We Must Be Born Again

Okay, another post. This one, again, is for my religion class. Please feel free to comment! 

Choice 9: John 3. We Must Be Born Again

The Savior declared that we must be “born again” (John 3:3). Review John 3:1–8; Mosiah 5:7. Then respond in writing to the following questions and instructions:

•What is the difference between “seeing” the kingdom of God and “entering” the kingdom of God?

            I think that the difference between “seeing” the Kingdom of God and “entering” the kingdom of God is the same thing as having a goal in sight and actually achieving that goal. You can know what you need to do to enter the kingdom of God without ever actually entering. You have to see it to enter it, but not vice versa.

• What did Jesus Christ teach Nicodemus that he must do to enter the kingdom of God?

            Christ taught him that he must be baptized before he enters the kingdom of God.

• What does it mean to be “born of water”?

            Being born of water is different than being born of the Spirit. To be born of water is being baptized, when you make covenants with the Lord.

•Read Moses 6:59 and list ways that baptism is a symbol of rebirth. Read Romans 6:4 and list how baptism can be a symbol of death.

            In Moses 6:59, it says, “That by reason of transgression cometh the fall, which fall bringeth death… even so ye must be born again into the kingdom of heaven…” Sin is like death. When we are baptized we are cleansed of our sins and made new, with no sin, like a child.

            In Romans 6:4, it says, “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death…” Christ was raised from the dead, and baptism is a symbol of that. We go into the water, as if being buried, and then we come out of the water, as if rising from the dead.

•What does it mean to be “born of the Spirit”?

            Being born of the Spirit is being confirmed, when we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

• What natural element does the Lord compare with the Spirit? Why is it an effective comparison?

I think this is talking about the Spirit coming in the form of a dove. The spirit came, not as a dove, but in the sign of a dove... the dove is a symbole created before this earth was. The devil cannot take the shape of a dove. 

Review John 3:14–17, 35–36. Write a paragraph that describes who the Father loves, what He has done to show his love for his children and for Jesus Christ, what the purpose of the Savior was, and what blessings will come to those who accept the Son.

Our Heavenly Father loves all of His children. To show is love to us, he has given us “his only begotten son” that we could be saved. He threw us a lifeline, and we have to grab on. In John 3:35, it says, “The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.” The purpose of the Savior is to be our lifeline. If we come to accept the son, we will have everlasting life. 

The Baptism of Jesus Christ

Finally! A new post! I am taking a class for summer semester and one of the things we can do is share what we learned! What better way than to do this on my blog! 

Okay, I am going to talk about the Baptism of Jesus Christ (as made obvious by the title of this post). I will ask a question and answer it to the best of my abilities. If you think you might have a better answer, or something to add, feel free to comment! 

Why was John hesitant to baptize Jesus?

In Matt 3, John says, "I have need to be baptized of thee, and thou comest thou to me?" He does not feel worthy to baptize Christ because Christ is perfect and John is not. He feels that he, himself, should be the one getting baptized.

What is taught here about the Holy Ghost?

In the Institute Manual Commentary on Matthew, it says, "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 a 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." (Sorry, that was quite long). The Holy Ghost cannot take the form other than a personage.

Jesus Christ said He must be baptized to "fulfill all righteousness." List three reasons why Jesus Christ was baptized (see 2 Nephi 31:6-11). 

1. He needed to set an example. Christ is the ultimate example and our goal in this life is to try to be as Christ-like as possible. If he did not get baptized, then we would be less inclined to be baptized. 

2. It was part of "the rules". To be part of the Church, you must first be baptized. What kind of leader would not follow His own rules? 

3. He needed to show the world that he "...humbleth himself before the Father, and witnesseth unto the Father that he would be obedient unto him in keeping his commandments" (2 Nephi 31:7).

What evidence is found in Matthew 3:16-17 that the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are three separate personages in the Godhead?

The scriptures tell us that the "Spirit of God [descended] like a dove" (Matt 3:16). Then Heavenly Father said "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased..." All of the members of the Godhead are all doing different things, which they wouldn't be able to if they were all one person.

Well, there you go! Enjoy! Make sure to comment if you have any thoughts!