Baptism of Fire and the Holy Ghost
Baptism of Fire and the Holy Ghost
The baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost promised by Christ in the Doctrine of Christ (2 Nephi 13:3) is given without man’s involvement, comes from Heaven, [and] is promised by both the Father and the Son. It is a signal of redemption, purification and holiness. It is included in the “gate” for entering into God’s presence. For God is a “consuming fire,” and those who enter into that presence must be able to endure that fire (Hebrews 1:57; see also Deuteronomy 2:5). Without the capacity to do so, a person would be consumed by the flames (Leviticus 3:25). The fire and the Holy Ghost are also given as a sign to the recipient that they may know it is safe for them to enter into God’s presence and not be consumed.1 What, then, does baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost consist of? The effect (fire purges and removes sin) is to permit you to speak with the “tongue of angels” (2 Nephi 13:2). But Nephi also cautions that once this gift has been conferred, if you then “deny Christ,” you would be better off having never known Him (2 Nephi 13:3). This process will come to you after repentance and baptism and comes to “show all things” and to “teach the peaceable things of the kingdom” (T&C 23:2, cf. Genesis 4:9). To “speak with the tongue of angels” means you are elevated — your knowledge and your inspiration reckons from Heaven itself. You have been elevated by fire, which purges sins and purifies. In effect, you receive holiness through the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit. This in turn makes your own spirit holy. Your spirit or your ghost is within you, connected to Heaven to such a degree through this process that you are in possession of a “holy spirit” or a “holy ghost” within you.2
1 “2 Nephi 31:17,” Aug. 27, 2010, www.denversnuffer.com/blog.
2 “God’s Many Works,” Part 5, Aug. 17, 2012, www.denversnuffer.com/blog.
Other resources:
NC 2 Nephi 13:3
…Wherefore, do the things which I have told you I have seen that your Lord and your Redeemer should do, for, for this cause have they been shewn unto me, that ye might know the gate by which ye should enter. For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water, and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost. And then are ye in this straight and narrow path which leads to Eternal life. Yea, ye have entered in by the gate, ye have done according to the commandments of the Father and the Son, and ye have received the Holy Ghost, which witness 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.
Denver Snuffer Blog
You must ‘do the things which I have told you I have seen that your Lord and your Redeemer should do.’ You must ‘follow Him.’ There is no other way nor name given under heaven to obtain salvation. (Mosiah 5: 8.)
It was for this reason Nephi was ‘shown’ these things. The Lord and His Father taught Nephi so he could in turn teach others, including us. The message was intended to save many, not just Nephi. But we must give heed to the message when we hear it.
The ‘gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water.’ You must repent first. Then, having repented, receive baptism by water. When this is done, “then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost.’
Without the ‘fire’ to purge the sacrifice upon the altar, it is not cleansed. It cannot become holy unless exposed to that fire. But note – this is automatic.
The baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost promised here is given without man’s involvement, comes from heaven, is promised by both the Father and the Son. It is a signal of redemption, purification and holiness. It is included in the ‘gate’ for entering into God’s presence. For God is a ‘consuming fire’ and those who enter into that presence must be able to endure that fire. (Heb. 12: 29; see also Deu. 4: 24.) Without the capacity to do so, a person would be consumed by the flames. (Lev. 10: 1-2.) The fire and the Holy Ghost are also given as a sign to the recipient that they may know it is safe for them to enter into God’s presence and not be consumed. In earlier versions of the First Vision, Joseph described the ‘pillar of light’ as a ‘pillar of fire’ which gradually descended. He wondered if the trees would be consumed as it descended, but seeing they were not he thought it safe for him to be exposed to it as well. When it fell upon him, the vision opened up and he saw the Father and the Son.
Christ also entered into this glorious light on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matt. 17: 1-2).
We are to do as Nephi instructs, ‘do the things which I have told you I have seen that your Lord and your Redeemer should do; for, for this cause have they been shown unto me, that ye might know the gate by which ye should enter.’
We live below the standard Christ set for us. We needn’t. Have faith. Press forward feasting on His words. You can and will find Him there. (Denver Snuffer Blog, “2 Nephi 31:17,” 8/28/2010)
Links to Denver Snuffer Blog, 6 Part Series on the topic of Baptism of Fire and the Holy Ghost:
http://denversnuffer.blogspot.com/2012/08/baptism-of-fire-and-holy-ghost.html
http://denversnuffer.blogspot.com/2012/08/bfhg-part-2.html
http://denversnuffer.blogspot.com/2012/08/bfhg-part-3.html
http://denversnuffer.blogspot.com/2012/08/bfhg-part-4.html
http://denversnuffer.blogspot.com/2012/08/bfhg-part-5.html
http://denversnuffer.blogspot.com/2012/08/bfhg-conclusion.html