Sunday, April 8, 2018

The Saving Ordinances, Priesthood Power, and the Restoration of the Power and the Plan

Saving Ordinances and Covenants are necessary for Exaltation in the Kingdom of God and Eternal Life with our Father in Heaven.

Can we be saved in the kingdom of Heaven without saving ordinances like baptism? Jesus Christ taught that we cannot. He clearly proclaimed the essential nature of baptism when he said to Nicodemus, “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God.” (John 3:5-7) Christ’s words are clear and without nuance, his witness is a certain proclamation that more than faith alone is needed for God’s children to live again with their Father in Heaven. The Book of Mormon, scripture of the restoration in this last gospel dispensation, affirms the testimony of Christ.

“For none of these can I hope except they shall be reconciled unto Christ, and enter into the narrow gate, and walk in the strait path which leads to life, and continue in the path until the end of the day of probation [this life, earth life].” (2 Nephi 33:9)

Joseph Smith also revealed again that the “first four principles and ordinances of the Gospel of Jesus Christ are first, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; forth, the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.” (AOF 4)

Jesus not only taught that ordinances were necessary for eternal salvation, he testified of this truth in deed. The most profound testimony of the necessity of baptism was Christ’s own baptism. He set the example for all of God’s children. We should pay close attention to the details of his baptism account. First, Jesus sought out baptism by one who held the office of priest in the Levitical priesthood, the priesthood of Aaron, a worthy priesthood holder who was authorized to perform this ordinances by God. John could perform this baptism and it would be binding on both earth and in heaven.

Not only does this account of the Saviors baptism teach us the proper type of baptism – One by immersion by one having authority to baptize – but it teaches us that the ordinance of baptism is far more than a symbolic expression of faith, more than a cleansing from sin, because Jesus Christ had need to be baptized even though he was sinless. Clearly Christ needed no repentance, no cleansing from sin, yet he said, “Suffer it to be so now, for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness.” (Matt 3:13-17) In this one sentence we learn some profound truths about what is necessary for salvation. We learn that even Christ could not be perfect without entering the waters of baptism. If Christ could not overcome the world and “sit down upon his Father’s throne” (Revelation 3:21) without this ordinance, then certainly we cannot be so arrogant as to believe that it is inconsequential whether we have an authorized baptism. Yet this is exactly what has happened in Christianity today.

How is it that this essential part of God’s plan for the salvation and eternal happiness of His children is largely unknown or unaccepted within Christianity today?

As Christians moved away from organized religion the belief in an authorized baptism by one with authority from God as an essential saving ordinance was replaced by a belief that there is nothing necessary for salvation except faith in Christ. The idea that “works” of any kind have a place in the saving of souls has become unfashionable in contemporary Christian teaching. In these new teachings, there is little need to seek for the “true faith,” to understand the ancient church and where it has gone.

By shedding the absolute truths proclaimed by Christ and His apostles, this new Christian relativism has lessened the strife between Christian sects that Joseph Smith observed as a boy and later recorded in his personal history, a strife that led the preachers and converts of the different Christian denominations to contend with each other over points of doctrine until “the seemingly good feelings of both the priests and the converts… if they ever had any, were entirely lost in a strife of words and a contest about opinions.” Joseph witnessed firsthand this “tumult of opinions.” He said, “The Presbyterians were most decided against the Baptists and Methodists, and used all the powers of both reason and sophistry to prove their errors, or, at least, to make the people think they were in error. On the other hand, the Baptists and Methodists in their turn were equally zealous in endeavoring to establish their own tenets and disprove all others.” (JSH 1:6-10)

This kind of strife between Christian sects seems relatively odd to most Christians today, for the premise upon which the strife was created has all but disappeared from Protestant Christian theology, that premise being a belief that organized religion plays a critical role in personal salvation. In Joseph’s day Christians were still seeking the “unity of faith” Paul proclaimed, which followers of Christ believed would come by a correct understanding of the doctrines of salvation. Thus, Joseph was seeking for the “true church.” An experience that is less familiar to modern Christians. The idea that there is a “true church,” or even that there is need for one, has become an old fashioned and unenlightened idea among many Christians today.

The new Christian teaching that has led to non-denominationalism and declining attendance at church is seen as progress because strife among different Christian sects has decreased, but at what cost? The new Christian teaching fits comfortably with the modern philosophies of moral relativism. In a society where moral relativism defines truth as a matter of personal interpretation, Christians find it increasingly easy to define religious observance as a matter of personal interpretation.

When an organized church is no longer necessary for salvation, when saving ordinances are no longer critical, and when authority to act in God’s name comes as an internal desire to lead rather than by priesthood ordination by one with the authority to give this power, essential saving ordinances instituted by Christ in the church He organized under His authority are cast aside and Christians are cast adrift to be “tossed to and fro by every whim of doctrine.” (Ephesians 4:14)

Why has organized religion viewed as a negative thing? Did Christ not organize and establish a church? Was there not an essential purpose in establishing a church under the direction of prophets and apostles?

All the acts of Jesus Christ as recorded in the gospels, teach us significant truths through symbolism, another truth we learn symbolically from Christ’s baptism is that baptism should be our first step on our path of discipleship, just as it was Christ first step in establishing his mission on earth. Throughout Jesus’s mission, he and his apostles invited disciples to follow and then baptized them into the fold. In the gospel of John, it is recorded that after Jesus taught Nichodemus about the essential nature of baptism, that he and his disciples went from that place into Judea and baptized his disciples there. When Jesus sent the Twelve Apostles forth to teach the gospel, he told them that whosoever believed and was baptized would be saved. (Mark 16:16) Baptism is clearly the first step to enter Christ’s church, to enter discipleship with him, but it isn’t the only essential function provided through the organization of His church under priesthood authority.

The second part of the baptism ordinance is the receiving of the gift of the Holy Ghost, or as it is sometimes referred to in scripture, the baptism of fire. John spoke of this important step in a way as to connect it with baptism. When Jesus came to him to be baptized, John had been teaching his disciples that his baptism was a preparation for the “baptism of fire,” which Christ would bring. He said, “He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.” (Matt 3:11)

This baptism of fire, the receiving of the gift of the Holy Ghost, did not replace the need for baptism, as some Christians have come to believe. It is evident in the New Testament record that Christ’s apostles continued to teach the baptism of water for the remission of sins followed by the receiving of the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. Paul himself began his life in the church by entering the waters of baptism and receiving the Holy Ghost. (Acts 9:17-18)

From the ascension of Christ onward, baptism is coupled with the receiving of the gift of the Holy Ghost. The apostles waited with anticipation to receive this gift, which Christ spoke of as the Comforter. “But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me.” (John 15:26) In fact, for reasons we do not fully understand, the gift of the Holy Ghost would not be given until after Christs ascension. Christ spoke of this to his apostles when he said, “It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you.” (John 16:7)

The giving of the gift of the Holy Ghost through priesthood authority and by the laying on of hands is of such importance that Christ said, “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. 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.” The bestowal of this gift is the sanctifying purifying power that seals upon us all saving ordinances, and the receiving of the gift completes the ordinance of baptism by which we enter the gate that leads to eternal life. If this were the only reason to organize the Church of Christ and bestow the church with priesthood power from on high, it would make such an organization indispensable.

How is the Holy Ghost received? How is the gift of the Holy Ghost given? Is there a distinction between the two?

The apostles and disciples of Christ first received the “gift of the Holy Ghost” on the day of Pentecost. (Acts 2). This record provides a distinction between being under the influence of the Holy Ghost, being “filled with the Holy Ghost,” and receiving the Holy Ghost as a gift by the laying on of hands by those with priesthood authority. Many gifts of the spirit were poured out upon the followers of Christ that day and these experiences and the witness of the Apostles led those present to ask, “What shall we do?” Peter answered, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 2:37-38) Though the people present on this day had received a witness from the Spirit, though they had come under the influence of the spirit as they were filled with the Holy Ghost, they still had need to be baptized in the proper way and by one having authority and to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. We learn from this story that the influence of the Holy Ghost proceeds baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost and that the later are an added measure given by covenant and priesthood power, binding the ordinance on earth and in heaven.

In Acts 19:2-6, Paul asks some disciples whether they have “received the Holy Ghost?” The disciples had no understanding of what he spoke, and Paul responded by saying “Unto what then were you baptized?” Paul understand that the receiving of the Holy Ghost completes baptism and that without it then the disciple is not baptized in the baptism of Christ. When the disciples came to understand that they had not been baptized properly, that their baptisms had not been done by the proper authority, they willingly submitted to the proper baptism. “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…”

The Lord pours out his Spirit upon all who believe on him and who are desirous to follow him, and a greater measure upon those who are obedient to his commandments, but from these accounts in Acts we learn that there is yet more that is necessary, more that the Lord would give us. In the Book of Mormon, the prophet Alma asks those who have come to learn the gospel of Christ, why if they are desirous to come unto Christ and to come into the fold of God, why they would resist baptism? “If this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?” (Mosiah 18:10) Some Christian’s today ask why do I need more than I already have, don’t I already feel his Spirit, don’t I already have a close relationship with Christ? I would ask, what have you against receiving his Spirit more abundantly? Is your faith so perfect, your relationship with Christ so infallible that you cannot benefit from a greater portion, that you do not desire greater faith and power?

Priesthood and Priesthood Keys are necessary to perform saving ordinances and act in the name of God.

Within the church Jesus Christ organized there was priesthood power, and the keys to administer that power. Jesus Christ organized His church, called prophets and apostles, ordained them to the Holy Priesthood, gave them keys to administer the ordinances of salvation; he did all this that we might receive these blessings, that we might be able to keep his commandments and be baptized and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. The ordained Apostles, and later, ordained elders and local leaders, went forth baptizing and giving the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands.

“The Holy Ghost had fallen upon none of them; only they who were baptized… Then laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost…” Then Simon, the sorcerer, “seeing that Peter had power by the laying on of hands,” desired to purchase this power. Peter, who received this power from the Savior of the World by the laying on of hands was quick to rebuke Simon for assuming that such a power could come to a man in this way. (Acts 8:15-18; see also: Hebrews 6:1-4)

Priesthood authority cannot be purchased, cannot be granted by counsels of men, cannot be earned by degrees of divinity, and it certainly cannot be purchased. Paul taught, “No man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.” (Hebrews 5:4) How was Aaron called? Moses was commanded to ordain Aaron by the Lord (Exodus 28:1), and Moses ordained Aaron by the laying on of hands to that order of the priesthood. (Numbers 27:18-23) This is the pattern Christ set as recorded in John 15:16 “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you…”

In Mark 3:14-15, Jesus demonstrated how His power would be given to men to act in His name. It was not a gift of faith, and not a power a person could take upon themselves out of feelings of desire to lead. When power is given, when leadership is bestowed in the Old and New Testaments, the power is given by God, or by one who has previously received the priesthood and has authority to ordain others by the laying on of hands. Such it was when Moses laid his hands on Joshua and ordained him the prophet and leader of the children of Israel. (Duet. 34:9; see also 1 Tim 2:7) The Apostles followed this same pattern and ordained Mathias to the Apostleship, and several others after him, including Paul. (Acts 1:22-6) Jesus himself had an ordination. Who ordained Jesus? He was “ordained of God,” his Father. (Acts 10:42; see also 1 Cor. 2:7) In the revelations of the Restoration we learn that Christ was “Ordained, before the world was.” D&C 128:22

The priesthood is literally the power of God the Father administered under the direction of Jesus Christ to men on Earth. Christ, having been given all the keys of the priesthood, the powers of Heaven and Earth, the Father having given all things into the hands of His First-born Son and Only Begotten in the flesh, He ordained a portion of His power and authority upon His Prophets and Apostles to act in His name and lead the Kingdom of God on Earth. This power has been given in smaller portions, some keys to one office and some to another, to men in the Church in all the ages of man in which the Lord’s Kingdom has been organized on the Earth, and was not in a state of apostacy. This power has been given by the laying on of hands, and has been exercised in the same way. “So were all the churches established…” (Acts 16:4-5) through the ordination of the priesthood by ones who were called of God and ordained. This is the order of His Kingdom. (see Mark 6:5; Luke 4:40; Luke 13:13; Acts 13:3; Acts 19:6; Acts 28:8; Acts 14:23)

Paul counsels us not to resist the authorized “ministers” of Christ’s Kingdom, for through their priesthood power we receive the saving ordinances of salvation. When we resist the authorized leaders of Christ’s church, or disavow the necessity of such a church and such a power, we cut ourselves off from the “higher power,” who is God, and we deny ourselves the power of the saving ordinances that come through that priesthood.

“Be subject unto the higher powers… the powers that be ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power (and authority), resisteth the ordinances of God...” (Romans 13:1-2)

Why has God established this order of priesthood authority within His Kingdom?

First, because this is how Christ prepares the sure foundation. In Ephesians 2:19-20, Paul likens the church to a house, he teaches that we are “built upon Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ being the chief cornerstone.” In Ephesians 4:11-14, Paul emphasizes the need for this sure foundation of priesthood authority, ongoing revelation, and saving ordinances. He teaches that God ordains priesthood leadership and establishes an ordered church so that the work of perfecting the saints, proclaiming the gospel, and redeeming all of God’s children (even those who died without a knowledge) might be accomplished. Paul teaches that this sure foundation will lead us into a unity of the faith that will protect us from being deceived by every “whim of doctrine,” that we are not “tossed to and fro… by the craftiness of men… [who] lay in wait to deceive.”

For these essential functions of His church to operate the church must contain Prophets and Apostles who are authorized to speak for Him, through direct ongoing revelation. The powers of darkness are forever shirting their strategies to ensnare the children of God, there is confusion among religious sects, and many are lost in the darkness that results from not having the words of living prophets. Christ taught that revelation from God, and priesthood keys given to those chosen of God, would be a foundation upon which the gates of hell could not prevail against it. “Upon this rock will I build my church… [i.e. the rock of ongoing living revelation from Christ and direction by leaders who hold priesthood keys.] And I will give unto thee the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, that whatsoever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven.” Matthew 16:15-19

This sure foundation was laid by Christ during His earthly mission, and it was laid down in order, not scattered but gathered into one household, one faith. Unity is a hallmark of God’s Kingdom. There must be unity of faith among those called and ordained to lead God’s Kingdom. This unity comes as they are given the words of Christ through ongoing revelation, for Christ is not divided against himself. Ordained priesthood leadership organized under the direction of Jesus Christ, sit with Christ as a sure foundation.

“God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all the churches of the Saints… Let all things be done in order.” (1 Cor. 14:33,40) “Until we all come in unity of the faith,” (Eph. 4:11-14) for we are to “be one, even as Christ is one with the Father.” There is “One Lord, one faith, one baptism.” (Eph. 4: 4-6) In God’s Kingdom on Earth there are not many churches, not many diverse ways, not many priesthoods, not many baptisms – but one! One faith, one baptism, one priesthood, one household of God, one Lord. “For if ye are not one ye are not mine.” (D&C 38:27; see also, John 17:21) “That there be no divisions among you… that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgement.” (1 Cor. 1:10)

How did Christ prepare the way for His church to be established in unity of faith, with one baptism, unified in mind (doctrine) and in judgement (the interpretation of scripture)? Through calling and ordaining men to preside in authority and providing direct ongoing revelation through priesthood leadership. Jesus is the God of the Old Testament, the great Jehovah, and His ways are the same “yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8; 1 Nephi 10:18) His house was as house of order anciently, it was a house of order in the meridian of time, and it has been restored in order in the latter-days.

“Establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God.” (D&C 88:119)

He has restored his church again in our time that we might partake of the greater portion, why do we resist it so? Why do people reject this order? Why do they deny the need for prophets and continuing revelation? Why do they reject the necessity of established religion, a true faith, one faith, one baptism?

The children of men in this Earth have been rejecting the prophets from the beginning. The Lord told the prophet Samuel, “They have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.” Why did the children of Israel reject the prophet Samuel? Because they would not be “ruled over” by God. The prophets both ancient and modern were called to “rule over us,” to lead us, to warn us, to call us to repentance, to speak the words of God, and their leadership has been unwanted by most of those who have lived. It has been so in every age and it is so today.

The prophet Jerimiah was no stranger to rejection and the Lord told him that the people had “not harkened unto my words, nor my law (His order) but rejected it.” (Jerimiah 6:19) What we learn from these scriptures and countless others like them, is that when a prophet speaks through the power of revelation, being called of God and set apart in the Lord’s order, their words are the words of Christ. “Whether by my own voice or the voice of my servants it is the same.” (D&C 1:38) “Surely the Lord will do nothing, but he revealeth His secret unto His servants the prophets.” (Amos 3:1)

Why did the gospel need to be restored?

Simply put, the people had rejected the prophets, the firm foundation of the Household of God’s Kingdom was destroyed after the Prophets and Apostles were killed, the power and authority was missing. This wasn’t the first great apostasy, the children of Israel also suffered a great apostasy, they too had rejected and killed the prophets, perverted the true faith, and when Christ came to Earth he preached to an apostate church and restored His true gospel. Paul prophesied that another great apostasy would come. He told the saints that Christ would not come a second time until there was “a falling away first.” (2 Thess. 2:1-3) This falling away clearly coincides with the end of the Apostles and the loss of the power, authority, and organization that Christ has established. The evidence of this apostacy is written in the annuals of history.

Even the great reformers believed that a restoration was needed for Christianity to know the mind of God and come to a correct understanding of His plan. The great reformers like Martin Luther and William Tindale knew from experience that more was needed than the incomplete translations of the Bible upon which they labored most of their lives. Thus, they spoke of the prophesied restoration of all things and looked forward to it.

Peter told the saints in his day that Christ would not reveal himself unto the world until the “times of the restitution of all things.” (Acts 3:19-21) Which Peter said had been spoken of by “all His holy prophets since the world began.” It is much easier to recognize these prophesies in ancient scripture now that we have seen the Restoration has begun. Now that we can see how Christ has revealed himself. For those who haven’t received a testimony of the Restoration of Christ’s church in these last days, the Lord has left a pattern for His children to recognize his hand, and that pattern is complete within the Restored Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The church is organized by that same pattern that God used to establish his gospel in ancient times, which begins with the calling of a prophet, a miraculous manifestation of his power.

The Lord called Abraham, and spoke to him (Abraham 3:11). He called Jacob and spoke to him, “I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.” (Genesis 32:30) The Lord called Moses when he appeared to him on Mount Saini (Duet 5:4; Moses 1:2), and he continued to speak to Moses throughout his life as he led the children of Israel as the Lord’s chosen prophet. “The Lord spake unto Moses, face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend.” (Exodus 33:11; Moses 7:4) Christ appeared to his Apostles after his resurrection and tarried with them while he organized the church. This pattern continues throughout the Old Testament and in the Book of Mormon, and it began again in this same way in our times, with a vision from on high.

Also present each time Christ has established His kingdom on Earth, has been ordinances and covenants. Though some of the ordinances have changed, such as the change from the ordinances of the Mosaic Law to the ordinance of the higher law, God has always required that covenants be made and ordinances performed. Through the making and keeping of these sacred covenants, bound by priesthood power and the blood of the Lamb, God’s people would become “a holy nation…” and a “kingdom of priest.” (Exodus 19:5-6)

The sacred rites have been performed by priesthood authority and in temple worship. Before there were temples built of stone, the prophets traveled to the mountains. Before there was the temple of Solomon, there was the tabernacle of Israel. The purpose of this worship was to instruct God’s people in the gospel of Jesus Christ, to help increase holiness and faith, and to endow them with power. These same functions are evident in the ordinances and covenants of the Restoration.

We see most of the connections between temple work anciently and modern temple worship, but there is mention by the Apostles of Christ of temple work in the New Testament. These passages are made clear by a knowledge of the purpose for temple work that has been Restored, but clearly Christians in the ancient church were performing vicarious work for the dead.

“For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead….” (1 Peter 4:6) “Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? Why are they then baptized for the dead?” (1 Cor. 15:29) “That they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.” (1 Peter 4:6)

Christ gave baptism by immersion by one having authority to us by commandment, this meant that all who died without this ordinance would be lost had there not been a way provided that they might receive these things. That they who have died without these essential saving ordinances, or without a knowledge of Christ at all, might escape spiritual death, God provided a way that the dead might be taught and baptized, along with all necessary ordinances, so they could be judged the same as though they had accepted these things in the flesh.

And so, we’ve come full circle!

There is one faith, one baptism, because there is one Lord and his ways are the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is a God of order and His gospel contains all that is necessary to enter the Kingdom of His Father, which necessary things include:

Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, Repentance through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, Baptism for the remission of sins by one having authority to baptize, the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands, and the higher temple ordinances that seal families together eternally so that they can live as God lives and gain all he hath to give.

It is that simple, Christ is the center of the plan, his power is the ruling force, the cleansing and enabling power, and the things he has commanded; including the saving ordinances are necessary for our salvation and to “fulfill all righteousness.” Those who overcome through Christ’s gospel will be heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ,” (Romans 8:17) and they will sit with Christ in his throne, even as Christ is upon his Father’s throne. (Revelations 3:21) For “these are they into whose hands the Father gave all things.” (D&C 76:55-62)

To receive this reward, we must learn to abide the laws upon which these blessings are predicated. Clearly the gospel of Jesus Christ is not a gospel of belief only, but a gospel of action. “Faith without works is dead.” (James 2:17-18) And Jesus showed us the works that are necessary and how we will receive them bound and sealed up to eternal life. These doctrines have been diluted or denied all together and the Christian world largely denies the need for saving ordinances and priesthood power, believing such doctrines could not be the standard of a merciful God.

The truth of the Restoration of His church in the last days, and the witness that there can only be one true church, one true faith, one true baptism, is not unmerciful, intolerant, uncompassionate or unfair. For “the Lord giveth no commandment unto the children of men save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the things which he commanded them.” (1 Nephi 3:7) He has provided a way. He has restored His church complete with the fullness of his gospel plan, priesthood power and keys, saving ordinances, and vicarious work for the dead.

The completeness of his plan restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith and expounded upon by a continuous line of prophets, seers, and revelators, has revealed to the world the great mercy and majesty contained within the Gospel of Jesus Christ. All can know for themselves if the Book of Mormon is true, if it was translated from ancient scripture by the prophet Joseph Smith. They can know by the fruits of His gospel and his church that the Restoration is of Christ. This knowledge can come to them as it came to Peter, “Flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.” We can come to know of the reality of the Restoration of the fullness of times as surely as we can come to know that Jesus is the Christ, through the witness of his Holy Spirit.

When you have received a witness from the spirit, “what shall we do?... Shall we repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and shall we receive the Holy Ghost?” (Acts 2:37-38)

No comments:

Post a Comment