THE RESURRECTION HOPE HAS POWER

Baptized for the Dead?

Opponents of the resurrection are asked:  "What will they do who are being baptized for the purpose of being dead ones?"  ( 1 Corinthians 15:29) Paul did not mean that the living are to be baptized in behalf of the dead, for Jesus' disciples must personally learn, believe and get baptized.  (Matthew 28:19, 20; Acts 2: 41)  Anointed Christians are  "baptized for the purpose of being dead ones" by being immersed into a life course that leads to death and resurrection.  This type of baptism begins when God's spirit engenders the heavenly hope in them and ends when they are raised from dead to immortal spirit life in heaven. -Romans 6:3-5; 8:16, 17; 1 Corinthians 6:14.

As Paul's words indicate, the resurrection hope enables Christians to stand in jeopardy hourly and to face death daily for doing the Kingdom-preaching work.  (1 Corinthians 15:30, 21)  They know that Jehovah can resurrect them if he permits Satan and his servants to kill them.  Only God can do away with their soul, or life,  in Gehenna, symbolizing eternal destruction. -Luke 12:5.

Next time: A Need to Be Alert

Watchtower, 2000