A Pamphlet by O. Pratt.
History of J. Smith, Mar. 20, 1842.
Mil. Star, Vol. 33, pages 65, 82.
Article by N. Williams, Mil. Star, Vol. 41, page 84.
BAPTISM FOR THE DEAD
A prominent feature in the plan of redemption is the vicarious nature of the labors of Christ, and his ministers, for the salvation of men. In his death and resurrection, Christ did that for men which they could not do for themselves. In all dispensations of the Priesthood, it has been the duty of those officiating in its ordinances to act for others, when they could not act for themselves.
Under the Mosaic law, the tribe of Levi was set apart, to make it the special business of their lives, in all their generations, to understand its ordinances and ceremonies that they might be capable of acting in behalf of the people, who were engaged in the ordinary avocations of life. This labor was accepted by the Lord, in behalf of the people, as though they had done it for themselves.
The ordinances described in the 16th chap. of Lev., which the High Priest was required to perform as an atonement for the sins of the house of Israel, clearly illustrates this principle. It is said of the scapegoat, "And Aaron shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins, putting them upon the head of the goat, and shall send him away by the hand of a fit man into the wilderness;" 16. 21. This confession of the sins of the people, by the High Priest, was a vicarious work, and was accepted by the Lord as though they had confessed their own sins, with their hands upon the head of the goat—a work evidently impracticable for them to do.
The vicarious nature of the sufferings of Christ are clearly foretold in the prophetic vision of Isaiah: "Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed;" 53. 4, 5. The same prophet speaking further of Christ says, that he should be "For a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;" 42. 6. Evidently referring to his earthly mission in which this was literally fulfilled.