2007-03-01 12:46:39 · 13 answers · asked by robert v 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Jesus Christ taught that baptism is essential to the salvation of all who have lived on earth (see John 3:5). Many people, however, have died without being baptized. Others were baptized without proper authority. Because God is merciful, He has prepared a way for all people to receive the blessings of baptism. By performing proxy baptisms in behalf of those who have died, Church members offer these blessings to deceased ancestors. Individuals can then choose to accept or reject what has been done in their behalf.
Additional Information
Jesus Christ said, "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God" (John 3:5). Even Jesus Christ Himself was baptized (see Matthew 3:13–17).
Many people have lived on the earth who never heard of the gospel of Jesus Christ and who were not baptized. Others lived without fully understanding the importance of the ordinance of baptism. Still others were baptized, but without proper authority.
Because He is a loving God, the Lord does not damn those people who, through no fault of their own, never had the opportunity for baptism. He has therefore authorized baptisms to be performed by proxy for them. A living person, often a descendant who has become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is baptized in behalf of a deceased person. This work is done by Church members in temples throughout the world.
Some people have misunderstood that when baptisms for the dead are performed, deceased persons are baptized into the Church against their will. This is not the case. Each individual has agency, or the right to choose. The validity of a baptism for the dead depends on the deceased person accepting it and choosing to accept and follow the Savior while residing in the spirit world. The names of deceased persons are not added to the membership records of the Church.
The New Testament indicates that baptisms for the dead were done during the time of the Apostle Paul (see 1 Corinthians 15:29). This ordinance was restored with the establishment of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
2007-03-02 06:03:14 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
"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?" 1 Corinthians 15:29
That's why they do it.
However, Paul isn't saying we should do it. He's using a group of believers who do it as an example of resurrection.
And I thought I read that Mormons had to tracy their ancestry back to a person before they could claim baptism for them. That's why they are so into geneology. I would highly doubt the comment about Popes and Mickey Mouse.
2007-03-01 21:49:35 · answer #2 · answered by V 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
In their belief system, they feel that those who didn't have a chance to find out about Jesus and Mormonism in the flesh should have the chance after death. I believe "sealing" as it is called, is a way to help make sure those who have passed on will be able to get into heaven.
2007-03-01 20:50:55 · answer #3 · answered by KCBA 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pinkadot gave a good answer so read that... ^^^
And Midge... I don't know about any Popes being baptized (although if someone was a Pope's descendant they could have). No one has ever put Mickey Mouse up for baptism (although someone may have put up Walt Disney... I don't know).
2007-03-02 18:05:16 · answer #4 · answered by Beast8981 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What is funny is they have baptized all the Popes and someone even put forth Mickey Mouse for baptism and it went down to the big Temple for it. It is some weird stuff.
2007-03-01 21:07:29 · answer #5 · answered by Midge 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
For the same reason that Christians baptize the living. It's a ritual of inclusion.
2007-03-01 20:50:42 · answer #6 · answered by NHBaritone 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
They think they are doing a good thing. The truth is that person had to accept Jesus as their Savior before they died. We don't get any second chances when it comes to this.
2007-03-03 08:10:42 · answer #7 · answered by MistyAnn 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
they do this to help the people who did not know the fullness of the truth of the Gospel. I'm a latter day saint and I have done this and it is amazing. No we don't dig them up we just act in their name
2007-03-01 20:53:05 · answer #8 · answered by ryan m 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋
They do it like a "proxy" wedding. You stand in for someones dead relative. Say, George Washington is going to be baptised. You say "I stand in for George" and they baptise you in his name. This allows George to be able to get to their highest level of heaven.
2007-03-01 20:51:55 · answer #9 · answered by Haiku Hanna 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
All who have died without a knowledge of this gospel, who would have received it if they had been permitted to tarry, shall be heirs of the celestial kingdom of God;
Also all that shall die henceforth without a knowledge of it, who would have received it with all their hearts, shall be heirs of that kingdom;
For I, the Lord, will judge all men according to their works, according to the desire of their hearts.
2007-03-03 16:38:50 · answer #10 · answered by Isolde 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋