1 Corinthians 15:29
Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead crise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?

where we see that the members of the church in the days of the apostles were in fact participating in "baptisms for the dead" for those who had passed from this life without the opportunity of having heard the gospel message. Our Lord and Savior is ever kind and fair with all of Heavenly Father’s children. We can see from scriptures such as 1 Peter 3:18-19 and

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.

that after Christ was crucified, he went and preached to those in the spirit world who had never had the opportunity to hear and understand the gospel message while on this earth. We believe that all men and women must be baptized in order to enter into the kingdom of heaven, and through prophets whom God has sent to earth in these last days, we have learned that the practice of baptism on behalf of those who have passed on is a blessing that we can provide for those who have not had the opportunity to do so while on this earth.

Regarding your second question, why are little children not baptized, I would refer you to the very best treatment of that subject I have ever read. It is found in The Book of Mormon in Moroni chapter eight, which is on pages 525 and 526. If you do not have access to The Book of Mormon, please write me and I’ll see that one is delivered to you.

Sincerely,

Donny Osmond


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