Baptized Why Then Are They

The Doctrine of the Resurrection The significance of the doctrine of the resurrection The biblical definition of resurrection That Christ is the first fruits of the resurrection

The Theology of the Resurrection Physical death was brought into the world as a result of Adam’s sin Death reversal was made possible through Christ Resurrection of the dead will be the ultimate demonstration of divine sovereignty

Practical Consequences of Denying the Resurrection The “so what” of the doctrine Consequences that have value in our lives today Provides a connection between the after while and the here and now

The Value of Baptism - 1Cor 15:29 PROPOSED MEANINGS: Baptism over the tombs of the dead Vicarious Baptism Baptism for Christ

The Value of Baptism - 1Cor 15:29 ALL OF THESE POSITIONS FAIL TO ACCOUNT FOR… The fact that Paul does not rebuke this practice of baptism which, especially in this letter of rebuke, seems odd if they were participating in some sacrament or false practice The fact that his argument has no weight if the baptism they are participating in has no value or meaning. “Otherwise” - the connection to the proceeding argument

The Value of Baptism - 1Cor 15:29 IDENTIFYING KEY ELEMENTS: “those…who are baptized refers to the baptized in Corinth who are doubting the resurrection (vs. 12) “baptized” refers to N.T. baptism

The Value of Baptism - 1Cor 15:29 Punctuation is added by men Seems to depend on or force a particular meaning of the word “for” “for them” KJV “on their behalf” ESV 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?

The Value of Baptism - 1Cor 15:29 Suggests a rhetorical question pointing back to vs. 12-17 Questions the reason for baptism if there is no hope of resurrection Emphasizes the point that “you are still in your sins” if there is no resurrection 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?

The Value of Baptism - 1Cor 15:29 Suggests a rhetorical question pointing back to vs. 12-17 Questions the reason for baptism if there is no hope of resurrection Emphasizes the point that “you are still in your sins” if there is no resurrection 27 Where then is boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith. 28 For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law. 29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Is He not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, 30 since indeed God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith is one. 31 Do we then nullify the Law through faith? May it never be! On the contrary, we establish the Law. Romans 3:27–31 (NASB95)

The Value of Baptism - 1Cor 15:29 Suggests a rhetorical question pointing back to vs. 12-17 Questions the reason for baptism if there is no hope of resurrection Emphasizes the point that “you are still in your sins” if there is no resurrection 10 How then was it credited? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised; Romans 4:10 (NASB95)

The Value of Baptism - 1Cor 15:29 Suggests a rhetorical question pointing back to vs. 12-17 Questions the reason for baptism if there is no hope of resurrection Emphasizes the point that “you are still in your sins” if there is no resurrection 15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? May it never be! Romans 6:15 (NASB95)

The Value of Baptism - 1Cor 15:29 Denying the resurrection removes the basis of our hope The value of baptism is not fully realized in this life 4 Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. Romans 6:4 (NASB95)

The Value of Suffering - 1Cor 15:30-32 Paul and the Apostles risked their own lives for the Resurrection Gospel The suffering of the Apostles gives credence to their message It is this same hope that encourages believers to endure 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. 1 Corinthians 15:30–31 (NASB95)

33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.” Reason to Avoid Sinful Influences - 1Cor 15:33-34 Paul encourages them to recognize false teaching and avoid those who continue in it Paul’s teaching of morality was based on the resurrection - 1Cor 6:12-20 “Become sober minded” 33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.” 1 Corinthians 15:33 (NASB95)