2 Nephi 312 Nephi 31

Where can we read about Where can we read about “baptism by water, and…by the “baptism by water, and…by the Holy Ghost?”Holy Ghost?”

““The greatest sermon we have on The greatest sermon we have on baptism and the receipt of the baptism and the receipt of the Holy Ghost is 2 Nephi 31Holy Ghost is 2 Nephi 31” (Bruce ” (Bruce R. McConkie, R. McConkie, Promised MessiahPromised Messiah, , 421).421).

It always comes back to the blood of It always comes back to the blood of Christ, Gethsemane, the Atonement. Christ, Gethsemane, the Atonement.

Orson F. Whitney put the elements of Orson F. Whitney put the elements of baptism into proper perspective: baptism into proper perspective: “There are three elements in baptism, “There are three elements in baptism, the Water, the Spirit and the Blood; the Water, the Spirit and the Blood; though only two---water and spirit—though only two---water and spirit—are usually mentioned. Without are usually mentioned. Without Christ’s atoning blood there could be Christ’s atoning blood there could be no baptism of a saving character” no baptism of a saving character” (Whitney, (Whitney, BaptismBaptism, 11)., 11).

2 Nephi 31-332 Nephi 31-33

This is Nephi’s “Doctrines of This is Nephi’s “Doctrines of SalvationSalvation.”.”

2 Nephi 31:2-32 Nephi 31:2-3 ““Let us Speak in PlainnessLet us Speak in Plainness!”!”

2 Nephi 31:5-122 Nephi 31:5-12 4 reasons Christ Was Baptized4 reasons Christ Was Baptized::

1. 1. v.5v.5 To fulfill all righteousnessTo fulfill all righteousness

2. 2. v.7v.7 To humble himself before His To humble himself before His FatherFather

3. 3. v.7v.7 To be obedient to the Father by To be obedient to the Father by keeping the commandmentskeeping the commandments

4. 4. v.9v.9 To set the example for us to follow.To set the example for us to follow.

2 Nephi 31:7-10, 12-13, 2 Nephi 31:7-10, 12-13, 1616

How should we follow the How should we follow the example of Jesus Christexample of Jesus Christ??

““Perfect worship is emulationPerfect worship is emulation. We . We honor those whom we imitate. The honor those whom we imitate. The most perfect way of worship is to be most perfect way of worship is to be holy as Jehovah is holy” (Bruce R. holy as Jehovah is holy” (Bruce R. McConkie, McConkie, Promised MessiahPromised Messiah, 568)., 568).

2 Nephi 31:152 Nephi 31:15

In one of the rarer moments in holy writ, we hear In one of the rarer moments in holy writ, we hear the voice of the Father: “And I heard a voice the voice of the Father: “And I heard a voice from the Father saying: Yea, the words of my from the Father saying: Yea, the words of my Beloved are true and faithful.” The meekness of Beloved are true and faithful.” The meekness of the Father was such that He testified to the the Father was such that He testified to the truthfulness of what His Son taught. Think, too, truthfulness of what His Son taught. Think, too, about the appearances of the Father with the about the appearances of the Father with the Son. Never does the Father upstage His Son. Son. Never does the Father upstage His Son. There is a kind of majestic mutual meekness with There is a kind of majestic mutual meekness with the Father and the Son. Jesus is ever deferential the Father and the Son. Jesus is ever deferential to the Father (Neal A. Maxwell, to the Father (Neal A. Maxwell, The Book of The Book of Mormon: A Marvelous Work and a WonderMormon: A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, , Seminar.).Seminar.).

Personal RadiationPersonal Radiation

There is a responsibility that no man can evade. That is There is a responsibility that no man can evade. That is the responsibility of personal influence… Every man (& the responsibility of personal influence… Every man (& woman) has an atmosphere or a radiation that is woman) has an atmosphere or a radiation that is affecting every person in the world. You cannot escape affecting every person in the world. You cannot escape it… It is simply the constant radiation of what a man it… It is simply the constant radiation of what a man (or woman) really is. Every man (& woman) by his (or woman) really is. Every man (& woman) by his mere living is radiating positive or negative qualities. mere living is radiating positive or negative qualities. Life is a state of radiationLife is a state of radiation. To exist is to be the . To exist is to be the radiation of our feelings, natures, doubts, schemes, or radiation of our feelings, natures, doubts, schemes, or to be the recipient of those things from somebody else. to be the recipient of those things from somebody else. You cannot escape it. Man (& women) cannot escape You cannot escape it. Man (& women) cannot escape for one moment the radiation of his (or her) character. for one moment the radiation of his (or her) character. You will select the qualities that you will permit to be You will select the qualities that you will permit to be radiatedradiated. That reminds me of the following poem, the . That reminds me of the following poem, the author of which is unknown.author of which is unknown.

You tell on yourself by the friends you seek,You tell on yourself by the friends you seek,

By the very manner in which you speak,By the very manner in which you speak,

By the way you employ your leisure time,By the way you employ your leisure time,

By the use you make of dollar and dime.By the use you make of dollar and dime.

You tell what you are by the things you wear,You tell what you are by the things you wear,

And even by the way you wear your hair,And even by the way you wear your hair,

By the kind of things at which you laugh,By the kind of things at which you laugh,

By the records you play on your phonograph.By the records you play on your phonograph.

You tell what you are by the way you walk,You tell what you are by the way you walk,

By the things of which you delight to talk,By the things of which you delight to talk,

By the manner in which you bury deceit,By the manner in which you bury deceit,

By so simple a thing as how you eat.By so simple a thing as how you eat.

By the books you choose from the well fitted shelf.By the books you choose from the well fitted shelf.

In these ways and more you tell on yourself.In these ways and more you tell on yourself.

(President David O. McKay, CR, Oct. 1969, 87)(President David O. McKay, CR, Oct. 1969, 87)

““An intelligent being, in the image of God, An intelligent being, in the image of God, possesses every organ, attribute, sense, possesses every organ, attribute, sense, sympathy, affection that is possessed by sympathy, affection that is possessed by God himself.God himself.

‘‘But these are possessed by man, in his But these are possessed by man, in his rudimental state, in a subordinate sense of rudimental state, in a subordinate sense of the word. Or in other words, these attributes the word. Or in other words, these attributes are in embryo and are to be gradually are in embryo and are to be gradually developed. They resemble a bud, a germ, developed. They resemble a bud, a germ, which gradually develops into bloom, and which gradually develops into bloom, and then, by progress, produces the mature fruit then, by progress, produces the mature fruit after it’s own kind.after it’s own kind.

The gift of the Holy Ghost adapts itself to all these The gift of the Holy Ghost adapts itself to all these organs or attributes. It quickens all the intellectual organs or attributes. It quickens all the intellectual faculties, increases, enlarges, expands, and purifies all faculties, increases, enlarges, expands, and purifies all the natural passions and affections, and adapts them, the natural passions and affections, and adapts them, by the gift of wisdom, to their lawful use. It inspires, by the gift of wisdom, to their lawful use. It inspires, develops, cultivates, and matures all the fine-toned develops, cultivates, and matures all the fine-toned sympathies, joys, tastes, kindred feelings, and sympathies, joys, tastes, kindred feelings, and affections of our nature. It inspires virtue, kindness, affections of our nature. It inspires virtue, kindness, goodness, tenderness, gentleness, and charity. goodness, tenderness, gentleness, and charity. It It develops beauty of person, form, and featuresdevelops beauty of person, form, and features. It tends . It tends to health, vigor, animation, and social feeling. It to health, vigor, animation, and social feeling. It invigorates all of the faculties of the physical and invigorates all of the faculties of the physical and intellectual man. It strengthens and gives tone to the intellectual man. It strengthens and gives tone to the nerves. In short, it is, as it were, marrow to the bones, nerves. In short, it is, as it were, marrow to the bones, joy to the heart, light to the eyes, music to the ears, joy to the heart, light to the eyes, music to the ears, and life to the whole being” (Parley P. Pratt, and life to the whole being” (Parley P. Pratt, Key to the Key to the Science of TheologyScience of Theology, 61, 100-01)., 61, 100-01).

The Holy Ghost Makes More Handsome and The Holy Ghost Makes More Handsome and Beautiful PeopleBeautiful People::

If you’ attain the highest success, and the most If you’ attain the highest success, and the most contentment of mind, out of life; practice in your daily contentment of mind, out of life; practice in your daily contacts the ideals of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I do not contacts the ideals of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I do not hesitate to make that statement without modification. I hesitate to make that statement without modification. I know the results will be what I indicate. know the results will be what I indicate. They will make They will make you more handsome, young men; more beautiful, young you more handsome, young men; more beautiful, young women; because your thoughts modify your featureswomen; because your thoughts modify your features. . They will make you more dutiful sons and daughters, They will make you more dutiful sons and daughters, more clever students, more faithful lovers, more desirable more clever students, more faithful lovers, more desirable companions, more loyal friends, more helpful members of companions, more loyal friends, more helpful members of society, more worthy fathers and mothers of future society, more worthy fathers and mothers of future families, make you sons and daughters of God, more families, make you sons and daughters of God, more successfully fulfilling the measure of your creation on successfully fulfilling the measure of your creation on earth (President David O. McKay, earth (President David O. McKay, Man May Know for Man May Know for HimselfHimself, 108)., 108).

If even the King of the Kingdom could not If even the King of the Kingdom could not return to His high state of pre-existent return to His high state of pre-existent exaltation without complying with his own exaltation without complying with his own eternal law for admission to that kingdom, how eternal law for admission to that kingdom, how can any man expect a Celestial inheritance can any man expect a Celestial inheritance without an authorized and approved baptism without an authorized and approved baptism (Bruce R. McConkie, (Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon DoctrineMormon Doctrine, 71)., 71).

2 Nephi 31:12-14, 17-182 Nephi 31:12-14, 17-18 D&C 22:2D&C 22:2

““You might as well baptize a bag of sand as a You might as well baptize a bag of sand as a man, if not done in view of the remission of sins man, if not done in view of the remission of sins and getting of the Holy Ghost. Baptism of and getting of the Holy Ghost. Baptism of water is but half a baptism, and is good for water is but half a baptism, and is good for nothing without the other half --- that is, the nothing without the other half --- that is, the baptism of the Holy Ghost” (Joseph Smith, baptism of the Holy Ghost” (Joseph Smith, TeachingsTeachings, 314)., 314).

2 Nephi 31:132 Nephi 31:13

““Acting no hypocrisyActing no hypocrisy””

Hypocrite in Greek means “to act” or “an Hypocrite in Greek means “to act” or “an actor on stage.” actor on stage.”

Paul called hypocrites --- “whited-walls.” Paul called hypocrites --- “whited-walls.”

Some of the Jews were simply reading Some of the Jews were simply reading the wrong scriptthe wrong script..

2 Nephi 31:132 Nephi 31:13 ““Receive the Holy Receive the Holy GhostGhost””

““Now I am going to say something that maybe I could not Now I am going to say something that maybe I could not prove, but I believe is true, prove, but I believe is true, that we have a great many that we have a great many members of this Church who have never received a members of this Church who have never received a manifestation through the Holy Ghostmanifestation through the Holy Ghost. Why. Why? Because ? Because they have not made their lives conform to the truththey have not made their lives conform to the truth. And . And the Holy Ghost will not dwell in unclean tabernacles or the Holy Ghost will not dwell in unclean tabernacles or disobedient tabernacles. The Holy Ghost will not dwell disobedient tabernacles. The Holy Ghost will not dwell with that person who is unwilling to obey and keep the with that person who is unwilling to obey and keep the commandments of God or who violates those commandments of God or who violates those commandments willfully. In such a soul the spirit of the commandments willfully. In such a soul the spirit of the Holy Ghost cannot enter. That great gift comes to us only Holy Ghost cannot enter. That great gift comes to us only through humility and faith and obedience. Therefore, a through humility and faith and obedience. Therefore, a great many members of the Church do not have that great many members of the Church do not have that guidance. Then some cunning, crafty individual will come guidance. Then some cunning, crafty individual will come along teaching that which is not true, and without along teaching that which is not true, and without guidance which is promised to us through our faithfulness, guidance which is promised to us through our faithfulness, people are unable to discern and are led astray.people are unable to discern and are led astray.

It depends on our faithfulness and our obedience to the It depends on our faithfulness and our obedience to the commandments of the Lord if we have the teachings, commandments of the Lord if we have the teachings, the enlightening instruction, that comes from the Holy the enlightening instruction, that comes from the Holy GhostGhost

““When we are disobedient, when our minds are set When we are disobedient, when our minds are set upon the things of this world rather than on the things upon the things of this world rather than on the things of the kingdom of God, we cannot have the of the kingdom of God, we cannot have the manifestations of the Holy Ghost. manifestations of the Holy Ghost. Did you ever stop to Did you ever stop to think what a great privilege it is for us to have the think what a great privilege it is for us to have the companionship of one of the members of the Godheadcompanionship of one of the members of the Godhead? ? Have you thought of it that wayHave you thought of it that way? That is our privilege, ? That is our privilege, if we keep the commandments the Lord has given us” if we keep the commandments the Lord has given us” (Joseph Fielding Smith, (Joseph Fielding Smith, We Are Here to Be Tried, We Are Here to Be Tried, Tested, ProvedTested, Proved, Brigham Young University Speeches of , Brigham Young University Speeches of the Year (25 Oct. 1961) 4-5).the Year (25 Oct. 1961) 4-5).

2 Nephi 31:14-212 Nephi 31:14-21 ““Baptism of Baptism of FireFire””

v.17v.17

Nephi wrote of Nephi wrote of two baptismstwo baptisms. One was the baptism . One was the baptism of water, which may be administered under the keys of water, which may be administered under the keys of the Aaronic Priesthood, and the other was the of the Aaronic Priesthood, and the other was the baptism of fire, or the Holy Ghost, administered baptism of fire, or the Holy Ghost, administered under the keys of the Melchizedek Priesthood. under the keys of the Melchizedek Priesthood.

Elder McConkie explained that by the power of the Elder McConkie explained that by the power of the Holy Ghost --- who is the Sanctifier --- dross iniquity, Holy Ghost --- who is the Sanctifier --- dross iniquity, carnality, sensuality, and every evil thing is burned carnality, sensuality, and every evil thing is burned out of the repentant soul as if by fire; the cleansed out of the repentant soul as if by fire; the cleansed person becomes literally a new creature of the Holy person becomes literally a new creature of the Holy Ghost (Bruce R. McConkie, Ghost (Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon DoctrineMormon Doctrine, 73)., 73).

2 Nephi 31:172 Nephi 31:17Was the ordinance of baptism commonly practiced Was the ordinance of baptism commonly practiced before the days of Christbefore the days of Christ??

““This scripture indicates clearly that baptism was This scripture indicates clearly that baptism was practiced, at least among the Nephites, hundreds of practiced, at least among the Nephites, hundreds of years before the Savior was born.years before the Savior was born.

“…“…The Jewish Encyclopedia indicates that baptism was The Jewish Encyclopedia indicates that baptism was a common practice in ancient Israel… (Vol. 2, 499)” a common practice in ancient Israel… (Vol. 2, 499)” (Daniel H. Ludlow, (Daniel H. Ludlow, CompanionCompanion, 154)., 154).

Where does remission of sins come fromWhere does remission of sins come from??

““This baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost here spoken This baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost here spoken of by Nephi… cleanses, heals, and purifies the soul. It of by Nephi… cleanses, heals, and purifies the soul. It is the sealing and sign of forgiveness” (Marion G. is the sealing and sign of forgiveness” (Marion G. Romney, Romney, Learning for the EternitiesLearning for the Eternities, 133)., 133).

2 Nephi 31:182 Nephi 31:18What is one important role of the Holy GhostWhat is one important role of the Holy Ghost??

““No man can know that Jesus is the Christ, but by the No man can know that Jesus is the Christ, but by the Holy Ghost” (Joseph Smith, Holy Ghost” (Joseph Smith, TeachingsTeachings, 243)., 243).

2 Nephi 31:202 Nephi 31:20

When can we have the promise of eternal lifeWhen can we have the promise of eternal life??

““After a person has faith in Christ, repents of his sins, After a person has faith in Christ, repents of his sins, and is baptized for the remission of his sins and receives and is baptized for the remission of his sins and receives the Holy Ghost, (by the laying on of hands), which is the the Holy Ghost, (by the laying on of hands), which is the first Comforter, then let him continue… living by every first Comforter, then let him continue… living by every word of God, and the Lord will soon say unto him, Son, word of God, and the Lord will soon say unto him, Son, thou shalt be exalted. thou shalt be exalted. When the Lord has thoroughly When the Lord has thoroughly proved him, and finds that the man is determined to proved him, and finds that the man is determined to serve Him at all hazards, then the man will find his serve Him at all hazards, then the man will find his calling and election made surecalling and election made sure” (Joseph Smith, ” (Joseph Smith, TeachingsTeachings, 150)., 150).

Four keys to receiving personal revelationFour keys to receiving personal revelation

2 Nephi 322 Nephi 32

1.1. v. 1v. 1 Pondering Pondering

2.2. v. 3v. 3 Feasting upon the words of Feasting upon the words of ChristChrist

3.3. v. 4v. 4 You must askYou must ask

4.4. v. 5v. 5 The Holy Ghost will show you all The Holy Ghost will show you all things what ye should dothings what ye should do

ExamplesExamples: : D&C 138, 76, The First Vision, etc!D&C 138, 76, The First Vision, etc!

2 Nephi 32:32 Nephi 32:3

What blessings come from “feasting upon What blessings come from “feasting upon the words of Christthe words of Christ?”?”

““If (you) are acquainted with the revelations, If (you) are acquainted with the revelations, there is no question --- personal or social or there is no question --- personal or social or political or occupational --- that need go political or occupational --- that need go unansweredunanswered. Therein is contained the fullness . Therein is contained the fullness of the everlasting gospel. Therein we find of the everlasting gospel. Therein we find principles of truth that will resolve every principles of truth that will resolve every confusion and every problem and every confusion and every problem and every dilemma that will face the human family or any dilemma that will face the human family or any individual in it” (Boyd K. Packer, “individual in it” (Boyd K. Packer, “Teach the Teach the ScripturesScriptures,” 5).,” 5).

Purpose of LightPurpose of Light

President Romney’s talk “President Romney’s talk “The Light of ChristThe Light of Christ (1977).”(1977).”

1. 1. The Light of Christ leads you…. to The Light of Christ leads you…. to BaptismBaptism

2. 2. The Holy Ghost leads you to…Jesus The Holy Ghost leads you to…Jesus Christ… Christ… (the Temple)(the Temple)

3. 3. Jesus Christ leads you to the FatherJesus Christ leads you to the Father

Nephi’s Farewell TestimonyNephi’s Farewell Testimony

2 Nephi 33:1-32 Nephi 33:1-3 ““Mine eyes water my Mine eyes water my pillow by nightpillow by night””

Four things the scriptures will do for those who read Four things the scriptures will do for those who read themthem::

1. 1. v.4v.4 PersuadethPersuadeth them to do good. them to do good.

2. 2. v.4v.4 MakethMaketh known unto them of their known unto them of their fathers.fathers.

3. 3. v.4v.4 PersuadethPersuadeth them to believe in Christ. them to believe in Christ.

4. 4. v.4v.4 PersuadethPersuadeth them to endure to the them to endure to the end.end.

2 Nephi 33:112 Nephi 33:11

See you at the judgment bar!See you at the judgment bar!(Jacob 6:13, Moroni 10:27-29)(Jacob 6:13, Moroni 10:27-29)

2 Nephi 33:152 Nephi 33:15 ““I must obeyI must obey””

(I Nephi 3:7)(I Nephi 3:7)

Those who know the truth are not equal Those who know the truth are not equal to those who love it, and those who love to those who love it, and those who love it are not equal to those who live itit are not equal to those who live it (Confucius).(Confucius).

2 Nephi 33:152 Nephi 33:15

““Amen is another title of Jesus Amen is another title of Jesus ChristChrist.”.”

““Christ is called ‘the Amen, the Christ is called ‘the Amen, the faithful and true witness’” (faithful and true witness’” (LDS LDS Bible DictionaryBible Dictionary,). (2 ,). (2 Corinthians 1:20; Revelation Corinthians 1:20; Revelation 3:14).3:14).

Great one-liners in 2 Nephi Great one-liners in 2 Nephi 3333

v. 3, v. 3, “And my eyes water my pillow by night”“And my eyes water my pillow by night”

v. 6,v. 6, “I glory in plainness, I glory in truth” “I glory in plainness, I glory in truth”

v. 6, v. 6, “I glory in my Jesus”“I glory in my Jesus”

v. 11, v. 11, “And you and I shall stand face to face “And you and I shall stand face to face before his bar”before his bar”

v. 15,v. 15, “And I must obey”“And I must obey”