Re-baptism - Lords Return & Final Invitation

Someone showed this video. It truly brings up part of our awful situation as Gentiles and our lusts and want of things over the ways of the Lord. The Lord has also warned about what will soon befall the Gentiles.

And behold, the time cometh that he curseth your riches, that they become slippery, that ye cannot hold them; and in the days of your poverty ye cannot retain them. 

And in the days of your poverty ye shall cry unto the Lord; and in vain shall ye cry, for your desolation is already come upon you, and your destruction is made sure; and then shall ye weep and howl in that day, saith the Lord of Hosts. And then shall ye lament, and say: 

O that I had repented, and had not killed the prophets, and stoned them, and cast them out. Yea, in that day ye shall say: O that we had remembered the Lord our God in the day that he gave us our riches, and then they would not have become slippery that we should lose them; for behold, our riches are gone from us." (Helamen 13:31-33)

Our riches will soon become slippery. The world will not always be as they are now. Those days are upon us and are only withheld for the possibility that some few will repent and enter the rest of the Lord accepting his invitation in this day by entering into a covenant by Baptism. This invitation includes those who have been baptized in the past to receive re-baptism as did Nephi having been re-baptized before the coming of Christ in 3 Nephi, I believe it is chapter 7, received it again when the Gospel was renewed by the Lords appearance following 3 Nephi 11. We see in the next few chapters that the people were baptized again, some of which were among those who were first baptized, by those with authority, in 3 Nephi 7.

All things are fulfilled in Him. 

46 Therefore those things which were of old time, which were under the law, in me are all fulfilled.
47 Old things are done away, and all things have becomenew. (3 Nephi 12)

This is true anytime a Dispensation begins to unfold anew. Old things are done away, now because they were not first valid, but because the Lord has renewed again the Gospel and begun something new, another degree, a further restoration upon the foundation that was given before. Which the Lord promised would eventually happen. He called this the "second time" or the final culmination of the "marvelous work and a wonder", a "strange" act.

Things are renewed again in our day. Old things are being done away and the command to be born again has been asked of us by the Lord. See here where the invitation was given. Zion was delayed but now He is commencing and finishing his work.

Therefore, in consequence of the transgressions of my people, it is expedient in me that mine elders should wait for a little season for the redemption of Zion— (D&C 105:9)

Joseph explained why a new dispensation is given,

“It is in the order of heavenly things that God should always send a new dispensation into the world when men have apostatized from the truth and lost the priesthood.”3

I think the words below summarizes our own plight in this day. It can be read in its entirety but I have taken a few points from it.

Signs of the Lords Return Given to This Generation:
http://denversnuffer.com/2015/12/come-unto-christ/

"Covenants can be broken. By changing the ordinances covenants are broken. (Isa. 24:5.) No organization exists with an intact covenant, but there are messengers the Lord has chosen and sent, preaching and offering the Lord’s covenant through baptism. Salvation is not related to joining an institution, but it is dependent on repentance and receiving baptism at the hands of those He has sent. There is a website where baptism can be requested by one with authority. Baptism can be received even if one chooses to worship with Baptists, Catholics, Presbyterians, Buddhists, Hindus, Muslins, or Mormons. Faith in Christ and covenant with Him does not require anyone to be part of an organization run by men. It requires repentance and faith in Christ. 

I am sent as another witness to testify He will return. Signs have been, and are being given both in the heavens and on earth. Today there are “false Christs, and false prophets,” who are doing their work “that, if possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” (JS-Matt. 1:22.) The elect are only protected “according to the covenant.” (JS-Matt. 1:20, 22.) He has authorized baptism as His own covenant to preserve all who receive it. I have seen His return and I know this newly offered baptism will be respected at His return by those who will return with Him. Baptism is offered as a covenant between you and the Lord. There are no institutional demands made upon you as a result of receiving the ordinance. It is an invitation to renew your relationship with Christ and take an act of faith to show Him you keep Him in your heart."

I will end with this portion,

"All the latter-day events that will mark the time for His return will happen in a single generation. (D&C 45:30; JS-M 1:34.) Therefore, when that generation begins to witness the signs of His coming, they should prepare so the return of the Master does not find them abusing others. (Matt. 24:44-51; JS-Matt. 1:49-55.)...He is aligning events to complete His work, and the signs of His return are being given to this generation. The time will soon come when it will not be possible to receive this invitation any longer. Do not procrastinate the day of your repentance." 

A new moon signifies a new beginning each time it appears. A new day represents us awakening from a deep sleep.  Will it represent a newness of life for you? Will we accept the invitation or remain uninterested in the things of God? 

Alma 32 says to experiment upon the word that it may grow in you. I invite all to experiment upon what is currently taking place as Gods strange act. It comes without observation because it's hardly seen by man but it is something internal only to be seen and understood by the Spirit of the Lord. Men are once again entering the presence of God. 

The Covenant Before Baptism

Question Regarding Baptism

Now here is an interesting question regarding baptism and the purpose for it. First lets take a look at three different verses. Three witnesses should be enough right?

Mosiah 18:10
Now I say unto you, 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? 

3 Nephi 7:25 Therefore, there were ordained of Nephi, men unto this ministry, that all such as should come unto them should be baptized with water, and this as a witness and a testimony before God, and unto the people, that they had repented and received a remission of their sins.

D&C 20:37 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 [there's your covenant again as shown in the previous two verses], and truly manifest by their works that they have received of the Spirit of Christ unto the remission of their sins, shall be received by baptism into his church.

Why is it in each of these cases the covenant past tense? Why is it they had repented? Had received a remission of their sins which only comes from baptism by fire and the holy Ghost right? Isn't it the Holy ghost that purifies the blood to become clean again? Even as fire? Does baptisms really have the covenant or is the covenant something made and baptism is merely a sign (witness) that one has already entered the covenant?

Most importantly how is it they had received a remission of their sins BEFORE they had even “received the gift of the Holy Ghost by laying on of hands” and "baptism by water"?

Baptism prayer

25 Having authority given me of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. (3 Nephi 11:25)

Thats it. Nothing in the prayer that relates, a covenant, forgiveness of sins, etc...

So where did this covenant as seen in Mosiah 21 come from if it was not baptism?

31 Yea, they did mourn for their departure, for they knew not whither they had fled. Now they would have gladly joined with them, for they themselves had entered into a covenant with God to serve him and keep his commandments.
32 And now since the coming of Ammon, king Limhi had also entered into a covenant with God, and also many of his people, to serve him and keep his commandments.
33 And it came to pass that king Limhi and many of his people were desirous to be baptized; but there was none in the land that had authority from God. And Ammon declined doing this thing, considering himself an unworthy servant.
34 Therefore they did not at that time form themselves into a church, waiting upon the Spirit of the Lord. Now they were desirous to become even as Alma and his brethren, who had fled into the wilderness.
35 They were desirous to be baptized as a witness and a testimony that they were willing to serve God with all their hearts; nevertheless they did prolong the time; and an account of their baptism shall be given hereafter. (Mosiah 21:31-35) 

Baptism by Fire and the Holy Ghost

The purpose of this post is to show the difference between the baptism by fire and the holy ghost and the gift of the holy ghost by laying on of hands. Some believe they are the same when they are not. Lets look at some quotes or scriptures.

The baptism of water, without the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost attending it, is of no use; they are necessarily and inseparably connected. (Joseph Smith, here) 

2 Wherefore, although a man should be baptized an hundred times it availeth him nothing, for you cannot enter in at the strait gate by the law of Moses, neither by your dead works. 

3 For it is because of your dead works that I have caused this last covenant and this church to be built up unto me, even as in days of old. (D&C 22:2-3)

 The Gift of the Holy Ghost:

1. States the person’s full name.
2. States that the ordinance is performed by the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood.
3. Confirms the person a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
4. Bestows the gift of the Holy Ghost by saying, “Receive the Holy Ghost.”
5. Gives a priesthood blessing as the Spirit directs.
6. Closes in the name of Jesus Christ. (here)

What does it mean to  “Receive the Holy Ghost.”? Is it an admonition to go get it? Is this another outward ordinance of a witness of what one has or will do?

Baptism by Fire and the holy ghost

There is a great article that discusses this. I will pull out a long quote of the parts that are relevant.

Nephi speaks of the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost in three verses—2 Nephi 31:13, 14, and 17. As context helps convey intended meaning, it is important to consider the whole text of these verses. 

Verse 13 reads: 

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I know that if ye shall follow the Son, with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God, but with real intent, repenting of your sins, witnessing unto the Father that ye are willing to take upon you the name of Christ, by baptism—yea, by following your Lord and your Savior down into the water, according to his word, behold, then shall ye receive the Holy Ghost; yea, then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost; and then can ye speak with the tongue of angels, and shout praises unto the Holy One of Israel. 

Verse 14 reads: 

But, behold, my beloved brethren, thus came the voice of the Son unto me, saying: After ye have repented of your sins, and witnessed unto the Father that ye are willing to keep my commandments, by the baptism of water, and have received the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost, and can speak with a new tongue, yea, even with the tongue of angels, and after this should deny me, it would have been better for you that ye had not known me. 

Verse 17 reads:  

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 shown 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. 

The words, “then” and “after” in these verses indicate that baptism of fire follows genuine repentance (i.e., change of heart and spirit) and water baptism. Verse 17 teaches that forgiveness of sins accompanies the baptism of fire. Verses 13 and 14 state that having received the baptism of fire, one can “speak with the tongue of angels, and shout praises to the Holy One of Israel.” Verse 14 warns of the serious responsibility that comes with the baptism of fire—we would be better off not to know, than to deny Christ after this experience. Peter testified also that “the latter end is worse with them than the beginning” when once-enlightened people turn from the Lord. He said it was like a dog turning to his own vomit again, “and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire” (2 Peter 2:20–22) 

What else is taught in the scriptures about the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost? Must all receive it? Is it an event or a process? Is it to happen only once in a lifetime, or is it repeatable? What are the indicators that it has happened, or is happening to us?
It is instructive to review scriptural accounts of those who have experienced the baptism of fire, and to learn from prophetic commentary about that experience. Alma provides insight as he discusses his conversion. After three days of terrible spiritual suffering, he “awoke” and said: 

I have repented of my sins, and have been redeemed of the Lord; behold I am born of the Spirit. And the Lord said unto me: Marvel not that all mankind, yea, men and women, all nations, kindreds, tongues and people, must be born again; yea, born of God, changed from their carnal and fallen state, to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God, becoming his sons and his daughters; And thus they become new creatures; and unless they do this, they can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God. (Mosiah 27:24–26) 

Note the terms Alma uses to refer to this experience—”born of the Spirit,” “born again,” “born of God,” “changed.” At least two other scriptural terms could be added, i.e., “converted” (Luke 22:32), and “quickened in the inner man” (Moses 6:65–66). Note, too, Alma’s testimony that all must receive this spiritual baptism in order to be saved. Additional insights were given by Alma many years later, as he taught his son Helaman. Alma said he “could remember [his] pains no more,” that “[he] was harrowed up by the memory of [his] sins no more” (Alma 36:19). He added that he felt joy “as exceeding as was [his] pain,” and was filled with “marvelous light” (Alma 36:20). 

The same feelings and blessings spoken of by Alma were experienced by those who heard and responded to King Benjamin’s great sermon. They were also “filled with joy, having received a remission of their sins, and having peace of conscience, because of the exceeding faith which they had in Jesus Christ” (Mosiah 4:3). They testified that the “Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent . . . has wrought a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually” (Mosiah 5:2), and that “we . . . through . . . the manifestations of his Spirit, have great views of that which is to come; and were it expedient, we could prophesy of all things” (Mosiah 5:3). These same components are found in several other scriptural accounts of the baptism of fire (see Enos 1:1–8; Hel. 5:41–49; 3 Nephi 9:20; Acts 2:1–4; 9:1–18). (here)

So what exactly is the baptism by fire and if it is different than the gift of the holy ghost how so? Lets look at some scriptural examples.

64 And it came to pass, when the Lord had spoken with Adam, our father, that Adam criedunto the Lord, and he was caught away by the Spirit of the Lord, and was carried down into the water, and was laid under the water, and was brought forth out of the water.
65 And thus he was baptized, and the Spirit of God descended upon him, and thus hewas born of the Spirit, and became quickened in the inner man.
66 And he heard a voice out of heaven, saying: Thou art baptized with fire, and withthe Holy Ghost. This is the record of the Father, and the Son, from henceforth and forever; (Moses 6:64-66)

Here he received baptism by fire adn the holy ghost immediately following baptism. It was declared unto him from a voice of heaven. Remind you of the story of Enos? Read it and see what he did.

"And whoso cometh unto me with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, him will I baptize with fire and with the Holy Ghost, even as the Lamanites, because of their faith in me at the time of their conversion, were baptized with fire and with the Holy Ghost, and they knew it not." (3 Ne. 9: 20.)

I don't believe they did not know it because they didn't realize it but I believe they knew it not because they did not understand what it was that happened at that time. Eventually they learned what it was they had experienced.

"No sooner had I baptized Oliver Cowdery, than the Holy Ghost fell upon him, and he stood up and prophesied many things which should shortly come to pass. And again, so soon as I had been baptized by him, I also had the spirit of prophecy, when, standing up, I prophesied concerning the rise of this Church, and many other things." (JS-H 1: 73.) 

 "my mind now being enlightened, I began to have the scriptures laid open to my understanding, and the true meaning of their more mysterious passages revealed to me in a manner which I never could attain to previously, nor ever before had thought of." (Compare JS-H 1: 74.)

2 Nephi 31:14 But, behold, my beloved brethren, thus came the voice of the Son unto me, saying: After ye have repented of your sins, and witnessed unto the Father that ye are willing to keep my commandments, by the baptism of water, and have received the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost, and can speak with a new tongue, yea, even with the tongue of angels, and after this should deny me, it would have been better for you that ye had not known me.

 The scriptures have shown how baptism by fire brings about the following:

1) Forgiveness of sins, guilt swept away.

2) Prophecy

3) A new tongue

4) True meaning of Scriptures open up

5) The holy ghost has place in you, and it can now "tarry with you" and STAY. That is why if you should deny him at this point it is better that you had not known him. 

6) You have not even entered the gate until this event. Many are progressing to receive it still when they should have received it. Seek the Lord and he will guide you.

7) No more disposition to do evil

8) Look upon sin with abhorrence

23 A man may receive the Holy Ghost, and it may descend upon him and not tarry with him. (D&C 130:23)

When one has been bapitzed with fire and the holy ghost, fully converted they have RECEIVED the Holy Ghost, and it will tarry with YOU always as long as you don't DENY Him. You cannot say you have had this experience just because you feel the presence of the Holy Ghost as it may descend upon you and not tarry with you.

So call upon God to receive this for yourselves. Many try to say this is a process, while it may take some time to receive it, it is wrong to think of it that way. It IS an EVENT/EXPERIENCE. Seek after it, receive it, too many are like "its a life long process" so they are satisfied just going through life but it should be received now! Ask, Knock the lord will bestow it just like Enos received his, calling upon God in Mighty Prayer.

Other Examples: (That seem to be also BFHG experiences its possible they were not)

Baptism of Fire—Heber C. Kimball

Under the ordinances of baptism and the laying on of hands, I received the Holy Ghost, as the disciples did in ancient days, which was like a consuming fire.  I felt as though I sat at the feet of Jesus, and was clothed in my right mind, although the people called me crazy.

 I continued in this way for many months, and it seemed as though my body would consume away; at the same time the scriptures were unfolded to my mind in such a wonderful manner that it appeared to me, at times, as if I had formerly been familiar with them.

[Pp. 38–39 in Whitney, Orson F. 1888. Life of Heber C. Kimball. Salt Lake City, UT: The Kimball Family.]

Baptism of Fire—Thankful Pratt

My dear wife had now lived to accomplish her destiny; and when the child was dressed, and she had looked upon it and embraced it, she ceased to live in the flesh.  Her death happened about three hours after the birth of this child of promise.  A few days previous to her death she had a vision in open day while sitting in her room.  She was overwhelmed or immersed in a pillar of fire, which seemed to fill the whole room, as if it would consume it and all things therein; and the Spirit whispered to her mind, saying: “Thou art baptized with fire and the Holy Ghost.”  It also intimated to her that she should have the privilege of departing from this world of sorrow and pain, and of going to the Paradise of rest as soon as she had fulfilled the prophecy in relation to the promised son.  This vision was repeated on the next day at the same hour, viz.:—twelve o’clock.  She was overwhelmed with a joy and peace indescribable, and seemed changed in her whole nature from that time forth.  She longed to be gone, and anticipated the time as a hireling counts the days of his servitude, or the prisoner the term of his imprisonment.

[Pp. 181–82 in Pratt, Parley P. 1874. The Autobiography of Parley Parker Pratt. 1st ed. New York: Russell Brothers.]

Baptism of Fire—Lorenzo Snow

I was baptized by Elder John Boynton, then one of the Twelve Apostles, June, 1836, in Kirtland, Ohio.  Previous to accepting the ordinance of baptism, in my investigations of the principles taught by the Latter-day Saints, which I proved, by comparison, to be the same as those mentioned in the New Testament taught by Christ and His Apostles, I was thoroughly convinced that obedience to those principles would impart miraculous powers, manifestations and revelations.  With sanguine expectations of this result, I received the baptism and ordinance of laying on of hands by one who professed to have divine authority; and, having thus yielded obedience to these ordinances, I was in constant expectation of the fulfillment of the promise of the reception of the Holy Ghost.

The manifestation did not immediately follow my baptism, as I had expected, but, although the time was deferred, when I did receive it, its realization was more perfect, tangible and miraculous than even my strongest hopes had led me to anticipate.

Some two or three weeks after I was baptized, one day while engaged in my studies, I began to reflect upon the fact that I had not obtained a knowledge of the truth of the work—that I had not realized the fulfillment of the promise ‘he that doeth my will shall know of the doctrine,’ and I began to feel very uneasy.  I laid aside my books, left the house, and wandered around through the fields under the oppressive influence of a gloomy, disconsolate spirit, while an indescribable cloud of darkness seemed to envelop me.  I had been accustomed, at the close of the day, to retire for secret prayer, to a grove a short distance from my lodgings, but at this time I felt no inclination to do so.  The spirit of prayer had departed and the heavens seemed like brass over my head.  At length, realizing that the usual time had come for secret prayer, I concluded I would not forego my evening service, and, as a matter of formality, knelt as I was in the habit of doing, and in my accustomed retired place, but not feeling as I was wont to feel.

I had no sooner opened by lips in an effort to pray, than I heard a sound, just above my head, like the rustling of silken robes, and immediately the Spirit of God descended upon me, completely enveloping my whole person, filling me, from the crown of my head to the soles of my feet, and O, the joy and happiness I felt!  No language can describe the almost instantaneous transition from a dense cloud of mental and spiritual darkness into a refulgence of light and knowledge, as it was at that time imparted to my understanding.  I then received a perfect knowledge that God lives, that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and of the restoration of the holy Priesthood, and the fulness of the Gospel.  It was a complete baptism—a tangible immersion in the heavenly principle or element, the Holy Ghost; and even more real and physical in its effects upon every part of my system than the immersion by water; dispelling forever, so long as reason and memory last, all possibility of doubt or fear in relation to the fact handed down to us historically, that the ‘Babe of Bethlehem’ is truly the Son of God; also the fact that He is now being revealed to the children of men, and communicating knowledge, the same as in the Apostolic times.  I was perfectly satisfied, as well I might be, for my expectations were more than realized, I think I may safely say in an infinite degree.

I cannot tell how long I remained in the full flow of the blissful enjoyment and divine enlightenment, but it was several minutes before the celestial element which filled and surrounded me began gradually to withdraw.  On arising from my kneeling posture, with my heart swelling with gratitude to God, beyond the power of expression, I felt—I knew that He had conferred on me what only an omnipotent being can confer—that which is of greater value than all the wealth and honors worlds can bestow.  That night, as I retired to rest, the same wonderful manifestations were repeated, and continued to be for several successive nights.  The sweet remembrance of those glorious experiences, from that time to the present, bring them fresh before me, imparting an inspiring influence which pervades my whole being, and I trust will to the close of my earthly existence.

[Pp. 7–9 in Smith, Eliza R. Snow. 1884. Biography and Family Record of Lorenzo Snow. Salt Lake City, UT: Deseret News Company.] Also published in the Teachings of Lorenzo Snow manual.

Baptism of Fire—Eliza R. Snow

On the 5th of April, 1835, I was baptized by a “Mormon” Elder, and in the evening of that day, I realized the baptism of the Spirit as sensibly as I did that of the water in the stream. I had retired to bed, and I was reflecting on the wonderful events transpiring around me, I felt an indescribable, tangible sensation, if I may so call it, commencing at my head and enveloping my person and passing off at my feet, producing inexpressible happiness. Immediately following, I saw a beautiful candle with an unusual long, bright blaze directly over my feet. I sought to know the interpretation, and received the following, “The lamp of intelligence shall be lighted over your path,” I was satisfied.

[P. 6 in Snow, Eliza R. 1957. Eliza R. Snow—An Immortal: Selected Writings of Eliza R. Snow. Salt Lake City, UT: Nicholas G. Morgan, Sr., Foundation. Click here for more of the context, and additional information.]

Baptism of Fire—Robert M. Hogge

One evening, as we were nearing the end of the Book of Mormon, Don and I prayed together as usual, then each of us knelt and prayed silently. That night I prayed more earnestly than I had ever prayed before to know if the Book of Mormon was true.

Suddenly an indescribable feeling came over me, a cleansing sensation, as if my spirit were being washed, purged, and purified. The sensation was so powerful that I opened my eyes and looked up, almost expecting to see heavenly personages. But my eyes blurred, and tears flowed down my cheeks.

Embarrassed, I turned to see if Don was still praying. I was startled to see that tears were also running down his cheeks.

“What’s the matter with you?” I asked.

“The same thing that’s the matter with you.”

That night, in a boarding house in Uravan, I discovered that the Church is true, that Joseph Smith is a prophet, and that the Lord answers prayers. That experience changed me. It softened me, causing me to seek and be receptive to manifestations of the Spirit. I felt any disposition to do evil wash away.

In a very real sense, I was born again.

[P. 25 in Hogge, Robert M. 1992. “A Friend in Christ.” Ensign, October, pp. 25–26. Click here for the complete article.]

Baptism by Water

This post will be short. This is a subject that has been discussed in many places.

Baptism is a reflection or outward ordinance of what one has covenant to God. A sign of what is in the persons heart. One does not receive a forgiveness of sins after baptism, it is not the act, or ordinance of Baptism that bestows that.

Yea, I say unto you come and fear not, and lay aside every sin, which easily doth beset you, which doth bind you down to destruction, yea, come and go forth, and show unto your God that ye are willing to repent of your sins and enter into a covenant with him to keep his commandments, and witness it unto him this day by going into the waters of baptism. (Alma 7:15)

This is what Christ did, it was a witness of what he had done. Here is what Joseph said:

Baptism: Is a holy ordinance preparatory to the reception of the Holy Ghost. It is the channel & Key by which the Holy Ghost will be administered The gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands cannot be received through the medium of any other principle. than the principle of Righteousness, for if the proposals are not complied with it is of no use but withdraws. (here)

This next verse shows us it is by the "water" we keep the commandments.

For by the water ye keep the commandment; by the Spirit ye are justified, and by the blood ye are sanctified; (Moses 6:60)

So this merely shows that it really is just the beginning of the path leading back to God. But baptism does not get one on the path. I briefly discussed how one is not yet on the path back to God, or the straight and narrow, entered through the gate, until after they have not only been baptized but received the baptism by fire and the holy ghost. Refer to 2 Nephi 31:17-18. This is not the same as "receiving the gift of the Holy ghost by laying on of hands". They are separate events.

The Doctrine of Christ

The Lord tells us the following about the doctrine of Christ.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doctrine [After expounding it], and whoso buildeth upon this buildeth upon my rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against them. 

And whoso shall declare more or less than this, and establish it for my doctrine, the same cometh of evil, and is not built upon my rock; but he buildeth upon a sandy foundation, and the gates of hell stand open to receive such when the floods come and the winds beat upon them.
3 Nephi11:39-40

If any man declares more or less than what He has established he cometh of evil and is not built upon the Rock. This is a striking declaration from the Savior. It shows the strict line one must walk to return to his presence. It shows the great burden it places upon each of us to not only know the doctrine for ourselves but make sure we follow this admonition seriously and carefully. We may not be perfect but if we ever want to be Zion we must learn how to do precisely what Christ asks us to do and become precisely like Him.

The Doctrine and Covenants gives us another view of this doctrine.

And this I do that I may establish my gospel, that there may not be so much contention; yea, Satan doth stir up the hearts of the people to contention concerning the points of my doctrine; and in these things they do err, for they do wrest the scriptures and do not understand them. 

Therefore, I will unfold unto them this great mystery; 

For, behold, I will gather them as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, if they will not harden their hearts; 

 Yea, if they will come, they may, and partake of the waters of life freely. 

Behold, this is my doctrine—whosoever repenteth and cometh unto me, the same is my church.

Whosoever declareth more or less than this, the same is not of me, but is against me; therefore he is not of my church.
D&C10:63-68

He is unfolding a mystery here! We should take heed. There were many contentions so he taught this to do away with them. Christ's Gospel is a gospel where we accept each other even with differing personal beliefs, but we will have the core understanding of the Doctrine of Christ and all will be obeying the will of the Lord

Again the Lord tells us, those who repents and cometh unto Him, IS His Church. Know ye not the kingdom of God is within you? This is a warning the Savior gives to His disiples about the last days as well.

Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.  

Luke 17:21

Many will say lo here, or lo there in the last days. Joseph Smith spoke about his experience in Joseph Smith History Verse 5. Perhaps this will be another post.

Each of us are to be built upon His rock, His doctrine, and if we do that we shall not fall. Not another man, not another servant, prophet, priest, or king, But Jesus Christ Only. For He is the keeper of the Gate and he employeth no servant there (2 Nephi 9:41)

So what is the Doctrine of Christ?

The Doctrine is outlined in 2 Nephi 31:17-21; 32:1-7. 

...for this cause have they been shown 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 strait 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 witnesses 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. (Ch 31, vs 17-18)

Repentance, Baptism by Water, baptism by fire and the Holy Ghost is the gospel along with faith. One enters the path by receiving the Holy Ghost (Baptism by fire and the holy ghost).Verse 21 tells us this is the doctrine of Christ, verse 20 tells us to pressforward, feasting upon the words of Christ (which we will hear His words through the Holy Ghost) and endure to the end. 

So what does it mean to endure to the End? Also why is the name "the end" also given to Jesus Christ? Is it pointing us to Him, or "endure to Christ" that we may have eternal life? Chapter 32 touches on this a little more.

And now, behold, my beloved brethren, I suppose that ye ponder somewhat in your hearts concerning that which ye should do after ye have entered in by the way. But, behold, why do ye ponder these things in your hearts? (vs 1)

So how did we enter in by the Way? Verse 17 from chapter 31 told us. Repentance, Baptism, and the remission of sins by fire and the holy ghost (baptism by fire and the holy ghost). Now that we are on the way what should we do? He really did see our day didn't he? I have asked this question many times.

Verse 2, "angels speak by the power of the holy ghost", and in verse 3 Nephi states "I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do." So here we feast upon His words so that we can receive revelation, or the spirit of prophecy, through the Holy ghost to be guided in all things. (vs 5) 

Now he ends talking about the doctrine of Christ in verses 6-7.

Behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and there will be no more doctrine given until after he shall manifest himself unto you in the flesh. And when he shall manifest himself unto you in the flesh, the things which he shall say unto you shall ye observe to do. 

And now I, Nephi, cannot say more; the Spirit stoppeth mine utterance, and I am left to mourn because of the unbelief, and the wickedness, and the ignorance, and the stiffneckedness of men; for they will not search knowledge, nor understand great knowledge, when it is given unto them in plainness, even as plain as word can be.

These verses should be taken literally. I would like to suggest that verse 6 refers to YOU. That no more doctrine (more or less) will be given until he shall manifest (appear) unto you in the flesh. Verse 7 tell us why more is not given. Unbelief, wickedness, ignorance, stiffneckedness, will not search knowledge, nor understand it. This is the purpose of the Holy Ghost. To bring us to the Son, Jesus Christ, and Jesus Christ brings us to the Father. We receive the Holy Ghost by listening to the Light of Christ.

This is the doctrine of Christ. Here is what Joseph Smith expounded on these same principles. Here I will simply Quote what Joseph Smith has already written. I hope I have laid out the basic doctrine of Christ. Of course each principle expands in many directions but it all ties back into Faith, repentance, baptism by water, baptism by fire and the holy ghost, and receiving Christ as the Second Comforter.

Willard Richards 2 Pocket Companion Other important items of doctrines from Joseph given in Commerce Ills On the Doctrines of Faith

Faith: comes by hearing the word of God 3 through the testimony of the Servants of God, that Testimony is always attended by the Spirit of prophecy & Revelation
.

Repentance: Is a thing that cannot be trifled with every day. Daily transgression & daily repentance is not that which is pleasing in the sight of God

Baptism: Is a holy ordinance preparatory to the reception of the Holy Ghost. It is the channel & Key by which the Holy Ghost will be administered The gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands cannot be received through the medium of any other principle. than the principle of Righteousness, for if the proposals are not complied with it is of no use but withdraws.

The doctrine of the Resurrection of the Dead & Eternal Judgment are necessary to preach among the first principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Doctrine of Election [Calling and Election] ...

Second Comforter ...

Widtsoe, John A.; Whitney, Orson F.; Roberts, B. H.; Smith, Joseph Fielding; Smith, Joseph; Ehat, Andrew; Smith, Lucy Mack; Cannon, George Q.; Taylor, John (2012-02-25). Words of Joseph Smith - Deluxe Study Edition including the LDS Standar Works, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Lectures on Faith, History of the Church, History of Joseph by His Mother, and More (Kindle Locations 245-289).Packard Technologies. Kindle Edition.

Also found here: (Some things were omitted from the original quote that one can read at this link as they do relate)

I have only attempted to outline the basics of the Doctrine of Christ and the need for us to understand it. I will like to add also what Joseph Smith said elsewhere.

“Oh! I beseech you to forward, go forward and make your calling and your election sure and if any man preach any other gospel with that which I have preached, he shall be cursed.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pg 366-367)

This is consistent with Galatians 1:8-9 . The main thing I wanted to bring up here is that Calling and election and the Second Comforter are a part of the core gospel of Jesus Christ, for Jesus Christ is the fullness of the gospel. The gospel leads us to the fullness, Jesus Christ. These things must be sought after and anything “less or more” than this they shall “be cursed”. Have I expounded less or more? Most likely J. But the scriptures are there already so I will leave it at this to expound themselves further.