Baptism for the Dead

The doctrine of baptism for the dead is mentioned in the New Testament (see 1 Corinthians 15:29), but the foundation of the doctrine comes from latter-day revelation through Joseph Smith. By standing in as proxy for someone who has died — often one of his or her own ancestors — a Church member may be baptized on behalf of that deceased person. In Latter-day Saint belief, a person who has died retains the right to make choices in the next life, and acceptance of the baptismal rite opens the way to continued progression. Baptisms for the dead are performed only in temples.