Otherwise, what do people mean by being baptized on behalf of the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized on their behalf? 30 Why are we in danger every hour? 31 I protest, brothers, by my pride in you, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die every day! 32 What do I gain if, humanly speaking, I fought with beasts at Ephesus? If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” 33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” 34 Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame.
Comment: Baptism holds a fairly central place in Christian doctrine but nowhere else is being baptized for the dead mentioned. Concerned about family or friends who have died without being baptized, and maybe copying some other religions practices, it seems that the church had introduced this practice. It goes contrary to the clear teaching of the Bible that we need to choose Jesus before dying because after death comes the Judgement! Paul goes on sarcastically – why suffer for Jesus’ sake? Why not eat, drink and be merry? You’re mixing heresy with some truth and are reeling like drunkards! Wake up and stop all this rubbish! You’re sinning, stop it!
Prayer: Help me to be discerning and perceptive. Not to be judgmental but faithful, please God.
As I read it! 