A Spiritual Participation in Christ’s Sufferings and Resurrection #

1 Corinthians 15:27–31 — For He [the Father] has put all things in subjection under His [Christ’s] feet. But when He says, “All things are put in subjection [under Him],” it is clear that He [the Father] who puts all things in subjection to Him [the Son] is excepted. However, when all things are subjected to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subjected to [the Father] who put all things under Him, so that God may be all in all [manifesting His glory without any opposition, the supreme indwelling and controlling factor of life]. Otherwise, what will those do who are being baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people even being baptized for them? For that matter, why are we [believers] in danger every hour? I assure you [believers], by the pride which I have in you in [your union with] Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily [I face death and die to self]. (AMP)

What Does “Baptism for the Dead” Mean? #

This unusual phrase—“baptised for the dead”—has raised many questions. What exactly was Paul referring to? Was this a literal practice or a spiritual reality? How does it fit within the context of resurrection, suffering, and union with Christ?

Some have wrongly used this passage to promote the idea of baptism by proxy, where a living person is baptised on behalf of someone who has died, hoping to benefit their soul after death. This interpretation misunderstands the purpose of baptism and the finality of death as taught in Scripture.

Hebrews 9:27 — And just as people are appointed to die once, and then to face judgment,

Paul’s argument in this chapter is not about purgatory or a second chance after death. Instead, he is defending the reality of the resurrection and appealing to the daily dying of believers as part of their identification with Christ. When read in its full context, Paul’s meaning becomes clearer.

The Resurrection Context of 1 Corinthians 15 #

Paul sets up his argument by describing the resurrection in ordered stages:

1 Corinthians 15:20–26 — But now [as things really are] Christ has in fact been raised from the dead, [and He became] the first fruits [that is, the first to be resurrected with an incorruptible, immortal body] of those who have fallen asleep [in death]. For since [it was] by a man that death came [into the world], it is also by a Man that the resurrection of the dead has come. For just as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ [the first fruits], then those who are Christ’s [own] at His coming. Then comes the end, when He hands over the kingdom to God the Father, after He has made inoperative and abolished every [ruler and every] authority and power. For Christ must reign [as King] until He has put all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy to be abolished and put to an end is death. (AMP)

Paul is outlining a progressive resurrection: first Christ, then His own people, and finally the full consummation of all things. Each group is raised “in his own order” (Greek: tagma, meaning an appointed or fixed sequence, like ranks in a parade).

This is the framework in which we must understand verse 29—“Why then are they baptised for the dead?” Paul is speaking of a spiritual pattern in which believers enter into Christ’s death and resurrection, participating in it for the sake of others and the hope of resurrection.

Baptism and Identification with Christ’s Death #

Paul often speaks of baptism not merely as a water ritual, but as a symbol of death and resurrection—a spiritual identification with the cross.

Romans 6:3–5 — Do you not know that all of us who have been baptised into Christ Jesus were baptised into His death? We were buried therefore with Him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with Him in a death like His, we shall certainly be united with Him in a resurrection like His. (ESV)

This helps clarify Paul’s meaning in 1 Corinthians 15:29. To be “baptised for the dead” is to be immersed into the sufferings and death of Christ, on behalf of the Body, especially those who have already died in the hope of resurrection.

Dying Daily: The True Baptism for the Dead #

Paul interprets this baptism spiritually, not ritually. He is describing his continual dying—a participation in Christ’s death for the sake of others:

1 Corinthians 15:30–31 — Why are we [believers] in danger every hour? I assure you… I die daily [I face death and die to self]. (AMP)

This is not water baptism but a baptism of suffering, a continual offering of one’s life. The Greek word baptizō (βαπτίζω) means to immerse, to overwhelm. Paul is being overwhelmed, not by water, but by trials and afflictions, for the sake of those who belong to Christ, both living and dead.

Baptised on Behalf of the Body #

To be baptised for the dead is to embrace suffering for the Body of Christ, knowing that our obedience, our death to self, brings resurrection life to others.

2 Corinthians 4:11 — For we who live are constantly [experiencing] being handed over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the resurrection life of Jesus also may be revealed in our mortal body. (AMP)

Just as Jesus laid down His life for us, so we, filled with His Spirit, lay down our lives for others. This is true spiritual leadership—not about control, but about servanthood.

Filling Up What Is Lacking #

Colossians 1:24 — Now I rejoice in my sufferings on your behalf, and with my own body I supplement whatever is lacking on our part of Christ’s afflictions, on behalf of His body, which is the church. (AMP)

This is not atonement for sin—only Christ accomplished that once and for all. But Paul says there is a fellowship of suffering, a gap to fill through sacrificial obedience for the building up of the Church. The Church is not built by ambition, but by death—ours.

A Word on Bondslaves and Leadership #

True leadership in the Body is servanthood. Jesus taught that the greatest is the one who serves (Matthew 23:11). To be a bondslave (Greek: doulos) is to willingly yield one’s rights for the sake of others.

To be “baptised for the dead” is to say:

“I offer my life, my comfort, my time, my body—so that others may live, grow, and be raised in Christ.”

This is the calling of every true believer. The cross is not just Christ’s—it is ours also.

Luke 9:23 — Then he said to them all, “If anyone wants to become my follower, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.

Summary: What Is “Baptism for the Dead”? #

• It is not water baptism on behalf of the physically dead.
• It is the spiritual immersion into suffering and death, for the sake of others in the Body.
• It is a participation in Christ’s death that others may share in His life.
• It is an expression of hope in the resurrection; otherwise, why suffer?
• It is part of God’s plan for building up the Church across generations, until the full consummation of the Kingdom.

In Christ,
Shaliach.