#19 Symbols of the Holy Ghost

#19 Symbols of the Holy Ghost

Jesus will soon begin his formal ministry and teachings. He will use much symbolism including those which help in understanding the Holy Ghost. Societies, both ancient and modern day have used, and now use, symbols to greatly facilitate communicating and understanding. Obviously mental pictures and images show and explain much more to our minds than any lengthy description of words can accomplish. This was a common teaching and learning technique among the Jews at Jesus' time on the earth and He was, of course, a master in its use.

A few examples of Jesus’ great use of symbolism to teach:  

Spiritual Reception to the Gospel:

Sowers and Soils – Matthew 13; Mark 4; Luke 8

Humility, Prayer, and Forgiveness:

Leaven of Pharisees – Matthew 16; Mark 8; Luke 12

Duty, Obedience, Resourcefulness:

Unprofitable Servants – Luke 17

Worldly Riches and Sacrifice:

Foolish Rich Man – Luke 12

Prepare for Final Judgment;

Ten Virgins – Matthew 25

Rebuke for Self-Righteousness:

Lost Sheep, Coin, Prodigal Son – Luke15

Fit or Unfit for Kingdom of God:

Royal Marriage Feast – Matthew 22

Kingdom of God on Earth:

Wheat and Tares – Matthew 13

Specific Symbols of the Holy Ghost:  

Fire; Oil; Wind

Fire

Fire has been used as a symbol of the Holy Ghost from the earliest days of scripture.   Beginning with Adam fire represented God's holiness and glory. It was a symbol of God's presence and power as shown to ancient people in both the Old and New Testaments. Fire served then as a purifier, a refiner, a cleansing force and thus was a natural symbol for the Holy Ghost who is God's sanctifier. And so it is for us today.

Both the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants repeatedly refer to those who have received the companionship of the Spirit as those who have received “the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost.” (2 Nephi 31; 3 Nephi 9; D&C 19:31; D&C 20:41) That is, they have been purged of sin ... the spiritual dross has been burned from their souls ... they have been purified and are worthy to receive the companionship of the Holy Ghost. They are now eligible for priceless gifts of the Spirit. Receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost is as a burning light within our souls giving us feelings of warmth and righteousness. It is a power with which we can turn any unclean thing away from us.

Scripturally God's ancient people (as we do today) viewed fire as a symbol of spiritual power, illuminating, inspiring, and enlightening; but also in association with being tested. We are tested and “tried by fire” while on this earth, but with the gift of the Holy Ghost, one might say we have fire with which to fight fire.

Pure Olive Oil

Parable of the Ten Virgins

“And then at that day, before the Son of Man comes, the kingdom of heaven shall be likened unto ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.  And five of them were wise, and five of them were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them; but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.”  (JST Matthew 25:1-6)

That we might more fully understand the teaching that Jesus was giving with this parable, He has given us an interpretation of it for our time.

“At that day, when I shall come in my glory, shall the parable be fulfilled which I spake concerning the ten Virgins. For they that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived ... verily I say unto you, they shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire, but shall abide the day.” (D&C 45: 56-57) The oil that will guide the pure to the royal marriage feast will be the sacred covenants that have been made with the Savior and sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise.

Pure olive oil is an excellent simile or metaphor for the Holy Ghost. Anciently it was a source of light, food, warmth, and healing. It was used medically as an antidote for poisons, and various sicknesses (internally), and as a poultice or ointment for infections, bruises,

wounds, and open sores (externally).

In Old Testament times anointing was a principle part of the ceremony in the inaugurating of kings, priests and prophets. This anointing was a ritual, a consecrating or setting apart of the individual for sacred purposes. Pure olive oil was poured upon the head of the person in a symbolic representation of the Spirit of the Lord that was to be poured out, through him, upon the nation of Israel. Each king, priest, or prophet was standing in place of the Christ who would come as THE great Prophet, Priest and King. Israel would then walk in paths of righteousness. The anointing of the head with pure olive oil represents the spiritual blessings to come from God.

Today, the ritual of washing and anointing with oil consecrates the person's mind, body, and desires to the Lord's service. Pure olive oil is used by the Elders in administering to the sick, and symbolizes the need for an outpouring of healing from the Holy Ghost.

Continuing his instruction on the Holy Ghost, the Prophet Joseph Smith then said: “We believe in the gift of the Holy Ghost being enjoyed now as much as it was in the (early) apostle’s days; we believe that it is necessary to make and to organize the priesthood, that no man can be called to fill any office in the ministry without it; we also believe in  prophecy, in tongues, in visions, and in revelations, in gifts, and in healings; and that these things cannot be enjoyed without the gift of the Holy Ghost. We believe that the holy men of old spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost, and that holy men in these days speak by the same principle; we believe in its’ being a comforter and a witness bearer, that it brings things past to our remembrance, leads us into all truth, and shows us of things to come; we believe that no man can know Jesus is the Christ, but by the Holy Ghost.”

Wind

We cannot see the wind, but we see its effects, and so with the Holy Ghost. In Hebrew the words for spirit and wind are identical.

On the day of Pentecost the Spirit was there in the “rushing mighty wind and filled all the house.”

In the dedicatory prayer of the Kirtland Temple, the prophet Joseph prayed, “Let thy house be filled, as with a rushing mighty wind, with thy glory,” and so it was.

I know these things are true and bear witness to the reality of the Holy Ghost, the third member of the Godhead. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Glenn R. McGettigan

June 2012; Revised March 2015

References:

“Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith”

“Parables of Jesus Christ.” Matthews

Bible, Doctrine & Covenants, Pearl of Great Price, Book of Mormon

“Journals of Discourse”

“Discourses of the Holy Ghost.” Lundall

“The Holy Ghost.” 1989. Fielding, McConkie, Millet

#18 John the Baptist Testifies of Jesus

#18 John the Baptist Testifies of Jesus

Two specific scriptures:

John 1:19-28: JB preaching to the priests, Levites, and Pharisees and proclaiming he is not the Christ but is to prepare the way for the Christ who is even now among them.

   

John 1:29-37: JB testifies Jesus is the Lamb of God. There is a mistranslation in John 1:31 & 33, which read “and I knew him not.” The prophet Joseph Smith corrected these both to read “and I knew him.”

We have only a few other passages of scripture that give us a glimpse of John’s testimony of Jesus:

     Direct: Mathew 3; Mark 1; Luke 1; John 3.

     Indirect: Matthew 11; Luke 7:18-35. 

John was prepared from the beginning to be the forerunner for the Savior’s advent to the earth.  His father and mother (Zacharias and Elisabeth) knew of this calling from before John’s birth, and we can assume they raised their son to this end. Upon his reaching the age of thirty, John began his mission with great force and vigor. His signature cry for all to repent always bore testimony of the immediate coming of the long-awaited Son of God, and John’s role as the Elias, the forerunner to prepare a people to receive Him.

JB drew large crowds, many of them wondering if he is the Christ. He emphatically says “no,” he is the one sent by God to prepare the way for the Christ who is soon to come, that is, in fact, already among them!

John points out Jesus to others and says, “Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.” The Jews would understand that “Lamb of God” was another name for the Redeemer, the Deliverer, the Messiah, the One appointed for sacrifice as told of in their Old Testament. John is testifying here of the Atonement that Jesus will accomplish, and that he is the Son of God who will baptize them with the Holy Ghost.

JB knew that the sign of the dove was instituted before the creation of the world to be a witness for the Holy Ghost. He also knew it would be a promised sign to him and others of the truth of the action of JB baptizing Jesus. With all his powers the devil cannot come in the sign of the dove.

Glenn R. McGettigan

June 2012; Revised August 2014

References:

“Doctrinal New Testament Commentary.”  Volume 1. McConkie

Joseph Smith Translation

“Our Lord of the Gospels.” Clark

“Messages of the First Presidency.”  Volume 1. Clark

#16 The Baptism of Jesus

#16 The Baptism of Jesus

           

Author’s note: It would be easy to include information about baptism in general here; however, my purpose is to try and limit comments and observations to those pertinent to the specific baptism of our Savior.

  Scriptures:

  Matthew 3 and JST Mathew 3

  Mark 1 and JST Mark 1

  Luke 3 and JST Luke 3

  John 1; 1 Nephi 11; 2 Nephi 31; D & C Section 93

Jesus comes to John the Baptist (JB) to be baptized. It is now time for him to begin his ministry on earth; he has been prepared by the Father and now at age thirty qualifies under Jewish law to teach and be heard. Jesus knew JB was the only legal administrator there with the authority to perform baptisms. John, knowing by the Spirit who Jesus was, objected at first.  Jesus explains to John the need for authority (John holds the Aaronic Priesthood) and for all things to be done in proper order. Jesus must so likewise be obedient and be baptized to “fulfill all righteousness.” John then baptizes Jesus.

“To fulfill all righteousness:”

Jesus was the one sinless person. Jesus did not need to have any sins forgiven; however, as he himself said, it was necessary for him to be baptized. Nephi gives us four reasons as to how and why he did this:

     1. He humbled himself before the Father.

     2. He showed obedience and covenanted to keep the commandments.

     3. Baptism is required of all to enter the Celestial Kingdom.

     4. Jesus was to set the example for all to follow.

All who attain the Celestial Kingdom will, like Jesus, need to “fulfill all righteousness,” which means to perform every ordinance, keep the commandments, and do all else the Father requires to attain eternal life. None but Jesus is perfect in this life, but as we strive to live righteously, continue to repent, and endure to the end, the Atoning Sacrifice of our Savior will make up for where we fall short.

When we enter the waters of baptism we symbolize the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.  Just so also when Jesus was baptized did this portend of the Atonement, when Jesus would open the doors of the resurrection for all of God's earthly children.

As Jesus went forth with his ministry he taught all to follow him ... “What manner of men ought ye to be? ... even as I am.” 3 Nephi 27:27. When we enter the waters of baptism we commit and proclaim to the world identification with Christ in his death, burial, and resurrection. We bind ourselves to him in whose name we are baptized.

The King James version of the Bible says when Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens opened unto Him and he saw the Spirit of God descending, and heard the voice of the Father from heaven, saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” The Joseph Smith translation says John the Baptist saw and heard these things too. Also, that the Father said, “in whom I am well pleased. Hear ye him.” As Jesus “went up straightway out of the water” John saw the heavens open, he beheld the manifestations of the Holy Ghost, and he heard the voice of the Father testifying of the divinity of his Son. We are not told whether any of the multitude also saw or heard these things. I cannot help but feel this was the Father's announcing his Son to the world, “Hear ye Him.” These additional words given in the JST would add strength to John's testimony of Jesus as the Son of God.

“The Sign of the Dove:”

Prophet Joseph Smith:

“The sign of the dove was instituted before the creation of the world, a witness for the Holy Ghost, and the devil cannot come in the sign of the dove. The Holy Ghost is a personage, and is in the form of a personage. It does not confine itself to the form of the dove, but in sign of the dove. The Holy Ghost cannot be transformed into a dove; but the sign of a dove was given to John to signify the truth of the deed, as the dove is an emblem or token of truth and innocence.”  (Teachings of Joseph Smith p.275-276)

It thus appears that John witnessed the sign of the dove, that he saw the Holy Ghost descend in the “bodily shape” of the personage that he is, and that the descent was “like a dove.” (Apostle Bruce R. McConkie)

Also, of interest is the fact that all four gospel writers record this event with the words, “like a dove.” This is not the case with many of the recorded events about Jesus.

We also see plainly here the three separate members of the Godhead; God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost in the same place and at the same time, separately.

Glenn R. McGettigan

February 2012; Revised April 2014

References:

“Scriptural Teachings of Prophet Joseph Smith.” Smith / Galbraith

“Doctrinal New Testament Commentary.”  McConkie

“Companion Study of New Testament.”  Ludlow

“Teachings of Prophet Joseph Smith.”

“Our Lord of the Gospels.” Clark

“Jesus the Christ.” Talmage

“Life and Teachings of Jesus Christ.” Holzapfel and Wayment

“LDS Bible Dictionary.”

“Vines Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words.”

“Biblical Archeological Review.” March 1992 Jesus / Baptism / Dead Sea Scrolls

“Latter Day Prophets and Doctrine Covenants.” Volume 1. Whitney

“Journal of Discourses” Volume 2. Grant

“Commentary on the Book of Mormon.” Volume’s 1 & 2. Reynolds & Sjodahl

“Answers to Gospel Questions.” Volume 2. Smith

            

#15 John Preaches and Baptizes

#15 John Preaches and Baptizes

Please First Read: John 1:19-28

Matthew, Mark, Luke as noted herein

The entire Jewish nation had long been waiting in anticipation for the Messiah and his Elias (forerunner) to come. When John the Baptist (JB) began preaching and warning that this was now beginning to take place, large numbers of people came to see. It was said that Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to see and hear him. Converts are being baptized in increasing numbers and throngs of Jews are following John.

This quickly comes to the attention of the leaders of the great Sanhedrin, and they send their priests and Levites to investigate, question, and test JB as to who he is and why he is doing this. There has been no authorization or preapproval given by these Jewish leaders.

To their questions John replies he is not the Messiah, but he is the forerunner, the promised Elias, who is now sent to prepare the way for the Messiah who is on his way. John says he is the voice of one crying in the wilderness to make ready for the Lord. He holds the Aaronic Priesthood and has been sent by God to baptize with water and make ready a people for the Messiah. This Messiah is coming in the power and authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood and will baptize both with water and the Spirit. John tells the people and those sent to question him that the Messiah now stands among you and ye know him not, but you soon will. He shall bring the fullness of the Gospel and restore all things. (“Doctrinal New Testament Commentary” Volume 1, Bruce R. McConkie, p.128-130. “Our Lord of the Gospels” J. R. Clark, p.183-189.)

Holzapfel and Wayment:

The appearance of JB is sudden and ushers in a radical transformation of the religious, social, and political activities and forces within the Jewish nation. The coming of one claiming to be a prophet after nearly 500 years with the heavens closed is certainly dramatic. The people arewell aware of the Old Testament prophets who have testified of this time to come.

John is calling all to repent. The Greek word for repent means literally “to change one's mind,” and his call is for a complete change of heart and behavior, and to forsake and return to God.   His preaching is very direct and accusatory against them and their present political and religious leaders. In fact, he challenges and denounces the authority they claim to have from God, and condemns their behavior. (Volume 1 p.160-180)

“Luke emphasizes the fact that the Jews must make a fresh start because they had, through sin, forfeited their status as the ‘children of Abraham.’”  (JST Luke 3:13)

Among the Jewish leaders themselves there were a number expecting and waiting for a new prophet to arise, followed by the coming Messiah. Many of these journeyed to hear John, accepted his message, and were baptized. (JST Matthew 1:33; Mark 1:3,4,5; Luke 3:12)                                  

Apostle Bruce R. McConkie:

John the Baptist was “filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's Womb,” was ordained by God when 8 days old, and empowered then to over-throw the kingdom of the Jews. He was to make straight the way of the Lord before the face of his people, and to prepare them for the coming of the Lord.  (D & C 84: 27-28)

“There was a tradition among the Jews ... that when the Messiah came he would cry repentance, and the new kingdom would be ushered in by a great movement of reformation. John's preaching was so persuasive, so powerful, that great hosts flocked to him from Jerusalem and all Judea.” (p.425-434)

Suggested additional reading:

Apostle James E. Talmage's book, “Jesus the Christ,” written by assignment from the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and first published in 1915, is a beautiful account of John, “the voice in the wilderness,” pages 121-125. Reading it will be a bright spot in your day.

Glenn R. McGettigan

March 2012; Revised May 2014

#14.1 Jesus and John the Baptist

#14.1 Jesus and John the Baptist

John was of the lineage of Aaron, who held the keys of the Aaronic Priesthood. Worthy male descendants down to the time of John the Baptist (JB) had that Priesthood conferred on them. Thus as a descendent of Aaron he held those keys and was authorized to function in the ordinances and duties of temple service. Both his mother Elizabeth and father Zacharias were descendants of Aaron.

JB was the last legal administrator, holding the priesthood keys and authority under the Mosaic dispensation. He was charged with several responsibilities:

1.      He came in the spirit of an Elias to prepare the way for Jesus to come to the earth to fulfill His mission, including the Atonement. An Elias is one called to prepare the way for a greater revelation from God. Jewish prophets had foretold of an Elias (Elijah) that would precede the coming of the Lord “in the spirit of Elias.” (Luke 1:17)

2.      JB was given the privilege to baptize the Redeemer, and would witness the Holy Ghost descend in the form of a dove attesting to the truth of the event.

3.      He was the only legal administrator on the earth in God's kingdom, holding the priesthood keys and power, and sanctioned by God the Father. His was the beginning of the dispensation of the Meridian of time. His authority came from God. JB would be the last legal administrator of the old Mosaic law and the first of the new. With him ended the old law and with him began the new era of promise … the past died and the future was born.

At this time the Jewish nation was under the oppressive rule of Rome. They had come to believe that heavenly visions and prophets were a thing of the past and no longer existed in Israel. They were well aware of the ancient prophecies of a Messiah to come and release them from bondage, and save them. Of course they were most anxious for this to happen and prayed and constantly looked for the Deliverer to come.

Zacharia, his father, was officiation in the temple one day when an angel (Gabriel) appeared to him. The angel told Zacharia his wife, who was barren of children to this time and well advanced in years, would bear a son who would be the prophesied forerunner to prepare the Jews to receive the Messiah who would soon come to earth. (Luke 1) The angel said the child must be named John; he would be a blessing to the people, great in the sight of the Lord; he was to drink neither wine nor strong drink; would be filled with the Holy Ghost and bring many souls to God.   John would bring the first converts into the restored Church of Jesus Christ.

The Holy Ghost fell upon John before he was born, while still in his mother's womb … a miracle that was apparently part of our Father's plan and preparation for Johns calling. He was ordained by the angel of God when he was eight days old with the power to overthrow the kingdom of the Jew's and prepare them to receive the Lord “in whose hands is given all power.” The gospel writer Mark tells us that Jesus' coming was “the beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God” coming again to the earth.

Zacharia and Elizabeth were devout Jews. They observed the Mosaic laws and commandments and John was so raised. John was about 6 months old when Herod's edict went out to destroy all male children born back to the time of Jesus' birth. His mother took the baby John into the mountains to save him. John did not thus spend his youth in the synagogues and temple courts, but in the desert wilderness where he was prepared by the Lord for his mission. The word of God came to John in the wilderness.

We know that John was baptized at eight years of age. John “waxed strong in spirit” and became a tower of strength. At age 30 he began his mission of calling the people to repentance, preaching the gospel, and telling them to prepare for the Lord's coming which was imminent.

Because of the unusual circumstances of John's birth, the event would be well known throughout Judea:

1.      The annunciation by the angel Gabriel to Zacharias in the temple.

2.      The crowds that recognized Zacharias had seen a vision while therein.

3.      Zacharias being struck dumb but still able to communicate to them what had happened.

4.      His parents being years past time for having children and John being their firstborn.

5.      Zacharias regaining his speech when John is born and given the name John.

Herod knew of John's birth around the time of Jesus' birth and wanted the child killed. When Zacharias refused to tell where the child was Herod had him slain. Later Herod also had John killed.

Glenn R. McGettigan