The first verse in this section is somewhat enigmatic and no one knows exactly what Paul was referring to. What we can be certain of is that Paul is not advocating baptising people for the dead. Rather he is showing the illogicality and inconsistency of their practices. Evidently there were some who baptised people for the dead, and Paul is saying what on earth are you doing this for if death is the end and there is no resurrection. Most atheists and humanists will demonstrate some amazing inconsistencies at various points.
Paul then turns to something more edifying. "As for us ..". Paul and his companions endured all sorts of dangers and suffering for the sake of the gospel. Why would they do this if they did not believe in the resurrection? In fact the church is one of the strongest arguments for the resurrection. There is no way the motley bunch of disciples could have formed a movement that would eventually take over the Roman Empire without a little help from God! And why would anyone chose to be a believer in those days of it was not indeed true? Being a follower of Christ was to sign up for all sorts of trouble.
The resurrection gives us purpose and hope in life. Note that it is not pie in the sky, it is not sitting around waiting to go to heaven. The resurrection motivates us to live for Christ now.
If there is no resurrection then you might as well "eat drink and be merry" for there is nothing after death. Our future hope is the motivation for present action.
Why were the Corinthians getting involved in all this silly and destructive sort of teaching? Because they were keeping bad company. The company we keep affects us, so we need to be careful.
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