Throne Judgment, they will be judged according to their works, not if someone was water baptized for them. Those whose names aren't found in the books of life are thrown into the lake of fire, the 2nd death.

Jesus Christ redeeming blood is what washes away our sins. That is what water baptism represents. Jesus Christ redeeming blood is what saves us. It is by grace we are saved, and not by works, lest anyone boast.

Scripture only asks why do people baptise for the dead. Scripture doesn't tell anyone to practice this.

Answer 1

Excellant Question: I have thought about it,and come away with
thought ,If the person in the Grave,made a choice in Life to
not Choose God"s way,How is a living Person going to overide
the Deceased Person"s Will?
No Believer will stand at Great White Throne,only those that have
Rejected God:s Plan.This at the End of 1000 yr Reign of Christ on Earth.

Answer 2

They baptize for the dead based upon only one scripture in the Bible, and the Bible does plainly state you cannot make any doctrine out of only one scripture, anyways here is that scripture;
1 Corinthines 15: 28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.
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?
This verse was not even speaking of practices of Christians but some other people or religion.
But the Bible again say you cannot teach this unless two or more places say the same thing; Matthew 18:16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
2 Corinthians 13:1 This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.
Here is what Jesus Christ says about the type of people that teach traditions rather than the Bible; Matthew 15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
Matthew 16:12 Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.
2 John 1:10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
Romans 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

Answer 3

You are right when you say that baptism washes away our sins. THat's what Mormons believe too. Mormons don't believe that baptism necessary "saves" you. They don't even use that terminology. They are giving people who did not have a chance to wash away their sins on this earth, a chance to have that ordinance done for them. But baptism alone doesn't "save" you. It's your works and faith, the way you live your life, and your relationship with Christ that do.

Answer 4

You asked many questions....

First, baptism is necessary for salvation, and you are right, it does not save us in and of itself, but it is necessary. Christ told Nicodemus that "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." John 3:5

Christ was also baptized
Matthew 3:13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.
14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.

Christ was baptized to show obedience and to fulfill all righteousness. We need to do the same, plus repent for our sins.

Mark 1
4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

You are right we are saved by the redeeming blood of Christ, but it is not without our works. But our works alone are not enough to save us, we know everyone has sinned and can not earn salvation on their own, that is where Christ's sacrifice makes up for it. But if we do nothing, then we obviously do not accept the sacrifice he made for us.....

James 2:
14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

The new testament also mentions they did baptisms for the dead
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?

Here he was talking about the resurrection and the fact that why do you think they are getting baptized for the dead, if the dead will not rise again? In other words, they will be resurrected and have a need for the baptism ordinance to be saved. This still does not take away that person free will, they can still accept the ordinance or not, but at least they will have the opportunity, even if they never heard of Christ in this life.

Answer 5

There is a Book that explains it called: Mormons by John Ankerberg. The Catholic church also believes in works, rather than redeeming grace.

Answer 6

many different sects of Christianity believe you must be baptized to go to heaven(Mormons are somewhat christian b/c they believe in Jesus as a religious figure).

Answer 7

They practice proxy baptism because that's what they believe. If you don't believe it, then you shouldn't do it.

Answer 8

i think that they just want to make everyone morman, and so by baptising them, they have made them morman by their own standards.