4/28/2017 - Section 20:35-59

April 28, 2917

Section 20:35-59

Baptism Readiness, Broken Heart, Contrite Spirit, Baptisms Two—of Water and of the Spirit, Holy Ghost is the Sanctifier, Ward Ideal, Gospel in Action,

V 37 is the standard for explaining readiness for baptism into the Church: “And again, by way of commandment to the church concerning the manner of baptism---All those who humble themselves before God, and desire to be baptized, and come forth with broken hearts and contrite spirits, and witness before the church that they have truly repented of all their sins, and are willing to take upon them the name of Jesus Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end, and truly manifest by their works that they hae receive of the Spirit of Christ unto the remission of their sins, shall be received by baptism into his church.”

Now for important definitions:

“What is a broken heart? One that is humble, one that is touched by the Spirit of the Lord, and which is willing to abide in all the covenants and the obligations which the Gospel entails.” (In Conference Report, Oct 1941, p 93)

“Contrition is manifestation of a broken heart with deep sorrow for sin, a realization of the nature of wrongdoing and a desire for forgiveness through the grace of God. A Contrite spirit is essential to salvation. (President Joseph Fielding Smith)

V 41 “…confirm those who are baptized into the church, by the laying on of hands for the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost, according to the scriptures.”

P 42 has two very good quotes for the above verse on the importance of both kinds or steps of baptism:

Elder Bruce R McConkie: “To gain salvation every accountable person must receive two baptisms. They are the baptism of water and of the spirit. (John 3:3-5) The baptism of the spirit is called the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost. (Matt 3:11; Luke 3:16; 2 Ne 31:13-14; 3 Ne 11:35; 12:1-2; Morm 7:10; D&C 20:41, 33:11, 39:6) By the power of the Holy Ghost—who is the Sanctifier  (3 Ne 27:19-21)—dross, iniquity, carnality, sensuality, and every evil thing is burned out of the repentant soul as if by fire; the cleansed person becomes literally a new creature of the Holy Ghost. (Mosiah 27:24-26)) He is Born again.     The baptism of fire is not something in addition to the receipt of the Holy Ghost, rather it is the actual enjoyment of the gift which is offered by the laying on of hands at the time of baptism. “Remission of sins,’ the Lord says, comes “by baptism, and by fire, yea, even the Holy Ghost.’ (D&C 19:31; 2 Ne 31:17) Those who receive the baptism of fire are ‘filled as if with fire.’ (Hela 5:45)

In in the Oct 1947 Gen Conf, Elder Harold B Lee explained: “baptism by immersion symbolizes the death and burial of the man of sin, and the coming forth out of the water, the resurrection to a newness of spiritual life. After baptism, hands are laid upon the head of the baptized believer, and he is blessed to receive the Holy Ghost. Thus does the one baptized receive the promise or gift of the Holy Ghost or the privilege of being brought back into the presence of one of the Godhead, by obedience to whom and through his faithfulness one so blessed might receive the guidance and direction of the Holy Ghost in his daily walks and talks, even as Adam walked and talked in the Garden of Eden with God, his Heavenly Father. To receive such guidance and such direction from the Holy Ghost is to be spiritually reborn.”

V 54, 55 & 59, speak of the duties of those who hold the priesthood office of teacher, giving a partial definition of an ‘ideal ward’: “And see that there is no iniquity in the church, neither hardness with each other, neither lying, backbiting, nor evil speaking.   And see that the church meet together often, and also see that all the members do their duty.  They are…to warn, expound, exhort, and teach, and invite all to come unto Christ.” Those are also things I can watch for and monitor within myself. While we all should enjoy and accept help from one another, we should at the same time, give (and desire to give) love and help to one another. That is the gospel in action.