OVERVIEW

Third Nephi 11, especially verses 31-41, contains one of the classic pronouncements of the doctrine of Christ. The Savior begins by saying, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, I will declare unto you my doctrine" (verse 31) and concludes saying, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, this is my doctrine" (verse 39). Along with his injunction for all men to repent, and believe in him, and become as a little child, and be baptized in his name is included the promise that the Father will visit such "with fire and with the Holy Ghost." (3 Ne. 11:32,35,37.) This last aspect of the doctrine of Christ, the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost, which is perhaps the least understood and most neglected, will be a major focus of this book. As will be seen, this aspect of the doctrine of Christ is highlighted in the scriptures. Its coverage is not only replete but very consistent. It is this aspect that must be renewed, calling for a renaissance.

        The LDS community tends to look with astonishment at their Christian neighbors who can't seem to understand that "baptism" by water means full immersion.  Yet ironically that same LDS community often approaches the "baptism of the Spirit" as a life-long process, as if it were a "sprinkling here" and a "sprinkling there."

        Rather than a "filling," they think of the baptism as a mere "feeling."

A proper understanding, or more importantly, a proper implementation of the doctrine of Christ is crucial, considering what is at stake. On the one hand, Christ said, "Whoso buildeth upon this buildeth upon my rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against them." (3 Ne. 11:39.) That has to be one of the most profound promises extended to mankind: "The gates of hell shall not prevail against them." On the other hand, he said, "Whoso shall declare more or less than this, and establish it for my doctrine, the same cometh of evil, and is not built upon my rock; but he buildeth upon a sandy foundation, and the gates of hell stand open to receive such when the floods come and the winds beat upon them." (3 Ne. 11:40.) We might here note that the very fact that Satan still has such strong access among so many people professing to know the ways of righteousness bespeaks that the doctrine of Christ is not being properly implemented. Indeed, when the people of God finally build upon that only sure foundation, then will this promise be fulfilled, and "the time...come that Satan may have no power upon the hearts of the children of men." (See Hel. 5:12; Ether 8:26.) "And the earth shall be given unto them for an inheritance; and they shall multiply and wax strong, and their children shall grow up without sin unto salvation" (D&C 45:58), for parents in Zion will teach their children "to understand the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ the Son of the living God, and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands" (D&C 68:25).

The conversion of the 300 Lamanites in prison, and the conversion of Alma are among the powerful examples from which much can be learned about the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost and its accompanying mighty change of heart. It will be seen that these scriptural examples are recorded not because they are wonderful anomalies to gape at with awe, but because they serve as prototypes, intended for our emulation. We will also look closely at aspects pertaining to the doctrine of Christ contained within the Nephite history just prior to the Savior's glorious appearance to them, and consider possible applications as we now anticipate his second coming. Throughout this study, evidences will be set forth to show that a major revival of the fundamental doctrine of Christ will indeed accompany the transition period in which the Lord sets his hand again the second time to establish his kingdom, as the fullness of the gospel is taken from the Gentiles who have rejected it and is given to the house of Israel in great power. The inauguration of the New Jerusalem will be coincident with a baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost of a humbled remnant, rendering the mighty change that is both necessary and sufficient to establish Zion.