Praying for the dead

There’s evidence people were getting baptized ( I’m not saying it’s good doctrine ) for the dead do you think this relates in a general sense ?

“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. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 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 Corinthians‬ ‭15:16-19, 29‬ ‭KJV‬‬

again I’m not advocating getting baptized for a dead person in any way
I’m just saying Paul’s point there is that the people who pass away aren’t really dead

so nOw to explain how this is relevant to your post if we for instance we’re to “ pray for forgiveness of someone’s sins that had passed away , or for God to be merciful to them “

If we believe that Jesus can restore the dead and they are still alive to him it isn’t actually praying for a dead person but a live sleeping person praying for a still living soul

Im only saying this to you as a consideration to your post “ something to think About , an old fools thoughts , maybe when someone dies To us , they aren’t dead to him so it would
Maybe be okay to still remember and pray for them given the knowledge that all the dead will be raised up for judgement intercession is a valid thing in the bible

Actually, it adds another complexity to the mix. Makes me think of my understanding of where people's 'spirit' and/or 'soul' goes after death and that is another matter. On this post I was hoping to figure out whether it is acceptable to pray for people deceased and does God hear such prayers and find them acceptable.

I grew up in Catholicism and maybe I am getting some thoughts regarding this matter from recall of that religious instruction even though I paid scant attention to it there is still thinking that may creep in regarding that affiliation I had with Catholics. Even possibly had a priest in the family. Not sure. I realize that many people on this chat come from protestant backgrounds, and they likely can't relate to this matter and that is ok.

I do have concerns, praying for the dead is false doctrine. It does no good to pray for a person that is dead and gone.


Yes, I have grown up in church and spent 20 yrs. in ministry. So when I answer a question, I do it with knowledge, not just to spit out an answer. Praying to the dead is no good, it does nothing to change their status. That is the truth of the Word. You asked, I answered.

“On this post I was hoping to figure out whether it is acceptable to pray for people deceased and does God hear such prayers and find them acceptable.”

you don’t find it relevant that the people who we think are dead aren’t dead to God ?

If we consider gods perspective that they are yet living why wouldn’t we pray for them ? Sometimes man’s perspective is wrong they aren’t dead they are still alive was my point

Never heard of such a thing that I recall. Doesn't seem at all like what praying for the dead would be about. Lately I have been having some recollections of family and friends. All of which died having not heard the Gospel as far as I know. Big assumption here. Just seems that on thinking about them that they were as ignorant of the Bible as I was.

Some of this I base on talking with my Catholic friends who are ignorant of the Bible. There are some exceptions, but most would be more hard pressed than me to find a Bible verse to corroborate their beliefs. Some of the people that have been coming to mind are not Catholics so it may be they were aware of the Bible.

It is becoming very apparent to me also that Christians while ready to give opinions on societal matters are often ignorant of how depraved a good portion of society has become and they seem to just ignore this if they do have any awareness. Not that this is a factor in the question here posted but the responses of this as a dead matter is evidence of their outlook. Whether it is something that they don't have time or interest to be concerned with is another matter.

I find many threads on this chat to actually confuse more than to illuminate as the threads often seem to diverge and at times a verse seems to be contentious depending on denomination teachings possibly. This is new to me as most of what I was listening to was Spurgeons sermons before getting on this chat by way of Charles Stanley. Also listened to quite a mix of tv preachers and they are all over the place in teaching. Or so it seems.

Just you saying so doesn't make it true. What scriptures are relevant?

That is something that did come to mind. But I am thinking about people who have passed on. You probably know of how Catholics have masses for people who have died. Sounds like just a way to make money.

Lazarus and the Rich Man

What of them?

You have taken topping to a new level. Sir Topham Hatt has nothing on you.

Praying for the dead is useless. It’s like trying to cash in expired lottery tickets.

Job 19:25-27a

Believe me, I pass by like 90% of the stuff here but you’ve asked the same question twice.
Your other topic was related to Santa.

Show all the art you like. I still stand by my statement.

I like replaying used lottery tickets. It's cost effective and I already have lowered expectations so I'm never disappointed.

Recently I have been thinking of people that have passed and in some cases, it was quite tragic deaths and I get a sense of guilt about not having done more or possibly having contributed to their demise. Catholics apparently have masses said for these types of situations.

My own outlook for most of my life was to view such religious rituals with contempt. All nonsense to me. Now that I have become a Christian I still at this time don't know all of what the Bible teaches. There is also a lot of variation in Christian teaching and some I see as inconsequential but some I know to be effective, like prayer. But I don't have clear understanding regarding prayer for deceased.

You claim this is old hat and others claim likewise so that is ok. Since you are settled in this matter and claim to be in ministry that is fine. Maybe you can direct me to scriptures that would be helpful. I do intend to discuss this with my local AG affiliate. Just thought to get some views here on this chat but am finding that to be more confusing at times.

I thought this was a simple question and it is to some, but it confounds me somewhat.

I would say grief works uniquely in everyone who grieves.

If someone feels comforted in praying for or to their departed love one, of that helps them heal their broken heart, comforts them in any way, all is well in that.

Because while we're told the dead know nothing,those they leave behind know how broken and empty life feels without them.

It is said prayer is when we talk to God. Meditation is what allows us his answers.

Praying for or to put dead at the very least shares with God our woe. And in that respect we heal when releasing the grief to God .

So pass on by