I now want to focus our attention upon the sanctifying influence the Holy Ghost can be in our lives. Repenting and coming unto Christ through the covenants and ordinances of salvation are prerequisite to and a preparation for being sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost and standing spotless before God at the last day.
As we do so, we will eventually and ultimately come to know Him (see John 17:3), “in his own time, and in his own way, and according to his own will” ( D&C 88:68), as did the people in the land of Bountiful. In a similar manner, you and I are admonished to turn toward and learn from Christ and to come unto Him through the covenants and ordinances of His restored gospel. He emphasized the eternal importance of the ordinances of baptism (see 3 Nephi 11:19–39) and of receiving the Holy Ghost (see 3 Nephi 11:35–36 12:6 18:36–38). The Savior also taught the people to come unto Him through sacred covenants, and He reminded them that they were “the children of the covenant” ( 3 Nephi 20:26). Each individual who had this experience “did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he” ( v. The multitude gathered together at the temple was invited literally to come forth unto the Savior “one by one” ( 3 Nephi 11:15) to feel the prints of the nails in the Master’s hands and feet and to thrust their hands into His side. The risen Lord next explained the importance of coming unto Him. Repentance is the sweet fruit that comes from faith in the Savior and involves turning toward God and away from sin.
As we appropriately seek for and receive the spiritual gift of faith in the Redeemer, we then turn to and rely upon the merits, the mercy, and the grace of the Holy Messiah (see 2 Nephi 2:8). First was repentance, “a turning of the heart and will to God, and a renunciation of sin” (Bible Dictionary, “Repentance,” 760). The basic principles outlined by the Master in this scripture are essential for us to understand and apply in our lives. Said He, “Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day” ( 3 Nephi 27:20). As the Savior’s time with the people was drawing to a close, He succinctly summarized the fundamental principles of His gospel. The Savior’s Ministry in the New Worldĭuring the Lord’s three-day ministry in the New World, He taught His doctrine, authorized His disciples to perform priesthood ordinances, healed the sick, prayed for the people, and lovingly blessed the children. I pray for the guidance of the Spirit for me and for you. Today I want to review with you one of my favorite Book of Mormon events, the Savior’s appearance in the New World, and discuss His instruction to the multitude about the sanctifying power of the Holy Ghost. I came to know for myself that the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ and contains the fulness of His everlasting gospel (see D&C 27:5). Through the simple consistency of her example and testimony, my mother kindled in me the first flames of faith in the Savior and in His latter-day Church. I especially remember her description of the Savior’s visit to the American continent following His Resurrection and of His teachings to the people in the land of Bountiful. She had a way of making the scriptural episodes come alive in my youthful imagination, and I did not doubt that my mother had a witness of the truthfulness of that sacred record. I have fond childhood memories of my mother reading Book of Mormon stories to me.
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