Because baptism by water and of the Spirit
is essential for full salvation, in the eternal nature of things
all of God's children should have
this opportunity, including those who
have lived in centuries past.
The doctrine of baptism of the living
for the dead in the temple was understood and practiced
in the early Christian church.
Paul, in his great discussion about the Resurrection,
reasoned: "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?"
Doing something so vital for those who cannot do it
for themselves is truly Christlike.
By laying down His life to atone for the sins of all mankind,
Jesus did that for us which we cannot do for ourselves.
The prophet Malachi referenced this concept
when he spoke of the coming of the prophet Elijah, who
would "turn the heart of the fathers to the children,
and the heart of the children to their fathers,
lest [the Lord] come and smite the earth with a curse."
This is accomplished in large measure
through vicarious work for the dead.