Monday, February 18, 2013

14. Baptism of both the Dead and the living

This section is currently very brief since it appears to me to be a simple open & closed discussion. I am using the Bible to justify the Truth of this matter and not a Mormon publication.

Mormonism teaches that Baptism is essential for salvation in the highest heaven. Those who died without hearing the LDS gospel are given a 2nd chance to receive it in “Paradise” and have “baptism for the dead” performed by LDS relatives so they can progress in eternity.

The Bible teaches that Baptism is a physical sign of our public declaration for salvation, our belief that Jehovah is our God and ruler, that we recognize the holy spirit as his active force and acknowledge the role it plays in Jehovah’s purposes. Dedication is an essential step that must precede baptism for all who choose to proceed to Baptism. Supporting scriptures - Acts 10:44-47; Romans 6:3-4; 11:6 Romans 14:7, 8; 1Corinthians 1:14, 17; 2Corinthians 5:15

The Bible teaches that the only 2nd chance for those who did not receive Christ before they died before Armagheddon or before this system ends, is in the resurrection to the paradise (wherein they must be dead to take part in a resurrection from the dead). Revelations 21:1-4 At the end of the 1,000 years there will be a final test wherein the judgment equal to that of Adam will take place – Hebrews 9:27; Luke 16:22-24 (This scripture in Luke is only an illustration) Luke 23:43 (paradise is an earthly location. The heavens were not referred to a paradise) Paul and the Corinthian believers did not practice “baptism for the dead.” – 1Corinthians 15:29.

To be alive is not equal to Life. Life is what Adam experienced when he was created. Life is everlasting, without end. Life for humans is here on earth. So in order to say we have life, is tantamount to saying we have everlasting life which is not possible until it has been granted to us at the end of the 1,000 year reign of Christ and Christ hands the kingdom back to Jehovah. This is when life is granted to mankind because they will have passed the final test (1Corinthians 15:24-28) Here it says, "Next, the end, when he hands over the kingdom to his God and Father, when he has brought to nothing all government and all authority and power. 25 For he must rule as king until [God] has put all enemies under his feet. 26 As the last enemy, death is to be brought to nothing. 27 For [God] “subjected all things under his feet.” But when he says that ‘all things have been subjected,’ it is evident that it is with the exception of the one who subjected all things to him. 28 But when all things will have been subjected to him, then the Son himself will also subject himself to the One who subjected all things to him, that God may be all things to everyone." Of course you would have to subscribe to the teachings of the Bible to believe this teaching.



As with all my research, it is ongoing and always under construction. So whatever you may be reading, there's a good chance it will change by the time you read it a second time. As I learn more about the Mormon teaching, I will post it and revise what I have written.



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