ordinance Archives — Denver Snuffer

3 Nephi 11: 22:

“And again the Lord called others, and said unto them likewise; and he gave unto them power to baptize. And he said unto them: On this wise shall ye baptize; and there shall be no disputations among you.”

Space was limited and the mechanics of writing was difficult for Mormon. Therefore, in his abridgement of the account, for all others “the Lord called,” and the ceremony was repeated for each. In the process, He “said likewise” unto each of them. Every individual person was acknowledged by the Lord as having conferred upon each of them “power to baptize” by the Lord.

None of those who received this power had any doubt about their authority to act in this ordinance in the Lord’s name. None of them lacked the “power” to baptize others. None of those who were present, and still kneeling during the ceremony, or who overheard the Lord’s words had any doubts about those who held a commission from Christ to baptize them. Finally, none of those present would have any doubts about the need to be baptized by this newly bestowed power.

Although every one of them had been baptized previously, it becomes apparent that once new power to baptize has been given by Christ, that power ought to be used. It is not given to be neglected. Nor can power endure through neglect. So when given, the power is to be used, and all who were present are candidates for baptism.

Then comes the instruction from Christ as to the manner for performing the ordinance. “On this wise shall ye baptize…” begins the instruction. If the Lord provides the power and then gives the instruction, can the ordinance be changed? What if someone else says they hold the keys, and we all accept the person does in fact hold the keys, can such a person change the manner of baptism? If there is a potential convert who is infirm, ill or elderly and is unable to be baptized in the prescribed manner, can the ordinance be changed in form to accommodate the need? That is exactly how the ordinance was changed after the New Testament times. A reasonable need, and accommodation for that need, resulted in an exception. Then the exception became the rule, and the original manner was forgotten.

If the Lord’s instruction regarding the manner of baptism in this verse cannot be changed, even by one holding keys and authority to do so, then what about other ordinances? Can other ordinances be changed by one who holds keys if they choose to do them differently? Why not? What happens when the one in a recognized position to perform ordinances decides to make changes to the ordinances?

Assume for a moment the Lord instructs Nephi on how to perform baptism, but Nephi decides thereafter to make a change to it. How would that reflect on Nephi? How would that reflect on the Lord? How would it reflect on the Lord’s instruction? What about Joseph Smith’s statement: “Ordinances instituted in the heavens before the foundation of the world, in the priesthood, for the salvation of men, are not to be altered or changed.” (TPJS p. 308) If the Lord gave Nephi the “power” to baptize, does that carry with it the “power” to change it as well?

Well, the purpose behind the Lord giving instructions was that “there shall be no disputations among you.” Does the instruction given by the Lord end as soon as we begin to see “disputations among” followers? Can an opinion poll that shows a majority of those who practice the ordinances don’t relate to them anymore and want to see them altered, create a “disputation” that allows the instruction from the Lord to be altered?

As stupid as these questions may seem, there are people who are genuinely confused by them. So I ask them. You must decide if the Lord’s instructions deserve respect and ought to be followed. Apparently men of good faith, honest hearts, and sincere desires can by reason of their status alone, contradict the Lord’s instructions and people won’t even blink. That’s the beauty of the claim that Rome makes to having Peter’s keys and the ability to seal on earth and in heaven. The Catholics can change anything and no one doubts they had the authority to do it. To allow the possibility that God would not support the Pope would be to entertain the unthinkable. So don’t even hold that thought.

 
  
2 Nephi 31: 17: 
“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.” 
You must “do the things which I have told you I have seen that your  Lord and your Redeemer should do.” You must “follow Him.” There is no other way nor name given under heaven to obtain salvation. (Mosiah 5: 8.)
It was for this reason Nephi was “shown” these things. The Lord and His  Father taught Nephi so he could in turn teach others, including us.   The message was intended to save many, not just Nephi. But we  must give heed to the message when we hear it.
The “gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by  water.” You must repent first. Then, having repented, receive  baptism by water. When this is done, “then cometh a remission of your  sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost.”
Without the “fire” to purge the sacrifice upon the altar, it is not  cleansed. It cannot become holy unless exposed to that fire.
But note – this is automatic. It is not by the laying on of  hands. The laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost is not  required in this teaching. Nephi, with elaboration from the Father and the Son, is teaching that this is an event that follows the process of “repentance and baptism by water.”  That is, the ordinance of baptism, when accompanied by repentance and done right, is the reason for this event. 
Laying on of hands is for “the gift of the Holy Ghost” so there may  be a companion and guide for a person. This is an ordinance. It is  also the moment one is confirmed a member of the church. But  it is not necessarily co-equal with receiving “fire and the Holy Ghost”  as described here. There is nothing that excludes it from being coincidental in time, however. They may happen at the same moment. That is,  after baptism, and while receiving the laying on of hands, one may  receive both the gift of the Holy Ghost, and also fire and the Holy Ghost. As a result one is renewed in the manner described in this  chapter. They are not co-equal.
Laying on of hands does not appear to be an ordinance in the Book of  Mormon until the coming of Christ in 3 Nephi. The only potential  exception is found in Alma 31: 36, where Alma “clapped his hands upon  them who were with him” and they received the Holy Ghost. This is similar to the Lord “breathing” the Holy Ghost upon His  disciples. (John 20: 22.) They were instructed to lay on hands, and  would perform that act rather than breathing upon those who were to  receive the Holy Ghost. The ordinance is different from “clapping” or  from “breathing” and involves the process we follow in the church  today. (D&C 33: 15.)
The baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost promised here is given without  man’s involvement, comes from heaven, is promised by both the Father and  the Son. It is a signal of redemption, purification and holiness. It  is included in the “gate” for entering into God’s presence.  For God is a  “consuming fire” and those who enter into that presence must be able to  endure that fire. (Heb. 12: 29; see also Deu. 4: 24.)  Without the  capacity to do so, a person would be consumed by the flames. (Lev.  10: 1-2.) The fire and the Holy Ghost are also given as a sign to  the recipient that they may know it is safe for them to enter into God’s  presence and not be consumed. In earlier versions of the First Vision,  Joseph described the “pillar of light” as a “pillar of fire” which  gradually descended. He wondered if the trees would be consumed as it  descended, but seeing they were not he thought it safe for him to be  exposed to it as well. When it fell upon him, the vision opened up and  he saw the Father and the Son.
Christ also entered into this glorious light on the Mount of Transfiguration. (Matt. 17: 1-2.)
We are to do as Nephi instructs, “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.”
We live below the standard Christ set for us.  We needn’t. Have faith. Press forward feasting on His words. You can and will find Him there.