Before considering the meaning of this verse let's state two key rules in interpreting the Bible. 1st let the Scripture interpret Scripture. 2nd let the clear text speak to the unclear text. If we apply this rule we shall be able to at least determine what this text does not mean.
Using these rules we can be sure that this passage does not teach baptism by proxy for the dead. Paul did not teach that a person who had died can be saved or helped in any way, in the afterlife through someone being baptized in his or her place.
The Bible is clear that the one way a person enters into the Kingdom of heaven is by God’s grace. Baptism is not an act that acquires salvation for anyone. You were not baptized to gain your salvation. You were baptized in order to declare it, to celebrate it, to learn from the outset of your Christian walk that God has called us to a life of bearing witness to His salvation.
Now a question we need ask here is… Who it is that Paul is referring to? Who are the "they" who are baptized for the dead? Again another obvious question that we must ask is "In what way was the baptism of these Christians able to be described by Paul here as a baptism for the dead?"
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