Welcome to the second of 3 related blogs about principles and ordinances of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In this blog I would like to address the ordinance of receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, or Baptism by Fire. This is an ordinance practiced in the Old Testament and New Testament times of the Bible, both in the areas surrounding Jerusalem and in the American Continents.
Though not referred to as often, or explained thoroughly in the Old Testament of the Bible, the gift of the Holy Ghost is found and explained in the New Testament. We first read of it in the Gospel of Matthew 3rd chapter 11th verse;
" 11 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: ".
The prophet John the Baptist clearly states that with the Savior would come the authority to give the gift of the Holy Ghost in that dispensation.
We read more in the New Testament of the gift of the Holy Ghost in the Acts of the Apostles. In Acts chapter 8 verses 14-17 we read of the Apostle's Peter and John giving the gift of the Holy Ghost by the "laying on of hands".
" 14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost."
We also read of the gift of the Holy Ghost in the Book of Mormon. A Book of Mormon Prophet named Nephi teaches his people what is referred to as the "Doctrine of Christ" in the scriptures in the Book of 2 Nephi 31st chapter. In his teachings Nephi quotes from a revelation the words of the Savior and of His Father, our beloved Father in Heaven. Through His prophet the Savior of the world taught the importance of the gift of the Holy Ghost by saying the following:
" 12 And also, the voice of the Son came unto me, saying: He that is baptized in my name, to him will the Father give the Holy Ghost, like unto me; wherefore, follow me, and do the things which ye have seen me do.
13 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I know that if ye shall follow the Son, with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God, but with real intent, repenting of your sins, witnessing unto the Father that ye are willing to take upon you the name of Christ, by baptism—yea, by following your Lord and your Savior down into the water, according to his word, behold, then shall ye receive the Holy Ghost; yea, then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost... "
Today in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we practice this same ordinance of Salvation in the same manner in which it was performed in the scriptures. The 4th Article of Faith states that;
" 4 We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. "
Why might this "gift" be so important? The role of the Holy Ghost encompasses many things, but there are two specifically that I would like to mention before concluding. First, the Holy Ghost is the "Comforter". Jesus Christ taught this important role of the the Holy Ghost to His Apostles, while also teaching the second role I wish to mention. In the words of the Savior Himself, we learn that the Holy Ghost is also meant to teach us "all things".
" 26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. " -(John 14: 26-27)
What greater blessing could we ask for, then to receive as a gift, the companionship of the 3rd member of the Godhead, the Holy Ghost.
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