Because baptism is necessary to enter the Kingdom of God (as explained in the article, Why Be Baptized?) everyone must have the opportunity to be baptized, including those who have died. Heavenly Father has provided a way that all may have the opportunity to accept, or reject, the gospel of Christ and be baptized.
Gospel Taught to the Dead:
Everyone born on earth will have the opportunity, whether in this life or in the next, to accept or reject the gospel of Jesus Christ and keep His commandments. The gospel is taught to the dead (in the Spirit World) to those who did not learn of it while living on earth. The Apostle Peter taught this principle in the Bible:
"For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit" (1 Peter 4:6.)
"For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit" (1 Peter 4:6.)
Vicarious Baptism for the Dead:
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are able to be baptized vicariously (meaning in the place of, by proxy) for their ancestors who have passed away. This way the dead can choose to accept (or reject) the baptism that was done in their behalf. The Apostle Paul also taught about baptism for the dead:
"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?" 1 Cor 15:29.)
"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?" 1 Cor 15:29.)
Temple Work for Dead:
Baptisms for the dead and other necessary ordinances are done by worthy members of the LDS Church (ages 12 and up) in holy buildings called temples. In the D&C it says:
"Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you concerning your dead: When any of you are baptized for your dead, let there be a recorder....
"That in all your recordings it may be recorded in heaven; whatsoever you bind on earth, may be bound in heaven; whatsoever you loose on earth, may be loosed in heaven." (D&C 127:6-7.)
"Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you concerning your dead: When any of you are baptized for your dead, let there be a recorder....
"That in all your recordings it may be recorded in heaven; whatsoever you bind on earth, may be bound in heaven; whatsoever you loose on earth, may be loosed in heaven." (D&C 127:6-7.)
Importance of Genealogy:
Family History (Genealogy) is important to members of the LDS Church because we know that the work of baptism and other ordinances must be done for all our ancestors so they too can return to the presence of our Heavenly Father.
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