While preparing for my lesson in two weeks, I was reading D&C 128:12:
The ordinance of baptism by water, . . . to be immersed in the water and come forth out of the water is in the likeness of the resurrection of the dead in coming forth out of their graves; hence, this ordinance was instituted to form a relationship with the ordinance of baptism for the dead, being in likeness of the dead.
I found this fascinating.
I have understood for quite some time that the ordinance of baptism helps us connect our decision to start a new, spiritual life  and with the resurrection: a new, physical life.
I have also understood for quite some time that the ordinance of baptism helps us remembers Jesus’s death, burial, and resurrection, which is how we become his spiritually begotten.
But never had I realized that baptism was specifically developed to form a strong connection to baptism of the dead.
Sort of circular logic don’t you think?
How so? Do you think baptism of the dead was instituted to help us remember live baptisms?
Well you are saying that the reason baptism was developed is to remind us of baptism.
“But never had I realized that baptism was specifically developed to form a strong connection to baptism of the dead.”
That is circular if I ever saw it.
No, I am saying the reason baptism was developed is to remind us of baptism for the dead. They are completely different ordinances.
I’m just restating what Joseph Smith already said.
Uhhh…
Kim, are you saying that the ordinance of baptism for the dead (by proxy) existed existed prior to the ordinance of baptizing living people? It sure seems that way to me.
If that were true (and it isn’t as far as I know) then this sentence of yours might make sense: “the reason baptism was developed is to remind us of baptism for the dead”.
Actually, I don’t know. The Bible isn’t very clear which came first.
Even so, you’re sounding very much like you think I am making this stuff up. Did you read the scripture I quoted?
I read the scripture and it looks like circular logic to me. So I assume it is just a minor error in this letter Joseph wrote. Baptism for the living was not instituted to remind us of baptism for the dead. That is ludicrous. Rather, baptism for the dead was instituted to help those who missed the opportunity to be baptized while living.
What about both live baptism and baptism for the dead reminding us of the resurrection? Isn’t that the message of the scripture Kim quotes?
“Come forth out of the water is in the likeness of the resurrection of the dead”