1 Corinthians 15:29-34

29: Otherwise, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why then are they baptized for them?
30: Why are we also in danger every hour?
31: I affirm, brethren, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.
32: If from human motives I fought with wild beasts at Ephesus, what does it profit me? If the dead are not raised, LET US EAT AND DRINK, FOR TOMORROW WE DIE.
33: Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.”
34: Become sober-minded as you ought, and stop sinning; for some have no knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.

*** 

Paul, while not approving the practice of baptizing for the dead (which was most likely done by those who had loved ones who had died without being baptized), asked the question why people would even consider doing it if there was no resurrection from the dead. He said this not to condone the practice, but to show the inconsistent thinking of those who didn’t believe in a resurrection yet were baptized in hopes of it.

Paul didn’t include himself in those who were baptized for the dead, but asked, “Why are we in danger every hour?” Why were he and the apostles going through all the troubles they did to preach the gospel if there was no life after this life? Why did he die daily? Why had he fought with “wild beasts” at Ephesus—men who violently opposed them—if there was no profit after this life?

He quoted Isaiah 22:13 where the Lord said when He called them to a time of weeping and wailing, instead there was gaiety and gladness among them as they said, “Let us eat and drink for tomorrow we may die.” This life is a preparation for the next, not the only life we have to live. If life is only physical with no spiritual realm or rule, then pleasure will rule. Sin will rule. 

Keeping company with those who are in error will cause a person to be deceived himself. Paul encouraged them not to allow themselves to be deceived by those in error, but to be sober-minded, and not give in to sinful pleasures with those who think this life is all there is. Not everyone has the true knowledge of God. We must not be led astray by them.



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