Lehi’s Tree of Life Vision & its Real Meaning

Lehi obtained a great vision of the Tree of Life and taught it to his entire family. Nephi believed, but wanted something more: Knowledge for himself. God is able and willing to teach us the way that we can “ourselves, also, through the infinite goodness of God, and the manifestations of his Spirit, have great views of that which is to come; and were it expedient, we could prophesy of all things.”

📖 Study guide

click links below to read the scriptures while listening. Use the arrows (↑) to return to the top

1. 1 Nephi 8:1-38 – Lehi’s vision of the tree of life
2. 1 Nephi 10:17-22 – Nephi desires to “see, and hear, and know of these things” for himself
3. 1 Nephi 11:1-7,24-36 -Nephi is caught up to “exceedingly high mountain” & shown Lehi’s vision
4. Helaman 5:22-52 – 300 Lamanites receive their baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost
5. D&C 76:51-54 – One receives it by laying on of hands of him who is ordained & sealed
6. 2 Nephi 31:13,17-21 – How one enters in at the gate & what one must do after they enter
7. 2 Nephi 32:1-6 – This is the only doctrine until after Jesus manifests himself to you in the flesh
8. Mosiah 5:2-15 – How to obtain “great views” like Lehi & Nephi did

📃 Transcript

We will again be discussing fundamentals of the Doctrine of Christ, but we’re going to look at fundamentals of the Doctrine of Christ through the lens of Lehi’s vision. Two of the best chapters in the Book about the Doctrine of Christ showing the new covenant of a broken heart and contrite spirit, baptism of fire and baptism of the Holy Ghost, and second comforter are 2 Nephi 31 and 32. And in 2 Nephi 31 and 32 are actually commentaries on Lehi’s Tree of life, vision. So let’s dive into Lehi’s Tree of life, vision.

A Man Dressed in a White Robe

In 1 Nephi chapter 8, starting in verse 1. “And it came to pass that we had gathered together all manner of seeds of every kind and also the seeds of the fruit of every kind. And it came to pass that while my Father tarried in the wilderness. He spake, unto us saying behold, I have dreamed a dream. Or in other words, I have seen a vision and behold because of the thing which I have seen. I have reason to rejoice in the Lord because of Nephi and also of Sam, for I have reason to suppose that they, and also many of their seed will be saved. But behold Laman and Lemuel, I fear exceedingly because of you for behold me thought I saw in my dream, a dark and dreary wilderness, And it came to pass. That I saw a man and he was dressed in a white robe and he came and he stood before me and it came to pass, that he spake unto me and bade me follow him. And he came to pass that as I followed him, I be held myself that I was in a dark and dreary waste.” Now, traditionally, we’ve always assigned that this man in a white robe is Christ. But as we go through Lehi’s vision, I want you to ask yourself: who is the man in the white robe? And if it was Christ as Lehi followed him, would he find himself in a dark and dreary wilderness?

Now in verse 8: “and after I had traveled for the space of many hours in darkness, I began to pray unto the Lord that he would have mercy on me, according to the multitude of his tender mercies. And it came to pass that after I had prayed unto the Lord behold. I be held a large and spacious field.” So clearly the man that Lehi was following in a white robe was not Christ for, he was led into a dark and dreary waste and Lehi spent many hours there before he finally began to “pray to the Lord that he would have mercy on me, according to the multitude of his tender mercies.”

300 Lamanites Baptized by Fire & the Holy Ghost

I would cross reference this with Helaman chapter 5, and in Helaman chapter 5, we have the account of Nephi and Lehi, the two great missionary brothers being cast into jail and the guards come and they’re about to kill them when pillars of fire come down and surround Nephi and Lehi and they are miraculously preserved. And the 300 who are at the prison are enshrouded in mists of darkness and fear comes over them.

So in Helaman chapter 5, starting in verse 22. “And after they had been cast into prison, many days without food, behold, they went forth into the prison to take them that they might slay them. And it came to pass that Nephi and Lehi were encircled about as if it were by fire in so much that they durst not lay their hands upon them for fear lest they should be burned . Nevertheless Nephi and Lehi were not burned And they were standing in the midst of fire and were not burned. And when they saw that they were encircled about with a pillar of fire and that it burned them not their hearts did take courage. For, they saw the Lamanites durst, not lay their hands upon them neither durst they come near unto them, but stood as if they were struck dumb with amazement and it came to pass that Nephi and Lehi did stand forth and began to speak unto them saying fear, not behold. It is God that has shown onto you this marvelous thing. In which has shown unto you, that ye cannot lay your hands on and slay us and behold, they said. They had said these words and the earth shook exceedingly and the walls of the prison did shake as if it were about to tumble to the earth. But behold they did not fall. And behold, they that were in the prison were Lamanites and Nephites who were dissenters. And it came to pass that they were overshadowed with a cloud of darkness and an awful solemn Fear came upon them. And it came to pass that there came a voice as if it were above the cloud of darkness saying repent ye, repent ye, and seek no more to destroy my servants, whom I have sent unto to you to declare good tidings. And it came to pass that they heard that voice and beheld. It was not a voice of thunder, neither was it a voice of a great tumultuous noise. But it was a still voice of perfect mildness as if it had been a whisper. And it did peirce unto to the very soul, not withstanding the mildness of the voice. Behold, the earth shook exceedingly and the walls of the prison trembled again, as if it were about to tumble to the earth, and behold, the cloud of darkness, which had overshadowed them did not disperse. And behold, the voice came again saying repent ye, repent ye for the kingdom of heaven is at hand and seek no more to destroy my servants. And it came to pass that the earth shook again and the walls trembled. And also again, the third time the voice did come. I didn’t speak under the marvelous words, which cannot be uttered by math and the walls didn’t tremble again. And the earth shook as if it were about to divide asunder and it came to pass that the Lamanites could not flee because of the cloud of darkness, which had overshadowed them.“

“Yea, and also they were immovable because of the fear which did come upon them. Now, there was one among them who was a Nephite by birth. Who had once belonged to the church of God, but had dissented from them. And it came to pass that he turned him about and beheld and behold, he saw through the cloud of darkness, the faces of Nephi and Lehi and behold, they did shine, exceedingly even as the faces of angels. And he beheld that they did lift their eyes up to heaven and they were in the attitude of talking, or lifting their voices to some being whom may be held. And it came to pass that this man did cry unto the multitude, that they might turn and look and behold, there was given power unto them that they might turn and look, and they did behold the faces of Nephi and Lehi. And they said him to the man behold, what do all these things mean? Who is it with whom these men do converse? Now, the man’s name was Aminadab and Aminadab said unto them, they do converse with the angels of God and it came to pass that the Lamanites said unto him. What should we do that, this cloud of darkness may be removed from overshadowing us?“

Now notice the parallel between the 300 at the prison with Nephi and Lehi and Lehi delivered from darkness in his vision. “And Abinadab said unto them. You must repent and cry unto the voice, even until you shall have faith in Christ who is taught unto you by Alma and Amulek and Zeezrom. And when you shall do this, the cloud of darkness shall be removed from overshadowing, you, and it came to pass that they all did begin to cry unto the voice of him who had shaken the earth. Yea they did, cry even until the cloud of darkness was dispersed and it came to pass that when they cast their eyes about. They saw that the cloud of darkness was dispersed from overshadowing them and behold, they saw that they were encircled about yea, every soul by a pillar of fire. Now, there are more parallels here than just being delivered from the cloud of darkness. And Nephi and Lehi we’re in the midst of them, yea. They weren’t circled about yea, they were as if in the midst of a flaming fire, yet it at harm them, not neither did it take hold upon the walls of the prison. And they were filled with that joy, which is unspeakable and full of glory. And behold, the Holy spirit of God had come down from heaven and did enter into their heart. And they were filled as if with fire and they could speak forth marvelous words.”

So literally we have a group Baptism of fire and Baptism of the Holy Ghost, which is the second pillar in the Doctrine of Christ. “And it came to pass that there came a voice unto them. Yea, a pleasant voice as if it were a whisper saying peace, peace be unto you because of your faith in my Well Beloved, who was from the foundation of the world. And now when they heard this, they cast their eyes as if to behold from whence the sound came, and behold, they saw the heavens open and angels came down out of heaven and ministered unto them. And there were about 300 souls who saw and heard these things and they were bidden to go forth and marvel, not neither should they doubt. And it came to pass that they did go forth and administer under the people declaring throughout all the regions roundabout. All of the things which they had heard and seen in so much that the more part of the Lamanites were convinced of them because of the greatness of the evidence which they had received. And as many as were convinced, did lay down their weapons of war and also their hatred. And the traditions of their Fathers and it came to pass. They did yield up onto the Nephites , the lands of their possession.

So after the 300 Lamanites received the Baptism of fire Baptism of the Holy Ghost, so great a born again experience did they have, that they were filled with the desire to go forth and to declare what had happened to them and because of the power with which they spoke. They spoke with what Nephi would say was the tongue of angels or by the power and authority of the Holy Ghost. Nearly the entire Lamanite nation was converted and not just converted to the point of joining a church, but converted to the point that they also received a Baptism of fire Baptism of the Holy Ghost, as evidenced by the fact that they laid down their weapons of war and they delivered back to the Nephites the lands that they had taken from them.

Lehi Prays for Deliverance from Midst of Darkness

So back to 1 Nephi chapter 8, starting again in verse 8: “and after I had traveled for the space of many hours in darkness, I began to pray unto the Lord that he would have mercy on me, according to the multitude of his tender mercies. And it came to pass that after I had prayed unto the Lord, I beheld a large and spacious field. And it came to pass that I beheld a Tree whose fruit was desirable to make one happy.”

So notice that both the, the method for deliverance from Lehi, from the midst of darkness and also the Lamanites was crying out onto Jesus Christ. And it came to pass that I did go forth, and did partake of the fruit thereof, and I beheld that it was most sweet above all that I ever before tasted yea I beheld that the fruit there of was white to exceed all the whiteness that I had ever seen. So, we are getting a highly truncated, description of Lehi’s Tree of life vision, because there were a lot of steps that happened in between the mist of darkness being lifted. And Lehi’s seeing the Tree and his actual partaking of the fruit. And we’re going to get into exactly what those steps were.

Lehi Partakes of the Fruit of the Tree of Life

“And as I partook of the fruit thereof. It filled my soul with exceedingly great joy wherefore. I began to be desirous that my family should partake of it also for, I knew that it was desirable above all other fruit. So another parallel once Lehi had partaken of the fruit of the Tree of life, he liked the Lamanites was also filled with a desire that others might also partake specifically, those who they cared about the most.” Verse 13: “and as I cast my eyes roundabout that perhaps I might discover my family also I beheld a river of water and it ran along and it was near the Tree, which I was partaking of the fruit. And I looked to behold from whence it came. And I saw the head thereof a little way off and at the head thereof I beheld your mother, Sariah and Sam and Nephi. And they stood as if they knew not whether they should go and it came to pass that I beckoned unto them. And I also did say unto them with a loud voice, that they should come unto me and partake of the fruit, which was desirable above all other the fruit. And it came to pass that they did come onto me and partake of the fruit also. And it came to pass that I was desirous that Laman and Lemuel should come and partake of the fruit. Also wherefore, I cast my eyes toward the head of the river, that perhaps I might see them and it came to pass that I saw them, but they would not come unto me in partake of the fruit. And I beheld a Rod of Iron and it extended along the bank of the river and led to the Tree by which I stood.”

“And I also beheld a Straight and Narrow Path, which came along by the Rod of Iron, even to the Tree, by which I stood. And it was also led by the head of the Fountain unto a large and spacious field as if it had been a world. And I saw numberless concourses of people, many of whom were pressing forward, that they might obtain the path, which led them to the Tree by which I stood. And it came to pass that they did come forth and commence in the path, which led to the Tree. And it came to pass that there arose a mist of darkness yea, even exceedingly great mist of darkness in so much that they, who had commenced in the path did lose their way that they wandered off and were lost. And it came to pass that I beheld others pressing forward, and they came forth and caught hold of the end of the Rod of Iron. And they did press forward through the mist of darkness, clinging to the Rod of Iron, even until they did come forth and partake of the fruit of the Tree. And after they had partaken of the fruit of the Tree, They did cast their eyes about as if they were ashamed.”

“And I also cast my eyes roundabout and be held on the other side of the river of water, a great and spacious building. And it stood as it were in the air high, above the earth. And it was filled with people both old and young, both male and female, and their manner of dress was exceedingly fine. And they were in the attitude of mocking and pointing their fingers towards those who had come at and were partaking of the fruit. And after they had tasted of the fruit, they were ashamed because of those that were scoffing at them when they fell away into forbidden paths and were lost. And now I Nephi, do not speak all the words of my Father, but to be short in writing behold, he saw other multitudes pressing forward and they came and caught hold of the end of the Rod of Iron. And they did press their way forward holding continually. Fast to the Rod of Iro until they came forth and fell down and partook of the fruit of the Tree. And he also saw other multitudes feeling their way toward that and spacious building. And it came to pass that many were drowned in the depths of the fountain and many were lost from his view wandering and strange roads and great was the multitude that did enter into that strange building. And after they did enter into that building, they did point the finger of scorn at me. And those that were partaking of the fruit also. But we heeded them, not, these are the words of my Father for as many as heeded them had fallen away.”

“And Laman and Lemuel partook, not of the fruit. And my Father said my Father and it came to pass that after my Father had spoken all the words of his dream or vision, which were many, he said unto us because of the things which he saw in a vision. Exceedingly feared for Laman and Lemuel yea, he feared lest they should be cast off from the presence of the Lord. And he did exhort them then with all of the feeling of a tender parent, that they would harken into his words that perhaps the Lord would be merciful unto them too. And not cast them off. Yea, my Father did preach unto them and after he had preached into them and also prophesied unto the many things, he bade them to keep the commandments of the Lord, and he did cease speaking unto them.”

Nephi’s Commentary on the Tree of Life Vision

So before we get to Nephi’s account of also seeing the vision of the Tree of life. Now let’s,skip forward to 2 Nephi 31 and 32, which is the account of Nephi’s commentary on the Tree of life vision. So 2 Nephi 31, verse 17 Nephi says: “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 on to me that you might know the gate by which you should enter for the gate, by which you should enter his repentance and Baptism by water, and then cometh the remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost.”

So this gate, that Nephi is commenting on is the gate through which one must enter to get onto that path. Where the Rod of Iron leads to the Tree of life to partake of the fruit. And, so Nephi is telling us that the gate through which you must enter is repentance and Baptism by water and the Baptism of fire and Baptism of the Holy Ghost. And once we have received the Baptism of fire Baptism the Holy Ghost, then we are on that straight and narrow path that we can only stay on by holding onto the Rod of Iron to get to the Tree, the Tree being Christ . Verse 18 “and then (i.e. after the Baptism of fire Baptism of the Holy Ghost) are ye in this straight and narrow path, which leads to eternal life.“

So partaking of the fruit. Is literally, partaking of eternal life. “Yea, ye have entered in by the gate. Ye have done according to the commandments of the Father and the Son, and you have received the Holy Ghost, which witnesses of the Father and the Son (and receiving the Holy Ghost through the ordinance of Baptism of fire Baptism of the Holy Ghost is talked about in D&C 76 verse 52) fulfilling the promise, which he has made that if he entered in, by the way, you should receive.”

So let’s cross reference and go to D&C 76 verse 52. And so verse 51 talks about the other part of the gate, which is Baptism by water, into the terrestrial order of the gospel or church of Christ. And then verse 52. “But by keeping the commandments, they might be washed and cleansed from all their sins and receive the Holy spirit by the laying on of hands of him who is ordained and sealed onto this power.”

The Meaning of the Path & the Gate

So all of these details are left out of the account of Lehi’s a Tree of life, vision, but are added back to the account by me back to 2 Nephi 31. “And now many of you love your brother. After you have gotten into the straight and narrow path, I would ask if all is done, behold I say unto you, nay, for you have not come thus far, save. It were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying, wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to say. So at the end of verse 19, Nephi that there are actually two paths and the first path is the path that leads to the Gates through which we must pass to get on that straight and narrow.”

The path with the rod of iron that leads to the tree and the path that leads to the gate through which we must pass, which gate is the Baptism of fire Baptism. The Holy Ghost, the way we navigate that path is. With unshaken faith in Christ, relying, wholly upon his work. Now, Nephi is going to be defining in a few verses exactly what the word of Christ is in this context. And well, it is true that the words of Christ are contained in scripture and they are utterances by true prophets in this context, the words of Christ are specifically revelation and specifically the revelation. If we turn to 35, chapter nine, I mean, 35 chapter nine Christ tells us how we lay hold upon the word of Christ with unshaken faith that we might receive the Baptism of fire Baptism of the, Holy Ghost, and therefore pass through that gate and 35 million verse 17.

Laying Hold of the Words of Christ

And as many of you guys have received Christ. So this process of receiving Christ is the process of laying hold of the words of Christ with unshaken faith, which Christ is about to tell us exactly how we do that. But he says all those who do that. Yea, or in other words, pass through the gate to them have I given to become the Sons of God. Well, how is that? Well it’s because when we passed through that gate, Christ is literally adopting us as his sons and his daughters. And as he adopts us as his sons and his daughters, he literally extends his name to us that we might take it upon us. So while we do, when we’re baptized into the LDS church, and when we partake of the sacrament in the earliest church, we covenant that we are willing to take Christ name upon us. That is not when we actually take his name upon us. Both of those things are preparatory to Christ pleading our case before the Father and adopting us as his sons and his daughters, and actually extending his name to us and even so will, I, to as many as shall believe on my name. For behold by me, redemption cometh. And in me is the law of Moses fulfilled. So, Christ is saying the gate is accessible to all, who will come unto him, who will receive him as he instructs us to receive him, which instruction is given in verse 20.

And then verse 20, it says, “and he shall offer for a sacrifice unto me, a broken heart and contrite spirit and who shall cometh unto me with a broken heart and contrite spirit. Him will I baptize with fire with the Holy Ghost.” So, this covenant as all covenants have two parts are part is offering up a broken heart contrite spirit. And this is how Christ instructs us to receive him. And as we offer up a broken heart and contrite spirit, the terms of which must be received by revelation. And that is what it means to, to lay, hold upon the words of Christ with unshaken faith, because to enter into the covenant of a broken heart and contrite spirit is to receive the terms of that covenant by the spirit.

Following Jesus Christ with Full Purpose of Heart

It’s Christ through the spirit that tells us how we individually are to offer up a broken heart and contrite spirit. And so back in 2 Nephi 31. So at the end again of verse 19: “for you have not come thus far, say that word by the word of Christ. This is offering up a broken heart and contrite spirit is the same as feasting upon the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying, wholly upon the merit of him who is mighty to save” and, in addition to receiving the terms of that covenant by revelation. Nephi gives us some additional insights into what that looks like in verse 13 of 2 Nephi 31, he says, “wherefore, my beloved brethren. I know that if you shall follow the Son with full purpose of heart“, so this is part of what it means to offer up a broken record contrite spirit, and put ourselves in a position whereby we might be capable of relying, wholly upon the words of Christ with unshaken faith in him. Follow Jesus Christ with full purpose of heart, and it requires revelation to be able to do that acting no hypocrisy. And no deception before God. And especially for Nephi and the people who came before Jesus Christ. Well, they didn’t have the new Testament. It hadn’t happened yet. They didn’t have the example of what Christ would do, and it didn’t have the teachings that he would give in the new Testament. They didn’t have the account of the day of Pentecost. So literally following Jesus Christ “with full purpose of heart” required revelation, “acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God.” So as, as we offer up our whole souls to Christ, as we tell Father that we desire to enter into the new covenant of a broken heart and contrite spirit, we can’t only say it with our lips, but we have to be committed with our heart and with our actions. And this is what it means to follow Jesus Christ with full purpose of heart acting, no hypocrisy and no deception before God for it is often easy to say the words, but it is quite another matter to live it with our heart and with our actions. But with real intent repenting of your sins. Now, all of these things are things that are required before the Baptism of fire back to the Holy Ghost.

And these things are some of the reasons why we do not receive it when we’re eight years old or when we’re very young, we simply don’t have enough life experience. And, before we’re eight years old, we don’t have any sense. We haven’t been accountable! Receiving the baptism of fire and the baptism of the Holy Ghost actually takes life experience. It actually requires having made mistakes, realizing that we’ve made mistakes and repenting and accessing the power of the atonement and receiving forgiveness. And, then choosing that way of life, choosing the path of discipleship, because we know both sides and knowing both sides, having chosen the path of Jesus Christ witnessing under the Father that you’re willing to take upon you the name of Christ. Okay, by Baptism. So again, as we are baptized, as we partake of the sacrament, we show Father that we’re willing to take upon us Christ’s name. However, that is not something that Christ yet extends to us until we receive the Baptism of fire Baptism of Holy Ghost, by following your Lord and your savior down into the water, according to his word.

Again, when Nephi wrote these words, when he saw these things, Christ hadn’t yet gone down into the water and had been baptized by John the Baptist. So again, these things, had to be received by revelation. “Behold, then shall you, receive the Holy Ghost. Yea, then cometh the Baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost. Then can you speak with the tongue of angels and shout praises unto the Holy one of Israel?”

Benjamin’s People Baptized by Fire & the Holy Ghost

So if we cross reference this with Mosiah chapter 5 in Mosiah chapter 5, we have the combination of King Benjamin’s people. Entering into the new and everlasting, covenant and receiving the Baptism of finer and Baptism of the Holy Ghost. Verse 2 of Mosiah chapter 5: “And they all cried with one voice saying, Yea, we believe all the words, which thou has spoken unto us. And also we know of their surety and truth because of the spirit of the Lord omnipotent, which 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. And we ourselves also through the infinite goodness of God and the manifestations of his spirit have great views of that, which is to come and were expedient. We could prophesy of all things, or in other words, as Nephi declared that they could speak forth with the tongue of angels or by the power and authority of the Holy Ghost.”

Verse 5 in Mosiah 5: “and we are willing to enter into a covenant with our God, to do his will and to be obedient to his commandments in all things that he shall command us all the remainder of our days, that we may not bring upon ourselves and never ending torment. As has been spoken by the angel that we might not drink of the cup of the wrath of God.”

So, this is also part of that covenant of a broken heart and contrite spirit that we are willing to not only to say, but also to do whatever the Lord would ask us to do, not only for a period of time, but until the end of our lives. And so the mainstay of this being willing to do whatever the Lord would ask us to do is to seek revelation. And so that assumes that you are willing to live your life in a manner, that you will qualify to receive revelation that you will have your ears open to hear the word and voice of God and your hearts to understand the word and voice of God. Otherwise you’re incapable of obeying all of his commandments. And verse 7: “and now because of the covenant, which you have made, you shall be called the children of Christ, his sons and his daughters.” So because the people of King Benjamin were willing to enter into the new covenant of a broken heart contrite spirit, and all that goes along with that. They received the Baptism of fire Baptism of the Holy Ghost.

And at that time, Christ extended his name to them as he pled their case with the Father. And once he had permission from the Father to adopt them as his sons and his daughters he then extended that, his name to them. And for the first time they were not only able and willing to take Christ’s name upon them, but they were actually able to take Christ’s name upon them. “For behold this day, he has spiritually be gotten you for you say that your hearts are changed through faith on his name. Therefore you are born of him. You have become his sons and his daughters. And under this head you’re made free. And there is no other head whereby you can be made free. There is no other name given where by salvation cometh. Therefore I would, that you should take upon you the name of Christ because it’s been extended now, to them, all you that have entered into the covenant with God that you should be obedient unto the end of your life. And it shall come to pass that whosoever doeth this shall be found at the right hand of God. And he shall know the name by which he is called for he shall be called by the name of Christ. And now it shall come to pass that whosoever shall not take upon him. The name of Christ must be called by some other name. Therefore he findth himself on the left hand of God. And I would, that you should remember also that this is the name that I said I should give them to you. That never should be blotted out, except it be through transgression. Therefore take heed that you do not transgress that the name be not blotted out of your hearts. I say unto you. I would, that you should remember to retain the name written always in your hearts.”

What We Do After Baptism of Fire & the Holy Ghost

And this is a key to, what we do after we received the Baptism of fire Baptism of the Holy Ghost, which Nephi is going to be posing that question at the first of 2 Nephi 32. So this is insight into the answer to that question: Well, then what? And I say unto you, I would, that you should remember to retain the name, always in your hearts, that you’re not found on the left hand of God, but the hear and know of the voice by which you shall be called also the name by which he shall call you. See this being able to hear and discern the voice of the spirit is critical and necessary to how we feast upon the words of Christ and how we are able to keep all of God’s commandments. It has to come through revelation. And if we don’t have that revelation, we are not able to feast upon the words of Christ and to do everything that he would instruct us to do.

Verse 13: “for how knoweth the man, the master, whom he has not served and who is a stranger unto him and is far from the thoughts and intents of his heart. And again, doth a man take an ass which belong to his neighbor and keep him, I sent to you, nay he will not even suffer that he shall feed among his flock, but he will drive him away and cast him out. And I say unto you that even, so it shall be among you. If , know not the name by which you’re called, therefore I would, that you should be steadfast immovable, always abounding in good works that Christ the Lord. God omnipotent makes you, you, his, that you may be brought to heaven that you may have everlasting salvation and eternal life. Through the wisdom and power and justice and mercy of him who created all things in heaven and in earth, who is God above all in them.” So going back to 2 Nephi 31 now we have a greater understanding about how to enter into this covenant of a broken heart and contrite spirit and what we should do after.

Verse 20 of 2 Nephi 31: “wherefore, you must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ having a perfect brightness of hope. And the love of God and of all men. Werefore if you shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ and endure to to the end, behold thus sayeth the Father ye shall have eternal life. And now I’ll behold my beloved brethren this is the way, and there is none other way nor name given under heaven, whereby men can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now behold, this is the Doctrine of Christ and the only true Doctrine ofthe Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God without end amen.

The Only Way to Jesus Christ

So there is no way to come into Jesus Christ. There is no way to come unto the Father except through the new covenant of a broken heart and contrite spirit. Being instructed by the voice of the spirit and being obedient that we might receive the Baptism of fire Baptism of the Holy Ghost, and thus pass through that gate to get on the path, which leads to the Tree and partake of that fruit.

This is the Doctrine of Christ and there is no other way, many often pose the question: “Well, I’m very comfortable. I believe in Jesus Christ. I read the Book. I do my, home and visiting teaching, and etc. I serve in the church. I’m very comfortable. Why would I put myself out there? And have to put it everything upon the altar? I have my temple recommend, I’ve been sealed in the temple. Basically, I have my E-ticket to the Celestial Kingdom. Why would I want to put in any extra work? And the answer to that is, if you believe that all of those things give you an E-ticket to the Celestial Kingdom, you are deceived. If you think that those things will get you into the millennium, having the further light knowledge available to us in the Book, you are deceived.

The only way back to Jesus Christ unto the Father, especially among the latter day saints. If we want to make it into the millennium, we have to enter into the new covenant of a broken heart and contrite spirit . We have to actively be seeking after the Baptism of fire Baptism of the Holy Ghost and doing whatever the spirit tells us to do to the best of our ability, or we don’t make it.

Now, when we receive the Baptism of fire Baptism of the Holy Ghost is up to Father and all we can do and what God expects of us is entering into the new covenant. And if we do that, and if we’re being obedient to the voice of the spirit, that’s our part.

The Tongue of Angels & the Words of Christ

So 2 Nephi chapter 32: “and now behold my beloved brethren, I suppose, that you ponder somewhat in your hearts concerning that what ye should do after ye have entered in, by the way, but behold, why do ye ponder these things in your hearts?” Or in other words, Nephi is perceiving these people are wondering, well, what do we do after we receive the Baptism of fire Baptism of the Holy Ghost? Or what do we do after we enter into the gate and get on that straight and narrow path. And, we know that the path goes to the Tree who is Christ, and we know that there is an Iron Rod, but we’re not sure about what that really means. How exactly we hold onto that Iron Rod? How we move forward to the Tree? What is this process? And this whole process is the Doctrine of Christ. Verse 2: “do you not remember that I said them to you that after ye had received the Holy Ghost, ye could speak with the tongue of angels? Now, how could ye speak with the tongue of angels save it were by the Holy Ghost?”

Now, pay careful attention to what is said in verse 3, because Nephi is about to define in this context, what the words of Christ are. “Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost, wherefore they speak the words of Christ. So he’s just told us that angels speak the words of Christ because they speak by the power of the Holy Ghost.” Or in other words, the words of Christ are received by the Holy Ghost and this level of receiving the words of Christ is possible after the Baptism of fire Baptism of the Holy Ghost. Now that doesn’t mean that we can’t receive revelation or the words of Christ before the Baptism of fire Baptism of the Holy Ghost. Because again, back in 2 Nephi 31 verse, 19: “behold, I say to you, ye have not yet thus far meaning having received the Baptism of fire Baptism of the Holy Ghost, save it were by the word of Christ.“

So the exact same thing that we’re to do after the Baptism of fire Baptism of the Holy Ghost to get to Christ or the Tree is the thing that we’re supposed to do before the Baptism of fire Baptism of the Holy Ghost to get the Baptism of fire Baptism of the Holy Ghost. But there is a difference in instruction, because before the Baptism of fire, Baptism of the Holy Ghost, we have access to the level of revelation and instruction about how to get to the gate or about what God would have us do to receive the Baptism of fire Baptism of the Holy Ghost. And after the Baptism of fire Baptism of the Holy Ghost, we then have access to that level of revelation or instruction about what God would have us do to get to the Tree. Or to come into Christ presence in his glory and to be taught directly by him. Back at the end of verse 19 in 2 Nephi 31, “you have not come thus far, save at were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying, wholly upon the merits of handling is mighty to save. Well, that’s exactly what we have to do after the Baptism of fire Baptism of the Holy Ghost.”

The difference being that we have access to a different level of revelation afterward. Verse 3 in 2 Nephi 32: “Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost, whereby wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I say unto you feast upon the words of Christ for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things, what ye should do.” So as you seek after receive and act on revelation, or overcome by faith after the Baptism of fire Baptism of the Holy Ghost, you’ll be instructed about everything that you should do in order to come to the veil, part it, come into Christ’s presence and the fullness of his glory in the seventh heaven and receive your calling and election made sure.

Verse 4: “wherefore. now, after I have spoken these words, if ye cannot understand them, it will be because you ask not neither do ye knock. Wherefore ye are not brought into the light, but must perish in the dark. For behold again, I say unto you that if ye will enter in, by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show on to you all things, what ye should do. 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”, or in other words, the Doctrine of Christ leads us into Christ’s presence.

While we, we are in the flesh while we are in this life, it’s not reserved for the next life. It’s this life. And the way that happens is through the instruction we receive from the spirit. As we feast upon the words of Christ after the Baptism of fire, Baptism of the Holy Ghost, and then we’re told that Christ himself will teach us. And those things that Christ himself will teach us in person. We also need to be obedient to those things, to continue on the path of Ascension. So with this insight, now let’s take a look at Nephi’s record of what he saw when he was shown Lehi’s Tree of life Vision.

So in 1 Nephi chapter 11, let’s look at the end of first Nephi chapter 10, because it’s really instructive about, some of the last things that Nephi did after he’d received the Baptism of fire Baptism of the Holy Ghost to be instructed, about how to enter Christ’s presence in the fullness of his glory and have his own ascension experience as Nephi talks about in 2 Nephi 32:9.

Words Spoken by Christ by the Holy Ghost

So 1 Nephi 10:17 “and it came to pass it after I Nephi having heard all the words of my Father concerning the things which he saw in a vision. And also the things which he speak by the power of the Holy Ghost, which power he received by faith on the Son of God. And the Son of God was the Messiah who should come.” So let’s unpack the first part of verse 17. So Nephi, having heard the words of his Father concerning the things which he saw in a vision, and also the things which he speak by the power of the Holy Ghost. So his Father, Lehi learned things of God, both through vision and through revelation via the Holy Ghost. And he says he received this power by faith on the Son of God. Well, this power that he received by faith on the Son of God is the new covenant of a broken heart and contrite spirit. It was Lehi receiving the Baptism of fire Baptism of the Holy Ghost. Therefore, he was able to speak with the tongue of angels or by the power and authority of the Holy Ghost. And because he spoke by the power and authority of the Holy Ghost, when Nephi listened to him and hearkened unto him, Nephi was not relying upon the arm of flesh or upon man. Which we, which Nephi gives us a strict prohibition against if we cross-reference 2 Nephi 28:31: “cursed is he, that putteth his trust in man or maketh flesh his arm or shall hearken under the precepts of men, save their precept shall be given by the power of the Holy Ghost.”

So the difference being, a man who speaks not by the power and not by the authority of the Holy Ghost, to hearken unto his words as if they were God’s, to accept his words as doctrine, we become cursed when we do that, and that is what it means to trust in man or maketh flesh our arm and hearken unto the precepts of men. That is a very different matter than receiving with gladness. All the words that are, spoken by one who does speak by the power and authority of the Holy Ghost, which is what Lehi did, which is why Nephi received his words with gladness. And God expects us to gather up all the words that are available to us, whether written or spoken by an individual which are delivered by the power and authority of the Holy Ghost.

Therefore continuing in verse 17: “I Nephi was desirous also that I might see and hear and know of these things by the power of the Holy Ghost, which is the gift of God unto all those who diligently seek him. So Nephi has also already received the Baptism of fire Baptism of the Holy Ghost. As well in times of old, as in times that he should manifest himself unto the children of men. For he is the same yesterday, today and forever. And the way is prepared for all men from the foundation of the world. If it’s so be that they repent and come unto him for he, that diligently seeketh shall find, and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them by the power of the Holy Ghost as well in these times, as in times of old. As well in times of old, as in times to come werefore the course of the Lord is one eternal round. Therefore remember O man for all, by doings that, thou shall be brought into judgment” and it needs to be impressed mightily upon us. Because we have access to the scriptures of the restoration, which contained the fullness of the Doctrine of Christ.

We are held accountable for knowing them and for entering into this covenant and seeking after the Baptism of fire Baptism of the Holy Ghost and being obedient to whatever the spirit would tell us to do that we might receive it. And then after we do receive it to be instructed about what God would have us do to enter into Christ presence and the fullness of his glory, that we might have our calling an election made sure and be taught directly by him that we might continue the path of Ascension that ultimately leads us to becoming like Jesus Christ and Father.

Exceedingly High Mountain & the Seventh Heaven

1 Nephi 11:1, “for came to pass that after I desired to know the things that my Father had seen, believing that the Lord was able to make them known unto me. Which belief is actually what hope is. As I sat pondering in my heart, I was caught away in the spirit of the Lord. Yea into an exceedingly high mountain, which I had never had before seen upon, which I never had before set my foot.” Now this exceedingly high mountain is not an earthly mountain. This is the heavenly mountain. This is the seventh heaven. This is the place where Christ was in the fullness of his glory.

Moses’s Transfiguration on the Mountain

Now, as a cross reference, let’s go to Moses chapter 1. And in Moses chapter 1, Moses also tells us about his Ascension experience and he also uses the metaphor being caught away into the high mountain. And we will gain some valuable insight from Moses about Nephi’s experience. Moses chapter 1, verse 1: “the words of God, which he spake unto Moses at a time when Moses was caught up onto an exceedingly high mountain“, the heavenly mountain of the seventh heaven, and he saw God face to face and he talked with him and the glory of God was upon Moses. Therefore Moses could endure his presence. Or in other words, just like Nephi, Moses has already had his Baptism of fire Baptism of the Holy Ghost. He has a brand new Baptism of fire. And then he is transfigured or the glory of God comes upon him. Therefore, he is now able to go up to the seventh heaven or high mountain. He is able to come into Christ’s presence in the fullness of his glory.

Flipping the page, Moses 1:9 “and the presence of God withdrew from Moses and his glory was not upon Moses and Moses was left unto himself. And as he was left unto himself, he fell unto the earth.” So once the transfiguration ended, Moses couldn’t stay in Christ’s presence in the fullness of his glory. And he fell back to the earth question is what aspect of Moses fell back to the earth? And he’s about to tell us verse 10: “And it came to pass that it was for the space of many hours before Moses did again, receive his natural strength. Like unto man. And he said to himself now for this, cause I know that man is nothing, which thing I never had supposed.” So we know that this is Moses’s first Ascension experience because once he comes into Christ’s presence in the full of his glory, he recognizes as never before the awful gulf that separates us from being like Jesus Christ and how desperate we need the power of Christ’s atonement and for Christ to extend his hand to us and to lift us up to where he is, or there’s no other way. And viewing this comparison between where he was and where Christ is made him realize that he was nothing in comparison to who Christ is. And Christ had not yet worked out his, his Atonement.

Verse 11: “and mine own eyes have beheld God, but not my natural, but my spiritual eyes or my natural eyes could not have beheld for. I should have withered and died in his presence, but his glory was upon me and I beheld his face for I was transfigured before him”, or in other words, Moses is saying, well, I couldn’t take my physical body into the fullness of Christ’s presence. I’m not translated. However I was transfigured and therefore my spirit was able to be taken up to the high mountain or the seventh heaven. And I was able to see God face to face and talk to him as one man talketh to another. And I was able to do it because my spirit was taken there after I was transfigured. And we in like measure as we follow the covenant path and the Doctrine of Christ, the Doctrine of Christ is designed to give us the exact same experience that Moses had the exact same experience that Nephi is having of coming into Christ’s presence of the fullness of his glory. And the Doctrine of Christ is the roadmap about how we do that. So Nephi, Has done the same thing that Moses did before him.

Parting the Veil to Receive Knowledge for Ourselves

After receiving the Baptism of fire, Baptism of the Holy Ghost through the new covenant of a broken heart and contrite spirit, which terms they received by revelation, they were instructed about how to part the veil and Ascend to the seventh heaven or the high mountain. And the spirit said unto me, 1 Nephi chapter 11, verse 2: “behold what desirest thou and I said, I desire to behold the things which my Father saw. And the spirit said unto me, believest thou that they Father saw the Tree of which he hath spoken. And I said, yea, thou knowest that I believe all the words of my Father.” So the spirit of the Lord, wanted to know that Nephi accepted the words of his Father, because his Father spoke by the power and authority of the Holy Ghost.” Verse 6: “and when I had spoken these words, the spirit cried with a loud voice saying Hosanna” (which means, “Oh God Save Us Now!”) “Hosanna to the Lord, the most high God for he is God over all the earth, yea, even above all. And blessed art out Nephi because thou belivest in the Son of the most high God. Wherefore thou shall behold the things which thou hast desired.” So a lot of people say, well, I expect, if I ask to have the same vision and experience that Nephi had, and I would say, well, that’s exactly correct. As soon as you have ascended to the spiritual level that Nephi has ascended to you will be permitted to have the exact same experience if that’s what you desire, but until that happens until you ascend to that spiritual level, that Nephi was at and Moses was at when they went to the high mountain. If you’re not there yet, you still have access to the spirit and you can still have an experience in the spirit that is, equal to the spiritual level that you are now at. So, if you haven’t yet had your Baptism of fire Baptism, Baptism of the Holy Ghost, you are not going to have an ascension experience. If you have, and you haven’t been instructed and been obedient in everything that you must do to part the veil and ascend up to the seventh heaven, you’re not going to have this experience yet.

But, regardless of the spiritual level that you’re at, you can get a confirmation of the spirit that these things are true. You can have the spirit bring thoughts and ideas into your mind and into your heart. That will expand about what you individually need to do to get to the gate and have the Baptism of fire Baptism of the Holy Ghost. And then to be instructed about what you need to do to go to the high mountain. We do have access to those things and some people have the spiritual gift of dreams and visions. Well, you may be at the spiritual level where you can receive a prophetic revelatory dream, about these things, which is what Lehi received, which is different than the Ascension experience that Nephi is having.

The Iron Rod is Personal Revelation

So let’s continue in 1 Nephi chapter 11, verse 24: “and after he had said these things, these words, he said unto me, look, and I looked and I beheld the Son of God going forth among the children of men. And I saw many fall down at his feet and worship, and it came to pass that I beheld that the Rod of Iron, which my Father had seen was the word of God.” And like we just talked about while the word of God is words of scripture. It is words of true prophets. It’s not, what’s being talked about in this context and that’s not what the Rod of Iron is. The Rod of Iron in this context is revelation received by the individual, which led to the Fountain of Living Waters or to the Tree of life. Now, I would ask you, who is the Fountain of Living Waters and who is the Tree of life? while there are many who would assert that the Fountain of Living Waters or the Tree of life is someone other than Jesus Christ. No one other than Jesus Christ worked out an atonement for us.

The Waters Are the Love of God

No one other than Jesus Christ pleads our case with the Father literally adopting us as his sons and daughters that he might tutor us in what must be done to part the veil and enter into his presence that he might seal upon us, our calling an election. Nobody else can do that. Continuing in verse 25: “which Waters our representation of the Love of God. And I also be held that the Tree of life was a representation of the Love of God. And the angel said unto me again, look and behold, the condescension of God. And I looked and I beheld the Redeemer of the world of whom my Father had spoken. And I also beheld the prophet. So notice as soon as Nephi is shown the Rod of Iron, which is the process of revelation that we have access to after the Baptism of fire Baptism of the Holy Ghost, and then he sees the Tree of life, which is the same thing as the Fountain of Living Waters.“

And he metaphorically describes it as the Love of God. Immediately, what is he shown afterwards, which is now an expansion of Nephi’s understanding of the Fountain of Living Waters and the Tree of life, immediately he is shown the condescension of God, the Son versus what he was shown, as the condescension in verse 16, God, the Father. Jesus Christ was being conceived with his mother, Mary. That was the first condescension of God that if I was shown the second condescension is, now that Christ has been sired, he is able to begin and complete his mission. “And I looked,” verse 27: “and beheld the Redeemer of the world of whom my Father had spoken. And I also beheld the prophet who should prepare the way beforehand. And the lamb of God went forth and was baptized of him. And after he was baptized, they beheld the heavens open and the Holy Ghost came down out of heaven. And abide upon him in the form of a dove.” So again, what we’re seeing is very metaphorical. So, and we have it’s, it’s all a representation of the Doctrine of Christ.

Christ Shows Nephi What He Must Do

So Christ is our example, which Nephi declares in 2 Nephi 31 of what we must do. Christ received Baptism by water, into the terrestrial order. Now just because John, the Baptist administers over the Aaronic priesthood, that does not mean that that was all the priesthood that he held. John, the Baptist held Melchizedek, preached it. And by the power of Melchizedek priesthood, John, the Baptist baptized Christ by water, not into the preparatory gospel, which is what is done by the authority of the Aaronic priesthood. But into the terrestrial order. And then the man who officiates or officiated in the office of Holy Ghost came down and he personally performed the ordinance of Baptism of fire Baptism of the Holy Ghost for Christ. And that is what is meant by and after he was baptized, I beheld the heavens open. And the Holy Ghost came down out of heaven and abide upon him in the form of a dove or the man who officiated in this office, came down and performed the ordinance.

Verse 28: “and I beheld that he went forth ministering unto the people in power and great authority. And the multitudes were gathered to get other, to hear him. And I beheld that they cast him out from among them and I also beheld 12 others following him. And it came to pass that they were carried away in the spirit from before my face. And I saw them not. And it came to pass that the angel spake come to me saying, look, and I looked and I be held the heavens open again. And I saw angels descending upon the children of men and they did minister unto them. And he’s spake unto me again, saying, look, and I looked. And I beheld the lamb of God going forth among the children of men. And I beheld multitudes of people who were sick, who were afflicted with all manner of disease and with devils and unclean spirits and the angel speak and showed all these things unto me. And they were healed by the power of the lamb of God and the devils and unclean spirits were cast out.” Verse 32: “and it came to pass the angel spake unto me saying, look. And I looked and I beheld the lamb of God that he was taken by the people yea, the Son of the everlasting God was judged of the world. And I saw and bear record. And I Nephi saw that he was lifted up upon the cross and was slain for the sins of the world. And after he was slain, I saw the multitudes of the earth that they were gathered together to fight against the apostles of the lamb. For, thus were the 12 called by the angel of the Lord. And the multitude of the earth was gathered together and I beheld that they were in a large and spacious building, like unto the building, which my Father saw and the angel of the Lord spake unto me again, saying behold, the world and the wisdom thereof. Maybe hold the house of Israel hath gathered together to fight against the 12 apostles of the lamb.“

So when you find seeing that the 12 tribes of Israel who will not enter into the new covenant of a broken heart and contrite spirit, that they may have Christ extend his name to them, that they might take it upon them. They are the ones who are gathered into the great and spacious building. Now this has great parallels for us today. And notice that it was the house of Israel that gathered together to fight against the 12 apostles of the lamb. And it came to pass that I saw in bear record that the great and spacious building was the pride of the world. And it fell. And the fall of there of was exceedingly great. And the angel of the Lord spake unto me against saying thus, shall the destruction of all nations, kindred tongues, and peoples that shall fight against the 12 apostles of the lamb.

The Destruction of the Great & Spacious Building

Well, let’s, cross reference that with the destruction of the great and spacious building. That is about to take place. So at D&C 101 and the parable of redemption of Zion. Verse, 55 and the Lord of the vineyard said unto one of his servants, whose name is Joseph Smith, Jr. Is revealed in D&C 103, go and gather together the residue of my servants. Now this is Joseph Smith in his second ministry, not his first. And he is now in that second ministry. Go and gather together the residue of my servants or, all those who the Lord called my apostles and my friends during Joseph Smith’s first ministry and also called the first labors in the last kingdom. Now it’s the residue because only those who remain true and faithful or who are prodigal sons and repented and returned are those who have returned with Joseph Smith in this his 2nd second ministry. Not all of them made it. “And take all the strengths of my house, which are my warriors, my young men, and they that are of middle age, also among all my servants who are the strength of mine house. Save only those who might have appointed to tarry”, (i.e. those who are translated: Three Nephites, John Revelator) “and go ye straight way unto the land of my vineyard and redeem my vineyard for it is mine. I have bought it with money. Therefore, get you straight way into the land. Break down the walls of my enemies.” This is the toppling of the great and spacious building, at least in one aspect of it that is shortly going to happen, that we will be witnesses of and it is our choice either to be among those who will participate in its toppling or is our choice to be inside that great and spacious building and persecute and ridicule, the humble followers of Christ.

“Break down the walls of my enemies, throw down their tower and scatter their watchmen. And in as much as they gathered together against you avenge me of my enemies, that by and by I may come with the residue of my house and possess the land.” Verse 64: “that the work of the gathering together of my saints may continue that I may build them up onto my name upon Holy places for the time of harvest is come, and my word must need to be fulfilled. Therefore, I must gather together my people, according to the parable of the wheat and the tares. That the wheat may be secured in the garners to possess eternal life and to be crowned with celestial glory, when I shall come in the kingdom of my Father to reward every man, according to as his work shall be.” Now, the wheat in this context is the wheat among the latter day saints.

We can expand that among all the restoration movements and the tares are among the restoration movements who will not enter into the new covenant. Well, the tares shall be bound in bundles and their bands be made strong that they may be burned with unquenchable fire. So let me read again, 1 Nephi chapter 11, verse 36: “and it came to pass that I saw and bare record that the great and spacious building was the pride of the world.” And if we hearken back to the prior verse, “yea behold, the house of Israel, which has been caught up in the pride of the world and gathered to fight against the 12 apostles of the lamb and it fell. And the fall thereof was exceedingly great.” Well, this is the burning of the tares among the latter day saints.

“And the angel Lord spake unto me again saying thus shall all the destruction or thus shall be the destruction of all nations kindreds and tongues to the people that you’ll fight against the 12 apostles of the lamb.” So as we read in the doctrine and covenants [section 112], the cleansing begins in the Lord’s own house. So while this destruction of all those who fight against the lamb, is not, or does not only include those among the latter day saints, who will not enter the new covenant. That’s where the destruction of the great and spacious building begins. That is the cleansing beginning in the Lord’s own house and the destruction of the tares.

First Pillar = Baptism by Water

[01:17:00] So, we’ll let that put a book end on tonight’s discussion of the Doctrine of Christ. Which again, comprises of three main pillars. The first pillar is Baptism of water into the terrestrial order of the gospel, which was performed in the church as restored to Joseph Smith. Until about mid 1834, when the fullness is taken from us and we were demoted to the preparatory gospel as we’ve talked about previously. And after that, we began doing baptisms by water, into the telestial order or preparatory gospel, which is what we’re currently receiving today when we receive baptism into the church. But the Doctrine of Christ, the, the Baptism that Christ received, which is what we must also receive is baptism by the Apostolic order Melchizedek Priesthood into the terrestrial order of the gospel, which is what Nephi receives in 3 Nephi, chapter 11, when Christ comes and he gives him authority in the Apostolic order, of the Melchizedek Priesthood and a command to go forth and to baptize with water into the terrestrial order. And that was, and then he sets forth the Baptismal prayer into the terrestrial order, which was the exact Baptismal prayer that we used in the church of Christ. And as was recorded in the Book of Commandments that we had up until 1835, when the Doctrine & Covenants was published and the Baptismal prayer was changed to that of a preparatory baptism.

Second Pillar = Baptism by Fire & the Holy Ghost

[01:18:54] The second pillar in the Doctrine of Christ is Baptism by Fire Baptism of the Holy Ghost, which comes through the new covenant of a broken heart and contrite spirit, which covenant must be received by revelation after the Baptism of fire Baptism of the Holy Ghost. Then if we will continue to feast upon the words of Christ and receive revelation will be instructed about what the Lord would have us do to part the veil and ascend to the high mountain, come into Christ’s presence in the fullness of his glory. Feel the prints of the nails and receive our calling and election made sure. And then to be taught and instructed by Jesus Christ and specifically about how to continue on the path of Ascension, which is further outlined in D&C 76, starting in verse 50. And I bear my witness to you. And these things are true, that there is no other way that leads back to Jesus Christ and to Father then through the Doctrine of Christ and that the heavens are again open and it is again possible to enter in by the way, to receive the Baptism of fire Baptism of the Holy Ghost, and enter into the rest of the Lord. Which it hadn’t been, since the death of Joseph since the closing of the heavens, because we, as a people reject our God, and how did we reject her God, the same way that the children of Israel rejected their God, they rejected their opportunity. To become his sons and his daughters for the broken heart and contrite spirit, and receiving the Baptism of fire Baptism of the Holy Ghost.

The Lord warned us in D&C 84, that if we did that and persisted and did not repent and return that there would remain scourge and a judgment that would be poured out upon us, that would last generations. And it did that lasted until the return of Joseph. He hasn’t come on the scene yet. However, he is back. And he has gathered together the servants that we read about in D&C 101:55, and he’s currently working on the translation of the sealed portion from the Book of Mormon, The Brass plates, finishing his translation of the New Testament, and also bringing forth The Record of the 12 Apostles, all of these, except for the sealed portion of The Book of Mormon will go forth to the members of the church of Christ and will be able to be used in the missionary efforts that will begin as Joseph leads out that end time Exodus talked about in D&C 103 that will culminate in meeting up with Enoch and his city and the establishment of the New Jerusalem in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.