Re: The Gospel of Jesus Christ
Posted: October 31st, 2013, 11:12 pm
Well, I will say this from the outset - I know a blogger who makes much of what he believes is a distinction between receiving the Holy Ghost and the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost.
I disagree with him, however.
Moreover, it appears 2 Nephi 31:13 ought to be read in this light.
The baptism of fire is the application of the blood of Christ to our souls; justification is the remission of sins which precedes the fires of heaven (and is manifested by a warmth, even a burning in the busom at times).
Hence, this.
I disagree with him, however.
I believe that receiving the Holy Ghost, and the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost, are one and the same thing.D&C 20:41 And to confirm those who are baptized into the church, by the laying on of hands for the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost, according to the scriptures;
42 And to teach, expound, exhort, baptize, and watch over the church;
43 And to confirm the church by the laying on of the hands, and the giving of the Holy Ghost;
Moreover, it appears 2 Nephi 31:13 ought to be read in this light.
Here, the same grammatical construction deployed in 2 Nephi 31:13 is used to the clear purpose of defining what is meant by fire - the Holy Ghost. Therefore, in 2 Nephi 31:13, it seems that "receiv[ing] the Holy Ghost" is being defined as "the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost."Doctrine and Covenants 19:31
31 And of tenets thou shalt not talk, but thou shalt declare repentance and faith on the Savior, and remission of sins by baptism, and by fire, yea, even the Holy Ghost.
The baptism of fire is the application of the blood of Christ to our souls; justification is the remission of sins which precedes the fires of heaven (and is manifested by a warmth, even a burning in the busom at times).
Hence, this.
The visitation of the Holy Ghost, who is the Comforter, is the baptism by fire.Moroni 8:26
26 And the remission of sins bringeth meekness, and lowliness of heart; and because of meekness and lowliness of heart cometh the visitation of the Holy Ghost, which Comforter filleth with hope and perfect love, which love endureth by diligence unto prayer, until the end shall come, when all the saints shall dwell with God.
When we clarify that the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost is wherein the Holy Ghost comes down from heaven and enters into our hearts by fire, it becomes (at least to me) readily apparent that there can be no extended process thereto, any more than baptism by water, or physical birth.Moses 6:60 For by the water ye keep the commandment; by the Spirit ye are justified, and by the blood ye are sanctified;
61 Therefore it is given to abide in you; the record of heaven; the Comforter; the peaceable things of immortal glory; the truth of all things; that which quickeneth all things, which maketh alive all things; that which knoweth all things, and hath all power according to wisdom, mercy, truth, justice, and judgment.
62 And now, behold, I say unto you: This is the plan of salvation unto all men, through the blood of mine Only Begotten, who shall come in the meridian of time.
63 And behold, all things have their likeness, and all things are created and made to bear record of me, both things which are temporal, and things which are spiritual; things which are in the heavens above, and things which are on the earth, and things which are in the earth, and things which are under the earth, both above and beneath: all things bear record of me.
64 And it came to pass, when the Lord had spoken with Adam, our father, that Adam cried unto the Lord, and he was caught away by the Spirit of the Lord, and was carried down into the water, and was laid under the water, and was brought forth out of the water.
65 And thus he was baptized, and the Spirit of God descended upon him, and thus he was born of the Spirit, and became quickened in the inner man.
66 And he heard a voice out of heaven, saying: Thou art baptized with fire, and with the Holy Ghost. This is the record of the Father, and the Son, from henceforth and forever;
67 And thou art after the order of him who was without beginning of days or end of years, from all eternity to all eternity.
68 Behold, thou art one in me, a son of God; and thus may all become my sons. Amen.