The Baptism of Fire and the Holy Ghost Val Brinkerhoff

Transcription

1 The Baptism of Fire and the Holy Ghost Val Brinkerhoff Righteous Saints and the most effective servants of our Lord are purified via baptism by water, justified by fire and the Holy Ghost, and sanctified by the blood of Christ. They have received the promise of eternal life by Christ Himself in a personal audience with Him in this life. They are then prepared and empowered for their life missions whatever they may be. The three "baptisms" are found in Moses 6:59-63 and are represented visually in three colors tied to the concept of "liberty," including the color blue (purification by water), the color white (justification by the Holy Spirit), and the color red (sanctification in the blood of Christ). Our Lord has provided merciful healing, deliverance, and empowerment in these three baptisms by way of His Atonement and Resurrection. They grant us each liberty from sin, death and hell - if we will come to know Him and repent, offering up a broken heart and contrite spirit as a sacrifice. This is the sacrificial requirement of justification, the baptism of fire and Holy Ghost, step two in the three-step process of coming to know Christ. Liberty in Red, white and blue colors - Left, Carl Bloch painting of Christ in Gethsemane; Center, Nauvoo Temple Day Star window; Right, the first official American flag or ensign, the Cowpens flag. Hereafter, this paper is divided into three parts: (1) An overview of what the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost is, followed by (2) A historical perspective of events featuring this gift; and finally (3) Practical steps that help lead to this important gift. Part I: The Baptism of Fire & the Holy Ghost - the Gate to the Way of Eternal Life Speaking to Nicodemus, a supposed knowledgeable teacher of his people, John tells him that all believers must have two baptisms to enter heaven, a baptism by water and another of fire or the Spirit. He states; Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God (John 3:5). Entering heaven does not mean exaltation in the highest of the kingdoms of heaven, however. A third baptism, by blood, is need for that. Three Baptisms There are three "baptisms" required for exaltation and they are baptism by water, fire, and blood. These three baptisms are foundational concepts in the gospel and doctrine of Christ, the pathway to eternal life and exaltation, yet relatively few are aware of them (see D&C 39:6; 33:11-12; 2 Ne. 31:17-18). God tells us that they are the plan of salvation unto all men according to Moses 6:62. Many good souls who have worked and served faithfully for years in church callings and the temple have not yet entered in by the gate, nor stepped onto the pathway, that leads to "the way" of eternal life. It is the way terminating at the Tree of Life. The three baptisms lead us to know Christ and are part of the doctrine of Christ (see 2 Ne. 31:2 & 21; 32:6), evident in multiple places, including D&C 112 and JST Matthew 25: In the Joseph Smith re-translation of Matthew 25, where five virgins knock but are not let into the wedding feast, the Prophet Joseph changed the wording from "I know you not" in Matthew 25:12 to "ye know me not," placing clear responsibility on us to come to know our Lord personally (JST Mat. 25:11, bold & italics added). He is the Creator and Judge, and knows us well. We read in D&C 112, verses 24 through 26, Behold, vengeance cometh speedily upon the inhabitants of the earth, a day of wrath, a day of burning, a day of desolation, of weeping, or mourning, and of lamentation; and as a whirlwind it shall come upon all the face of the earth, saith the Lord. And upon my house shall it begin, and from my house shall it go forth, saith the Lord; First among those among you, saith the Lord, who have professed to know my name and have not known me, and have blasphemed against me in the midst of my house, saith the Lord (see also 1 Peter 4:17-18). 1

2 Scripture further tells us that receiving the baptism by water is the gate. There is then the baptism by fire and the Holy Ghost which puts us through the gate, placing us on the path, which in turn leads us to the way of eternal life. It is the way that leads us to knowing the Lord intimately (2 Nephi 31:18). The clearest instruction in receiving the second of these three vital baptisms, leading to justification, is found in 2 Nephi chapters 31 and 32. There, Nephi instructs us clearly that we are not even on the pathway leading to the way of eternal life until we have received the first two baptisms, and specifically the second baptism - by fire and the Holy Ghost. Personal Judgment Our Lord has said that He will come swiftly to His temple (our bodies, temples of the Spirit). Christ is the Father of our salvation. We become His His sons and daughters when we are pronounced clean sealed His - in His judgment of us personally (Mosiah 5:15). Scripture tells us that all judgment has been committed into His hands by the Father (John 5:22). We must be clean to enter God s presence. Our cleansing is done via the three baptisms. Note how our sins are handled in these three baptisms. Our sins are first remitted in the commandment to be baptized by water. This leads to purification. In the next baptism, the baptism by fire and the Holy Ghost, our sins are then forgiven. This is justification. Finally, in the third baptism, we are sanctified from all sin. This is sanctification, occurring in a personal face-to-face encounter with our Lord, when we are finally sanctified in and through His blood. When are then pronounced holly unto the Lord. All three baptisms are essential for our salvation, our obtaining the great promise of eternal life. They appear to be tied to entrance into different kingdoms too, the Telestial, Terrestrial, and Celestial kingdoms respectively, overseen by the Holy Ghost, Christ, and the Father. Moroni tells us that those who receive these first two baptisms were numbered among the people of the church of Christ; and their names were taken, that they might be remembered and nourished by the good word of God, to keep them in the right way" (Moroni 6:4). And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name give under heaven whereby man can be saved and now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ (2 Ne. 31:21, see also verse 2 & 32:6). In receiving the baptism of fire, we receive a remission of our sins through the fiery influence of our Lord s Atonement, making it possible for the Holy Ghost to then dwell in our cleansed temple. The Holy Ghost further purges and purifies us, placing us on the path to eternal life. "...then are ye in this strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life; yea ye have entered in by the gate; ye have done according to the commandment of the Father and the Son; and ye have received the Holy Ghost, which witnesses of the Father and the Son, unto the fulfilling of the promise which he hath made, that if ye entered in by the way ye should receive" (2 Nephi 31:17-18, bold and italics added). Nephi, adds, that to proceed onto the culminating gift of eternal life - to have this promise given us by the Lord Himself as our Second Comforter, we must, "press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ and endure to the end, behold thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life" (verse 20). This "feasting" is defined well by Nephi, who states, "...if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do" (2 Nephi 32:5, emphasis added). Feasting on the good word of God naturally takes us to the step 3, baptism by the blood of Christ - sanctification, which provides entrance into the sacred presence of our Lord. Such are born of the Spirit quickened in the inner man (Moses 6:65-66). The Required Sacrifice All good things are received from the Lord by a covenant with sacrifice. In D&C 97:8 and Psalm 50:5 we learn that we must keep our covenants by sacrifice in order to be accepted of Christ. He has instructed us that the necessary personal sacrifice for receiving the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost is a broken heart and contrite spirit (3 Nephi 9:20). This is the replacement sacrifice for animals and their blood anciently. He stated, "And whoso cometh unto me with a broken heart and contrite spirit, him will I baptize with fire and the Holy Ghost, even as the Lamanites, because of their faith in me at the time of their conversion, were baptized with fire and with the Holy Ghost, and they knew it not." For some there is an obvious outward manifestation. Others don t even know it has occurred (3 Ne. 9:20). We should ask to know if it has occurred in our lives. Note too that it is the Lord providing this "baptism." He connects this experience to redemption (receiving eternal life and Christ Himself), as the one anticipates the other (verse 21). The baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost gives us hope for receiving Christ in the flesh as our Second Comforter (see Ether 12:4). Christ as the Good Samaritan The story of the Good Samaritan features a symbolic variation of these three baptisms in connection with charity, in caring for a needy stranger by applying healing oil and wine to his troubled body - a type for our Savior who heals us through the Atonement - after we keep His commandments through repentance and baptism by water. He was and is our Good Samaritan. He too received care in the garden of Gethsemane from an "angel," another Good Samaritan who served Him. The Lord's own blood oozed from every pore there, perhaps a type of baptism for Him. It was then washed away with water, then healing oil and wine applied to soothe His troubled body. Another example is our free gift of salvation through Him. He is our living water. Note that water, milk, and wine representing our salvation, are obtained freely in 2nd Nephi 9:50. "Come, my brethren, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters; and he that hath no money, come buy and eat; yea, come buy wine and milk without money and without price." 2

3 One of the best scriptures for understanding the significance of the cleansing power of water, oil, and wine is Moses 6. We read there of purification, justification, and sanctification, in connection with these three symbolic fluids (and to the colors blue, white, and red). They are present at physical birth and being born again of God in them. "That by reason of transgression cometh the fall, which fall bringeth death, and inasmuch as ye were born into the world by water, and blood, and the spirit, which I have made, and so became of dust a living soul, even so ye must be born again into the kingdom of heaven, of water, and of the Spirit, and be cleansed by blood, even the blood of mine Only Begotten; that ye might be sanctified from all sin, and enjoy the words of eternal life in this world, and eternal life in the world to come, even immortal glory; For by the water ye keep the commandment; by the Spirit ye are justified, and by the blood ye are sanctified; 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 this is the plan of salvation unto all men" (Moses 6:59-62, emphasis added). As we obey God's word and keep His commandments, we have desire to repent, come unto Him, and be baptized in living waters that we might be purified. This reveals our love for Him and our desire to become part of His fold. After this, it is our Lord as the Good Samaritan who then heals us in the next two cleansing steps. There is justification by the power of the fiery presence of the Holy Ghost, and then a complete sanctification via the power of His atoning blood. Why A Baptism by Fire? The Prophet Joseph declared the necessity of the fiery baptism, stating, The baptism of water, without the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost attending it, is of no use, they are necessarily and inseparably connected. An individual must be born of water and the spirit in order to get into the kingdom of God. He added that if you don't receive the gift of the Holy Ghost at some future point in time, the watery baptism will not profit the person. You might as well baptize a bag of sand as a man, if not done in view of the remission of sins and getting of the Holy Ghost. Baptism by water is but half a baptism, and is good for nothing without the other half-that is, the baptism of the Holy Ghost (TPJS, p. 314). Useful scriptures supporting this include Helaman 5:18-19, 23, 44-49; 2 Ne. 31:17; 3 Ne. 9:20, 12:1; Mor. 7:10; Ether 12:14-15; D&C 19:31, 20:41, 33:11-12, 39:6; and Moses 6: Note the following five instructive scriptures, emphasis added: "And behold, the Holy Spirit of God did come down from heaven, and did enter into their hearts, and the were filled as if with fire, and they could speak forth marvelous words [the tongue of angels]...and they saw the heavens open; and angels came down out of heaven and ministered unto them" (Helaman 5:45, 48). "And ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and contrite spirit. And whoso cometh unto me with a broken heart and contrite spirit, him will I baptize with fire and the Holy Ghost, even as the Lamanites, because of their faith in me at the time of their conversion, were baptized with fire and with the Holy Ghost, and they knew it not" (3 Nephi 9:20). "...and after ye are baptized with water, behold, I will baptize you with fire and with the Holy Ghost" (3 Nephi 12:1). "And this is my gospel - repentance and baptism by water, and then cometh the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost, even the [first] Comforter, which showeth all things and teacheth the peaceable things of the kingdom" (D&C 39:6, see also D&C 33:11-12). "...if it so be that ye believe in Christ, and are baptized, first with water, then with fire and with the Holy Ghost, following the example of our Savior, according to that which he hath commanded us, it shall be well with you in the day of judgment" (Mormon 7:10). Full Empowerment Individuals who have had all three "baptisms" are more fully empowered - with greater wisdom, mercy, truth, justice, and judgment. They work by the power and influence of the Holy Ghost and are eventually ordained to greater work under the hands of Christ Himself. Those having the first two "baptisms" (purification and justification) are empowered with the more consistent companionship of the Holy Spirit (or Holy Ghost) and can speak with the tongue of angels, bearing testimony of the Lord with convincing power (2 Nephi 33:1). An increase in testimony and faith accompany this second level of purity and empowerment. Having been "justified" via the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost was a necessary requirement for the ancient Apostles in the meridian of time, and for the Lord's special witnesses in the days of Joseph Smith, prior to the start of their respective missions. 3

4 The Prophet Joseph Smith emphasized the significance of an endowment of power in a special charge to the Twelve in the Kirtland days. He said, "Remember, you are not to go to other nations till you receive your endowments [of power]. Tarry at Kirtland until you are endowed with power from on high. You need a fountain of wisdom, knowledge and intelligence such as you never had...he can give you that wisdom, that intelligence, and that power, which characterized the ancient saints and now characterizes the inhabitants of the upper world" (HC 2:197). This fountain is the record of heaven that then attends one so blessed (Moses 6:61). "Washings" were required before these special missions were begun, and often before the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost was given (see D&C 88:74-75). Such empowerment was accompanied by an increase in faith, helping them be more effective servants while enduring the trials of their missions. How is this Fiery Gift Given? After baptism, all who keep their covenants receive the Spirit to guide them as they come to Christ. This should lead to the baptism of fire and Holy Ghost - if they are truly seeking the Lord and His influence in their lives. Later Christ Himself comes as the Second Comforter. How is the greater empowerment of the Holy Ghost given? The answer is by the Lord Himself or under the hands of the Lord s special witnesses, His Apostles. Three scriptures state that it is the Lord who gives or provides the Baptism of Fire, and then the gift of the Holy Ghost as a more frequent companion and guide for us. He stated in 3 Nephi 12:1, and after that ye are baptized with water, behold, I will baptize you with fire and with the Holy Ghost John the Baptist expressed the same thing saying, I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire (Mat. 3:11, emphasis added, see also John 1:33). The ordinance giving the right of more frequent companionship of the Holy Ghost may also be given by the Lord s special witnesses, those who have come into His holy presence. We read in Moroni 2:1-3, The words of Christ, which he spake unto his disciples, the twelve whom he had chosen, as he laid his hands upon them And he called them by name, saying: Ye shall call on the Father in my name, in mighty prayer; and after ye have done this ye shall have power that to him upon whom ye shall lay your hands, ye shall give the Holy Ghost; and in my name shall ye give it, for thus do mine apostles. Now Christ spake these words unto them at the time of his first appearing; and the multitude heard it not, but the disciples heard it; and on as many as they laid their hands, fell the Holy Ghost (see also Acts 19:1-7 & (3 Ne. 27:20). Blood Purged for a New Creation Receiving pure intelligence as needed is one of the great blessings of the Baptism of Fire by the Holy Ghost. It is empowering. To facilitate this, our blood may be purged and purified. Joseph Smith stated that the old blood of a Gentile is purged out, making him actually of the seed of Abraham, unto whom the promises have been made. "The Holy Ghost has no other effect than pure intelligence. It is more powerful in expanding the mind, enlightening the understanding, and storing the intellect with present knowledge, of a man who is of the literal seed of Abraham, than one that is a Gentile, though it may not have half as much visible effect upon the body; for as the Holy Ghost falls upon one of the literal seed of Abraham, it is calm and serene; and his whole soul and body are only exercised by the pure spirit of intelligence; while the effect of the Holy Ghost upon a Gentile, is to purge out the old blood, and make him actually of the seed of Abraham. That man that has none of the blood of Abraham (naturally) must have a new creation by the Holy Ghost. In such a case, there may be more of a powerful effect upon the body, and visible to the eye, than upon an Israelite, while the Israelite at first might be far before the Gentile in pure intelligence" (TPJS pps ). In scripture we see eight characteristics tied to "justification" - the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost. They include: 1. An encircling fire or pillar of fire, like a tube of light or plasma, may surround the individual (Hel. 5:45, 48) 2. A remission of their sins occurs - "justification" (3 Ne. 12:2; 2 Ne. 31:17) 3. There is a purging of the heart by fire (Helaman 5:45) 4. They receive, are filled, and then empowered by the Holy Ghost (2 Ne. 31:17; D&C 39:6; 33:11-12) 5. They may then receive the presence and ministration of angels (Hel. 5:48) 6. They may speak with a new tongue, that of Angels by the power of the Holy Ghost (2 Ne. 32:2-23; Helaman 5:45) 7. They are filled with unspeakable joy and glory (Helaman 5:44) 8. They then become part of the "church of Christ" also known as the "church of the Firstborn" (D&C 76:67) In "The Way" As expressed earlier, those who have experienced the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost are then in "the strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life," God's greatest gift. They have entered in by the gate, according to the commandments of the Father and the Son. Such have received the Holy Ghost, "which witnesses of the Father and the Son, unto the fulfilling of the promise which he hath made, that if ye entered in by the way ye should receive (see the promise of eternal life in D&C 88:1-4; 2 Ne. 31:20). After receiving these two baptisms, they must "press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men, wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life" (2 Nephi 31:20, emphasis added). This is "the way" and "there is no other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen" (verse 21). It is the plan of 4

5 salvation unto all men, through the blood of mine Only Begotten whom shall come in the meridian of time (Moses 6:62). Purpose for the Baptism of Fire and the Holy Ghost The purpose of this transitional event is to preserve and purge (cleanse) a living mortal, preparing them for their missions, with empowerment via the companionship of the Holy Ghost, for the eventual gift of the Second Comforter, with the promise of eternal life (John 11: 25-26). Such become members of another, greater assembly here on earth - the church of Christ or the Firstborn (D&C 76:67). All things are eventually given them (D&C 76:58-60). They speak with the tongue of angels (Hel. 5:45), which suggests they have more knowledge and inspiration from heaven. They are elevated by fire that purges and purifies them, thus they receive a remission of their sins (3 Ne. 12:2). Such become more holy, their "spirit" or "ghost" having attained a greater connection with heaven. This connection is ultimately to the mind of God" - with the Holy Son Jesus, and with Father and Mother. Sanctification by Christ The key to the next or third step in receiving eternal life, is sanctification by the blood of Christ. We read in 2 Nephi 32, verses 5 and 6 that it is when we are finally in "the way," the Holy Ghost with us, that we are guided and instructed in all things that we must do to receive the last baptism - sanctification at the hands or voice of Christ. We then have Him to guide and direct us from time to time the Second Comforter, in addition to the Holy Ghost. As we are sanctified by Christ and His atoning blood, we are then prepared for the greater presence of the Father (Alma 45:16; 1 Ne. 10:21), and then the Mother. This is how one receives the fullness (D&C 93:19-20). We then become part of the general assembly and Church of the Firstborn while on this earth (D&C 76:66-67). It is also called "the church of God," the "church of Christ," or the "church of the lamb of God" in scripture. The Book of Mormon says there are only two churches. "Behold there are save two churches only; the one is the church of the Lamb of God, and the other is the church of the devil; wherefore, whoso belongeth not to the church of the Lamb of God belongeth to that great church, which is the mother of abominations; and she is the whore of all the earth (1 Nephi 14:10). Cursing as well as Blessing To receive these things is a great blessing, but to deny the sure witness of the Holy Ghost after receiving it (in the four previous steps), is a great cursing, the greatest of all. It is to become a son of perdition. So says Nephi in 2 Nephi 31:14. He states, But, behold, my beloved brethren, thus came the voice of the Son unto me, saying: After ye have [1] repented of your sins, and [2] witnessed unto the Father that ye are willing to keep my commandments, by the baptism of water, and [3] have received the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost, and [4] can speak with a new tongue, yea, even with the tongue of angels, and [5] after this should deny me, it would have been better for you that ye had not known me. What are the requirements for Justification - the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost? To receive this great gift we must approach God with a broken heart and a contrite spirit - or be fully repentant. This is the sacrifice we are to give to God. We read of this in Psalm 51:17, "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise." In the Book of Mormon we read, And ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit. And whoso cometh unto me with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, him will I baptize with fire and with the Holy Ghost, even as the Lamanites, because of their faith in me at the time of their conversion, were baptized with fire and with the Holy Ghost, and they knew it not (3 Ne. 9: 20). When we are truly penitent, and sincere about removing sin from our lives, we reveal a broken heart and a contrite spirit, which is real sorrow for sin and a committed desire to change (see also 3 Nephi 12:1-2). The broken heart is tender and pliable to God's word and instruction. Those who are contrite, willingly listen, move forward, and transition to a higher plane. In Helaman 5:20-49 we read of Nephi and Lehi and their Baptism of Fire. It was received at the last second, when they needed it most. Thereafter they began to preach to the Lamanites, who had faith unto repentance after witnessing Nephi and Lehi s baptism of fire. They were then given their own fiery baptism. Too few understand these things. Too few have received the baptism of fire. Why? The answer may be revealed as we ask ourselves the following questions: Do we have unbelief in the gifts of the Spirit as spoken by Moroni? Is our heart sufficiently humble and contrite, or is it set instead upon the things of this world? Do we have a lack of faith, knowledge, or belief (Ether 4:15)? Do we take the covenant of the Book of Mormon too lightly - the invitation to literally come unto Christ"? Do we trust too much in the "arm of flesh"- in man and organizations instead of God (2 Ne. 4:34)? Or have we simply not arrived at the appropriate time for this important experience? Part II: Historic Events tied to the Fiery Baptism How did the Lord's Apostles (His special witnesses) receive the Holy Ghost in the New Testament? Speaking to His Apostles immediately following His resurrection, our Lord said to them, "Peace be unto you; as my Father hath sent me, 5

6 even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them [or spoke to them] and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost" (John 20:21-22, emphasis added). Receiving the Baptism of Fire & the Holy Ghost in the Book of Mormon (300 souls converted) In 3 Nephi 9:20 we read that the primary requirement for the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost is a "broken heart and contrite spirit." Note the experience of the 300 souls in Helaman 5, who possessed these two qualities. Each of them had a pillar of fire surround them (verses 43-44). Each was filled with unspeakable joy, full of glory (verse 44). In this pillar of fire (which did not hurt them) "the Holy Spirit of God came down from heaven and did enter into their hearts," filling them as if with fire. This allowed them to "speak forth marvelous words" - as with the tongue of angels (verse 45). Then the Father's voice was heard. In a pleasant whisper He stated, "Peace, peace be unto you because of your faith in my Well Beloved, who was from the foundation of the world" (verse 46). Then, casting their eyes up to heaven, the direction from whence the voice came, they then saw the heavens open, "and angels came down out of heaven and ministered unto them" (verse 48). Joseph Smith's Kirtland Temple Dedication Prayer - a prophecy of Coming Events (D&C 109:35-39) At the dedication of the Kirtland Ohio Temple, Joseph Smith prayed, "Let the anointing of thy ministers be sealed upon them with power from on high. Let it be fulfilled upon them, as upon those on the day of Pentecost; let the gift of tongues be poured out upon thy people, even cloven tongues as of fire, and the interpretation thereof. And let thy house be filled, as with a rushing mighty wind, with thy glory. Put upon thy servants the testimony of the covenant, that when they go out and proclaim thy word they may seal up the law, and prepare the hearts of thy saints for all those judgments thou art about to send, in thy wrath, upon the inhabitants of the earth, because of their transgressions, that thy people may not faint in the day of trouble. And whatsoever city thy servants shall enter, and the people of that city receive their testimony, let thy peace and thy salvation be upon that city; that they may gather out of that city the righteous, that they may come forth to Zion, or to her stakes, the places of thine appointment, with songs of everlasting joy" (D&C 109:35-39). Pentecost-Like Events in 1836 After disciplined schooling and purification, including those in the School of the Prophets who were cleansed "every whit," Pentecost-like events occurred at the Kirtland Temple dedication and for the entire period from January 17 to May 1 of Joseph Smith and other leaders prepared the Saints to expect the heavens to be opened as part of "an endowment [of power] from on high" (D&C 105:33; 110:9-10). Joseph Smith called this period, "a pentecost...a year of jubilee, and a time of rejoicing" (HC 2:432-33). Records show that our Savior appeared in 5 different meetings held in the temple at this time. Visions, including a vision of the Father and Son were beheld at 8 meetings. The Saints saw heavenly beings and angels in 9 meetings. In other sessions, many Saints reported manifestations such as the gift of tongues, the sound of mighty wind, a pillar of fire resting down upon the temple roof, prophesying, and the voices of angels. Over one thousand people attended these various meetings, many testifying of sacred experiences in letters and journal entries. During special priesthood meetings at this time of Pentecost (an outpouring of the Spirit), on January 21st and March 30th, there were 30 and 300 men present respectively (see Karl Ricks Anderson, Joseph Smith's Kirtland, Deseret Book, p. 174). Note also that there were 300 people who received the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost in the Book of Mormon, and 3000 in the New Testament, all converted as a result of the great outpouring of the Spirit. The same larger number was also recorded at Sinai, when 3000 souls were destroyed from the base of Sinai - for worshipping the golden calf. God had invited all into His holy presence at the mountain, but they refused (see JST Exodus 34:1-2), many turning back to the idol worship practiced in Egypt. This event occurred after the Lord came down from heaven upon Mount Sinai to instruct Moses, giving him the Law for the people and instruction on how to build the Tabernacle. The Lord's presence came 50 days after Moses and the children of Israel were washed in the Red Sea, when they escaped the Egyptian army by passing through these waters after exiting Egypt in the Passover and Exodus. The experiences at Sinai proved to be an early "Pentecost" - like event ("pente" in Greek means 50), pre-figuring those in the New Testament and those in the early days of Joseph Smith's Restoration The First Pentecost in the Old Testament (Exodus 23:17; 34:22; Lev. 23:16) The Old Testament Holy Day known as Shavout (for Jews) and the New Testament Pentecost (for Christians) are memorial days to the Lord that occur on the same exact day of year, in the summer, exactly 50 days after another special day on the calendars of both groups. Each commemorates covenants made and instruction (Law) given of God in connection with a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit. In a rare alignment in 2015, the Christian celebration of Pentecost (on May 24th) coincides with the Jewish celebration of Shavuot. Pentecost has unique ties to the Jubilee Year of Restoration which begins after Rosh Hashanah (New Year's Days kicking off 2016) on the Day of Atonement. And you shall consecrate the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you, when each of you shall return to his property and each of you shall return to his clan (Leviticus 25:10, emphasis added). 6

7 Both Shavout and Pentecost are tied to the same basic concept, renewal after a 50-day period, in connection with the fiery presence of the Holy Spirit - given as a gift from God for the benefit of His covenant people. Shavout means week and it was after 7 weeks of 7 days (49 days) following their departure from Egypt that the Lord offered a covenant to them on the 50th day a renewal day - a day of jubilee or celebration tied to their eventual full restoration to Him the bride Israel being restored to the Bridegroom. In the Talmud, Shavout has marriage associations and is referred to as the ketubah, a marriage covenant between God and the Israelites. It is when God betrothed Israel as His own people, separate from all others. We are still living this betrothal period, in which the bride and groom are separated until the actual wedding. Our responsibility during our present age is to be faithful to our Heavenly Bridegroom. When Yeshua returns, we will finally be united with Him and the glorious wedding ceremony will take place at Rosh Hashanah (day 1 of Tishri). Then a feast with guests follows - at the Feast of Tabernacles (day 22 of Tishri). Shavout is one of 7 annual Hebrew Holy Days. It is one of the three great pilgrimage Feasts that God commanded all the Israelites to observe (the other two being Passover and Tabernacles). It occurs on the 50th day after the Feast of Firstfruits, when the ancient covenant people offered up the first fruits of their spring barley harvest in thanks to God (this is also the day our Lord was resurrected). When Jesus arose from death on this day, He taught His disciples for 40 days and then ascended into heaven. It was 10 days after His departure in the Ascension (or on the 50th day) that the Holy Spirit descended upon His followers. With it there was a renewal for the people. Some 3000 people participated in this great outpouring of the Spirit. It is now known as Pentecost today (the Greek "pente" means 50). In the Old Testament, more than a thousand years before the birth of Christ, this renewal event came when Moses was given instruction or the Law (Torah) upon fiery Mount Sinai for the children of Israel. It had taken them 47 days after the crossing of the Red Sea (where they had escaped death at the hands of Pharaoh), and 3 days of preparation prior to Moses receiving the Law atop Sinai. It was on this 50th day that the children of Israel were renewed in the covenants made with God at the base of Sinai, a temple-like mountain. They were invited into God's holy presence there, a clear tied to them being proposed to by God within His marriage covenant. They refused Him (see JST Exodus 34:1-2). To memorialize the covenant and the Law given Moses, their mortal deliverer, the Israelites set up 12 pillars in a great circle at the base of Sinai. The 50-day period signaled by fiery light atop Sinai was a marker of renewal for the people and the promise of a full restoration, if they would accept God s covenant, His marriage proposal. They had been delivered by Him after leaving Egypt, the day after the destroying angel "passed over" them. The doors to their homes were marked with the blood of innocent lambs that night. This day of deliverance was later memorialized as Passover. The next day, when they left Egypt, was later memorialized as the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread (a 7-day celebration). The name of this second day resulted from their lack of time to leaven their bread when they quickly left Egypt. Both memorial days were Holy Days on the calendar God gave Moses upon Sinai. Each of them foreshadowed events in the life of their God Jehovah, who would descend to earth as Jesus Christ in the meridian of time to again deliver the covenant people. The nation of Israel had been born in a day after emerging from captivity and oppression in Egypt for some 400 years, but sadly they rejected Him at Sinai and His marriage proposal (see D&C 84:21-22 & JST Ex. 34:1-2). They thus received a lesser covenant and law, one designed to eventually bring them unto Him once again, but later. We are now living at that time, when the fullness of the gospel (God s marriage covenant) that is rejected by the Gentiles (3 Nephi 16:10) will be taken again to them, the first being the last. The Coming of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2 of the New Testament - at Pentecost (Acts 2, 3000 souls converted) The Pentecost event in the New Testament is tied to the earlier events at Sinai. We read in Acts 2, "And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marveled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?...what meaneth this? Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine. But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and notable day of the Lord come. And it shall come to pass, that 7

8 whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance. Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear...then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls..." (Acts chapter 2). Holy Ghost versus Holy Spirit When one is set apart or sanctified by Christ they become holy (1 Nephi 12:7). And I also saw and bear record that the Holy Ghost fell upon twelve others; and they were ordained of God and chosen. Also, The Holy Ghost fell upon Adam (Moses 5:9). Can a member of the Godhead fall upon us? The gift of the Holy Ghost can fall upon us. How is this different than the Holy Spirit? There are many gifts of the Spirit, but only one "gift of the Holy Ghost." The Gifts of the Spirit are manifestations of God's influence, given to those who exercise faith in Christ, whereas the Gift of the Holy Ghost is an increase in light and power and a witness to the Father that we are ready to receive the Baptism of Fire and the more permanent presence of the Holy Ghost. Holy Ghost The Prophet Joseph Smith stated that an everlasting covenant was made between three personages before the organization of this earth, and relates to their dispensation of things to men on the earth; these personages are called God the first, the Creator; God the second, the Redeemer; and God the third, the witness or Testator (TPJS, p. 190). The Holy Ghost is a personage who is also a witness and testator. He witnesses that Jesus is the Christ. In legal terms, a Testator is a person who declares someone is a legal heir to another's will or estate. The Holy Ghost thus has an important role with Christ in bringing us back home, that we might inherit all our heavenly parents have. This is Eternal Life. Nephi testified that the Holy Ghost is the gift of God unto all those who diligently seek him, as well in times of old as in the time that he should manifest himself unto the children of men. For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost, as well in these times as in times of old, and as well in times of old as in times to come (1 Ne. 10:17-19). In the D&C we read, The Holy Ghost has not a body of flesh and bones, but is a personage of Spirit. Were it not so, the Holy Ghost could not dwell in us (D&C 130:22). Joseph stated that, The Holy Ghost is yet a spiritual body and is waiting to take to himself a body, as the Savior did (Joseph Smith, Encyclopedia of Joseph Smith s Teachings, edited by Larry E. Dahl and Donald Q. Cannon, Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1997). Joseph appears to be saying that the Holy Ghost is a person or personage of spirit who must take flesh like us. He must condescend as Jesus did. He added, The Holy Ghost is now in a state of probation, which if he should perform in righteousness he may pass through the same or a similar course of things that the Son has (Joseph Smith, The Words of Joseph Smith, p. 245; Sabbath address, Nauvoo, 27 August Reported by Franklin D. Richards). Was Joseph saying that in the early 1800 s the Holy Ghost was even then in bodily form? Or, is he saying that there are those who are a Holy Ghost and are now in a state of probation through a similar course as the Savior? Is the Holy Ghost plural, a role to be filled by many over time? Are we the Holy Ghost or a portion of it? An Alternate View of the "Ghost" Some have suggested that we are the Holy Ghost. They contend that we left a portion of ourselves - our light body - our spirit or ghost - in the heavens to descend to this telestial earth for a particular mission and/or for more knowledge, experience, and refinement, and that we have done so many times on our quest for more. They suggest that this is the record of heaven we left there (Moses 6:61), our covering of light. They suggest accessing the light of the Holy Ghost is accessing our own "ghost," our "record in heaven," our collective experience and knowledge gained over many millennia, all preserved within our own spirit or ghost, which is held in reserve in a heavenly sphere somewhere. Ancient Egyptian traditions appear to support this. In this context, is the baptism of fire and Holy Ghost the right granted to receive a greater portion of who we already are, the added light we have accumulated over time, that we might use it here to be more effective? We know that our light must increase until we finally become fully one with God (the Son, Father, and Mother), Which Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost are one God (D&C 20:28). We have been told, If 8

9 ye are not one, ye are not mine (D&C 38:27). With this oneness, we have access to the mind of God to the Holy Son, and to Father and Mother. Holy Spirit In the Lectures on Faith, Joseph Smith wrote about the "Spirit." And he being the Only Begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth, and having overcome, received a fullness of the glory of the Father, possessing the same mind with the Father, which mind is the Holy Spirit, that bears record of the Father and the Son, and these three are one; or in other words, these three constitute the great, matchless, governing and supreme power over all things (Lectures on Faith 5:2). When Jesus was baptized, the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in the form of a dove. For many, the sign of a dove has connection to the divine feminine - in association with the lightness and gentleness of a bird. Was the sign of the dove a direct reference to our holy Mother s witness of Jesus baptism? Understanding of our Heavenly Mother is not clear in our current doctrine. She is one of the mysteries of godliness addressed by Nephi and Moroni. Christ is like our Father in heaven, the Great Creator, bringing order to all things in His creation, whereas our Heavenly Mother infuses life and beauty into this creation. Her influence is felt throughout it all. Many believe she is the Holy Spirit that teaches, comforts, heals, and beautifies. Her female influence is thus in perfect balance with that of the Eternal Father. Heavenly Mother may be closer to us than we realize. When we feel the Holy Spirit, we may feel the arms of her love around us. She, like the Father and the Son possesses many names. Two are Wisdom and Charity. Her love helps us develop the pure love of Christ - Charity. When we receive the First Comforter (the Holy Ghost), we receive a greater portion of its influence. When we receive the Second Comforter (Christ) we receive His influence. When we receive the Third and Fourth Comforters, we receive Father and Mother. Note the lone scripture tied to the baptism of fire using the words "Holy Spirit." "And behold, the Holy Spirit of God did come down from heaven, and did enter into their hearts, and the were filled as if with fire, and they could speak forth marvelous words...and they saw the heavens open; and angels came down out of heaven and ministered unto them" (Helaman 5:45, 48, bold added). Summary Thoughts It is the Holy Ghost that cleanses and purges us that we might be justified, able to one day endure the presence of our Lord Jesus when He wills to come to us. It is He who baptizes us with the second baptism of justification - the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost. It is He who will later prepare us to serve Him with power and authority thereafter - for the purpose of humbly helping our brothers and sisters in the difficult times that lie ahead. The baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost appears to be tied to the following experiences in scripture. 1. An encircling fire or pillar of fire, like a tube of light or plasma, may surround the individual (Hel. 5:45, 48; 3 Ne. 19:13-14). 2. A forgiveness of sins occurs - "justification" (3 Ne. 12:2; 2 Ne. 31:17). 3. There is a purging of the heart by fire (Helaman 5:45). 4. They receive, are filled, and then empowered by the Holy Ghost (2 Ne. 31:17; D&C 39:6; 33:11-12). A mark is then placed upon them, visible to those sensitive to such things, or those granted its view. 5. They may receive more frequently the presence and ministration of angels (Hel. 5:48). 6. They may speak with a new tongue, that of Angels by the power of the Holy Ghost (2 Ne. 32:2-23; Helaman 5:45). 7. They are filled with unspeakable joy and glory (Helaman 5:44). 8. They then become part of the "church of Christ" also known as the "church of the Firstborn" (D&C 76:67). To be prepared for entrance into the presence of our Lord, and to receive celestial glory one day, men and women must be quickened by Him (they must be transfigured or have their energy or frequency raised, etc.). They must have more light and transcend this state, awakened to the things of God. The cleansing power of the Holy Ghost in the baptism of fire is a necessary part of this process. It blesses us with a mantle of greatly increased light. We are purified in it, receiving a remission of sins (3 Ne. 12:2), able also to speak with the tongue of angels for charitable teaching purposes (Hel. 5:45). Such souls are thus better servants, teachers, ministers, parents, and friends. In this greater light is contained the mysteries of godliness. In them the doctrines of the priesthood are distilled upon our souls as the dews of heaven. As we are taught by the Holy Ghost and angels, our light increases until we are fully claimed by Christ as His, His Sons and Daughters, not just servants or friends. We eventually become one with Father and Mother too. Part III: Five Practical Steps in Receiving the Baptism by Fire & the Holy Ghost This last section of the paper begins with a discussion of five practical steps in receiving the baptism of fire and the Holy 9