S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

Many do not know that one of the biggest influences in the recent genealogy craze is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS), also known as the Mormons. The LDS interest in genealogie...

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July 01 2013 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Tom howard Supporter Contender of the Faith

The Mormons have the world's largest genealogy database, and 
has between three and four times the number of records than any other database's have. 

It also has substantial greater amount of technology.

All this to baptise the dead? I wonder. But if so, it is truly the worlds largest dead works of all time. Hebrews 9:14, "How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from 'dead works' to serve the living God." 

John Gill's commentary speaks on these verse's, 1 Corinthians 15:29,30, to understand Pauls reason for it;
"..baptism is used here in a figurative and metaphorical sense, for afflictions, sufferings, and martyrdom, as in Matthew 20:22 and it was for the belief, profession, and preaching of the doctrine of the resurrection of the dead, both of Christ and of the saints, that the apostles and followers of Christ endured so much as they did; the first instance of persecution after our Lord's ascension was on 'this account'. The Apostles Peter and John, were laid hold on and put in prison for preaching this doctrine; the reproach and insult the Apostle Paul met with at Athens were by reason of it; and it was for this that he was called in question and accused of the Jews; nor was there anyone doctrine of Christianity more hateful and contemptible among the Heathens than this was. Now the apostle's argument stands thus, what is, or will become of those persons who have been as it were 'baptized' or overwhelmed in afflictions and sufferings, who have endured so many and such great injuries and indignities, and have even lost their lives for asserting this doctrine, if the dead rise not at all? How sadly mistaken must such have been!

why are they then baptized for the dead? How imprudently have they acted! And what a weak and foolish part do they also act, who continue to follow them! In what a silly manner do they expose themselves to danger, and throw away their lives, if this doctrine is not true! 

And why stand we in jeopardy every hour?(verse 30) Not only they that have suffered martyrdom for the faith of Christ, and for this article of it, have acted very injudiciously and indiscreetly; but we, also, who are on the spot, whether ministers or private Christians, must be highly blameworthy, who continually expose ourselves to dangers, and are for Christ's sake killed all the day long, are every moment liable to innumerable injuries, tortures and death; who in his senses would act such a part, if there is no resurrection of the dead? Such, as they must be of all men the most miserable, so of all men the most stupid."

For sure, "... it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:" Hebrews 9:27 There is no second chance.

In other words, only one life, soon to pass, only those who believe in Christ will last.

April 19 2014 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

John Matthews Supporter Retired Professional Singer, Conductor and Seeker

The Mormons have vast genealogical records because they want to know the names of everyone who has ever lived so that they can be baptized, culminating in salvation. Baptism, in and of itself, is not a requirement of salvation according to Scripture. One can still attain salvation without being baptized. Still, there is precedence in Scripture baptizing the dead through others. 

Paul writes, in 1 Corinthians 15:29, that baptizing of the dead was practiced and does not forbid or say that this practice is bad. Paul writes about the resurrection of the dead, Jesus' resurrection in particular, and says that without Jesus' resurrection, we have nothing. Paul states that the baptizing others on behalf of the dead has validity, just as Jesus' resurrection has validity. 

It then seems that one can be baptized on behalf of someone who has died, but that won't lead them to salvation. Only their belief in our Savior, Jesus, the Christ, can lead to salvation.

August 03 2017 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report