Lesson 2077

(Lesson 2077)(07-10-17) 1 Corinthians 15:24-30

"Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith, all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all. Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead? And why stand we in jeopardy every hour?"

Today's lesson is very confusing to some because they can't, or just won't, separate the term "baptize" from the ritual of water cleansing that was performed by the ancient Jews per the old Law, and, which was also mis-translated, or actually mis-transliterated by the old English scholars.

The term "baptize" and it's grammatic variations, baptized, baptizing, baptisms, et al, simply refers to an immersion of one thing into another for the purpose of altering the state of the thing that is being immersed. The term refers to water immersion ONLY when water is the specified medium into which a person is "baptized" (Immersed). Therefore, the use of the phrase "baptized for the dead", as it is applied in today's lesson, refers to what Jesus Christ did for us who will have already died at the second coming of Jesus Christ, and whom have placed our faith in Him, as He was slain, buried and resurrected. The term "baptized" as it is applied herein, does NOT refer to a ritual act performed by the mortal living in an attempt to save the souls of the already dead.

I hope this commentary has shed some light on, what is to some, a grossly misunderstood and mysterious scriptural text.

As usual, I encourage anyone who might have questions to please feel free to ask. ~