Morning Star

For the Morning Star.
"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.
By many, this passage is reckoned as one of those which are wrapt in obscurity, and which nothing but the light of eternity can reveal. It is to be expected, that a book, emanating from infinite wisdom, should contain knowledge too wonderful for finite minds to fathom. But, to my mind, this passage seems less obscure than many others. The apostle is addressing his Christian brethren, and endeavoring to prove to them the resurrection of the dead. From the 1st to the 23d verse the apostle gives a history of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ together with the consequences that must follow, if Christ is not risen, 'for' says he, if in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable;' and again, but if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen; and if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain: Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised. And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain: ye are yet in your sins. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept. Else (if it were not so) what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? That is, of what benefit is it to us to be baptized for Christ, if he is not risen; if Christ is still dead of what advantage is it to be baptized—why are they then baptized for the dead? If Christ has not yet burst the bands of death, it were useless and more than useless, it is hazardous to be baptized and thereby separate ourselves from the world, and expose ourselves to privations, sufferings, persecutions, and even death itself, in defence of the doctrines of Christ; no advantage can accrue from it, therefore "Let us eat and drink: for to-morrow we die."
The few remarks written above were suggested by hearing this passage quoted as inexplicable. We hope that some of your able correspondents may throw additional light upon the subject.
J. H. L.