Baptisms For The Dead

  The Savior taught that baptism is essential to earn salvation. Many people, however, have died without being baptized. Others have been baptized without proper authority. Because God is merciful, He has prepared a way for all people to receive the blessings of baptism.

  
   The New Testament indicates that baptisms for the dead were done during the time of the Apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 15:29). This ordinance was restored with the establishment of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. By performing proxy baptisms in behalf of those who have died, Church members offer these blessings to deceased ancestors. Some people have misunderstood that when baptisms for the dead are performed, deceased persons are baptized into the Church against their will. This is not the case. Each individual has agency, or the right to choose. The validity of a baptism for the dead depends on the deceased person accepting it and choosing to accept and follow the Savior while residing in the spirit world.
  Baptisms for the dead and other saving ordinances for the deceased are performed in the Holy Temples.