The Resurrection Was Not In Vain - 1 Corinthians 15-16

1 Corinthians 15:29 (ESV)

Otherwise, what do people mean by being baptized on behalf of the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized on their behalf?

John MacArthur has this introduction to his interpretation of the above verse:

(MacArthur New Testament Commentary) This verse is one of the most difficult in all of Scripture, and has many legitimate possible interpretations; it has also, however, been used to support many strange and heretical ideas. The careful and honest interpreter may survey the several dozen interpretations offered and still not be dogmatic about what it means. But we can be dogmatic, from the clear teaching of other parts of Scripture, about some of the things it does not mean. As to what this verse does mean, we can only guess, since history has locked it into obscurity.

In this little blog it would be impossible to outline the entire history of how the interpretation of this  verse has been used to twist the meaning of salvation and baptism.  But we can gather some meaning when we look at the context of chapter 15 and begin to sort out what Paul says before and after this verse.  

In the context of the chapter Paul has been arguing against those who claim there is no resurrection.   Many were stating that there was no resurrection.  Paul makes several claims that if their belief is accurate (that there is NO resurrection) then our faith is vain and our hope is lost.  In verse 17 he tells us that if there is no resurrection our faith is futile.  In verse 32 he tells us if there is no resurrection let us eat and drink for tomorrow we die.   This is the context of the above verse, 29.   He is using their false argument of no resurrection and instructing us about what our life would be like if that false teaching were true.  He is saying, if there is no resurrection:

1. Christ isn't raised.

2. Our (his) preaching is vain.

3. We have no hope.

4. We are being "baptized" for dead people not in the name of a resurrected savior.

Being baptized for the dead means “the dead in Christ.”  If Christ is not raised we are being baptized in honor of a dead person (Christ) not a raised dead person.  That means baptism is a futile and worthless act. 

Some take this verse to state that there is a theological truth referred to as baptismal regeneration.   That is a belief that baptism is a form of regeneration or salvation.   No where in Scripture is this supported by any other writer, especially Paul.   In Ephesians 2:10 Paul tells us that salvation is by faith through grace and not a work of ours.  So we can’t get baptized to be saved (regenerated).   

Also, whatever verse 29 means it can’t mean that people can vicariously, after death, be saved via the baptism of others.  The writer of Hebrews clearly taught the following:

Hebrews 9:27 (ESV)

And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,

Once we die there is no longer a possibility of being saved.  Verse 29 is NOT speaking about people being baptized in place of the dead.  In the context of Paul’s argument about the false teaching of no resurrection, he is simply making the point that IF there is no resurrection than being baptized in the name of Christ (someone who died), means nothing, if he did not rise.  We have been baptized in the Body of Christ with all others who have died in Christ and will be raised with Christ.   That is Paul’s argument before verse 29 and after verse 29.   We have been baptized on behalf of Christ and all who are in Christ. If there is no resurrection then that baptism is in vain.