Paul Speaks of Baptism for the Dead
1 Corinthians 15:29
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?
President Harold B. Lee said:
“The Apostle Paul, in his great sermon to the Corinthians, among whom were many nonbelievers of the Savior’s power of vicariously redeeming the dead from the graves, referred to an ordinance vicariously performed that was obviously known unto the Corinthians.
“He asked, ‘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 Cor. 15:29). Doing work for the dead vicariously is not out of harmony with the teachings and mission of the Savior. His Atonement was and is a vicarious service for all mankind, that we might live eternally with Him. Historians also record these ordinances having been performed vicariously for the dead, even as the Master’s vicarious redemption for all mankind.”
(Ye Are the Light of the World [1974], 205–6.)
