A Question About Proxy Baptism

[inquiringmind]

The New Testament seems to picture baptism as a death to the old self, the world, the flesh, and sin:

“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death? Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.” (Romans 6:3-5.)

Therefore consider he members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. (Col. 3:5.)

I'm trying to imagine how this plays out when someone in the spirit world accepts a proxy baptism done for them in one of the Temples.

Do they still have to die to the old self, to the world, to the flesh, and to sin?

What does that mean when your mortal body is already dead, you're already out of this world, and you don't have the temptations of the flesh?

If anyone has any thoughts, they would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

[Calm]

I'll tell you when I get there and can ask someone.

I would not be surprised if the spirit continued to feel the cravings of the flesh having lived so long with them. That might be one reason why repentance and change may be more difficult in the next life. If so, then the acceptance of baptism would have the same effect.

Also there are plenty temptations of the spirit and mind we will still be dealing with, imo, that will need to be repented of.

Edited October 15, 2012 by calmoriah

[Stargazer]

Baptism is symbolic death of the old self and resurrection to the new self. It's not literal. The symbology applies regardless of mortal condition.

[Freedom]

There are four purposes of baptism, according to the bible dictionary

1) the remission of sins

2) Membership in the church

3) Entrance into the Celestial Kingdom

4) Sanctification

All these are required by those who are dead. The symbolism is of becoming a new person, as was stated.

[Saints Alive]

As others have said: it is a symbolic death so it doesn't matter if we are literally still alive afterwards or literally dead for the whole of it. It is a spiritual rebirth not a physical one, at least not until the second coming.