Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Baptism of FIRE?!?!?

After a Baptism of water it is not yet complete without receiving the baptism of fire, or of the Holy Ghost. "...Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism.
Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them..." (Acts 19:1-6)

Receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost is essential and without it a baptism of water is good for nothing. Receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost completes it and is what truly cleanses us from sin. "...that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day. (3 Nephi 27:20)

The Holy Ghost has a very important role in our salvation. Not only are we sanctified, or cleanses us, but he testifies of Christ and helps us recognize the truth. He provides spiritual strength and helps us do what is right. He comforts us during times of trial or sorrow. He is the Comforter, "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name..." The Holy Ghost is sent to us by God to give us comfort when we need it most. he also will "...teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." (John 14:26) He warns us of spiritual or physical danger. The Holy Ghost provides the power by which we teach and learn. The gift of the Holy Ghost is one of our Heavenly Father’s
most precious gifts. Through the power of the Holy Ghost we can feel God’s love and direction for us. This gift is a foretaste of eternal joy and a promise of eternal life.

We receive this great gift from God after baptism by proper authority when hands are placed on our heads and the words are spoken "receive the Holy Ghost" (2 Nephi 31:18) It is then that the Holy Ghost can be a constant companion to us. As we are worth of this gift he can stay with us always. Were as before baptism he comes and goes as we need comfort, or as he testifies of truth. But this gift is on of the greatest gifts of God that can help us find the "path which leads to eternal life" and to stay on that path until the time comes that were reunited with God, and with our Family's!

No comments:

Post a Comment