Following the Example of Our Savior

Nephi also pointed to the Savior's example as the pattern for us to follow. "And now, if the Lamb of God, he being holy, should have need to be baptized by water, to fulfil all righteousness, O then, how much more need have we, being unholy, to be baptized, yea, even by water!" (2 Ne. 31:5.) As for the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost, the scriptures tell us that after John baptized Jesus, the Holy Ghost descended upon him like a dove. (Matt. 3:16; Mark 1:10; Luke 3:22; John 1:32; 1 Ne. 11:27; 2 Ne. 31:8; D&C 93:15.) Reflecting the splendor of this event, four of these seven accounts tell that "the heavens were opened" as the dove descended. (Matt. 3:16; Mark 1:10; 1 Ne. 11:27; D&C 93:15.) As for the witness of the Father and the Son that is to accompany the receipt of the Holy Ghost (3 Ne. 11:36); four of these accounts of the Holy Ghost descending as a dove bear testimony of the voice of the Father which was heard from heaven testifying of the Son. (Matt. 3:17; Mark 1:11; Luke 3:22; D&C 93:15.) As for the Holy Ghost remaining with those on whom it is bestowed, who continue in faith, John bore record that he saw the Spirit "descending and remaining" on Jesus. (John 1:33.)

Words Around "Dove"

Further still can be learned about this event of Jesus' baptism by looking at the Hebrew, Greek and English words for "dove" and the words around it.  These studies of the word "dove" futher corroborate the importance of the batism of fire and of the Holy Ghost.

Come Ye In at the Gate

The astonishing thing is that this magnificent event, the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost, set forth so beautifully in the scriptures, along with the baptism by water, is nothing more or less than "the gate by which ye should enter. For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water; and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost. And then are ye in this strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life; yea, ye have entered in by the gate." (2 Ne. 31:17,18.) "O then, my beloved brethren, come unto the Lord, the Holy One. Remember that his paths are righteous. Behold, the way for man is narrow, but it lieth in a straight course before him, and the keeper of the gate is the Holy One of Israel; and he employeth no servant there; and there is none other way save it be by the gate; for he cannot be deceived, for the Lord God is his name." (2 Ne. 9:41.) For thus saith your Redeemer, "After that ye are baptized with water, behold, I will baptize you with fire and with the Holy Ghost." (3 Ne. 12:1.) Therefore, "enter ye in at the strait gate; for strait is the gate, and narrow is the way that leads to life, and few there be that find it; but wide is the gate, and broad the way which leads to death, and many there be that travel therein, until the night cometh, wherein no man can work." (3 Ne. 37:33.) Yea, "strive to enter in at the strait gate; for I say unto you, Many shall seek to enter in, and shall not be able; for the Lord shall not always strive with man. Therefore, when once the Lord of the kingdom is risen up, and hath shut the door of the kingdom, then ye shall stand without, and knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us. But the Lord shall answer and say unto you, I will not receive you, for ye know not from whence ye are." (R-JST-Luke 13:24,25.) [The "As a Hen Gathereth Her Chicks Under Her Wings" section below will further discuss the context of this preceding verse.]

Words Around Gate

The Hebrew, Greek and English definitions of "gate," along with the words alphabetically surrounding it lend further light to this subject of the baptism of fire.

Words Around Heart

The words before and after "heart" in the English, Hebrew, and Greek provide yet another witness of the doctrine of the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost, which renders a mighty change of heart.

He that Baptizeth with the Holy Ghost

While the "Aaronic Priesthood," which pertains to the preparatory gospel, "[has] not the power of laying on hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost" (JS-H 1:70), and the Melchizedek priesthood does have this power which pertains to the fullness of the gospel, it must be understood that the priesthood power spoken of is for the laying on of hands and not the actual bestowal of the Holy Ghost. Jesus Christ (or the Father, for they are one), who actually baptizes with the Holy Ghost. John testified that Jesus was the one whom the angel said "is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost." (John 1:33.)  This distinction is presented most clearly in Doctrine and Covenants 33:15 in which the Lord says, "I will bestow the gift of the Holy Ghost upon...whoso having faith you shall confirm in my church, by the laying on of the hands." Speaking of the twelve Nephite disciples, he said, "And unto them I have given power that they may baptize you with water; and after that ye are baptized with water, behold, I will baptize you with fire and with the Holy Ghost."

"Would God that ALL the Lord's People Were PROPHETS"

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