THEOLOGY

LECTURE FIVE

On the doctrine of Christ

Of Charity

The objects and virtues upon which charity rests –

Part 4: Obtaining hope and its connection with charity

1. Having discussed what charity is and the foundational objects and virtues upon which it rests we now turn to the final foundational virtue—that of hope. However, it is impossible to discuss obtaining hope without talking about obtaining charity as the two are inexorably intertwined.
2. Yes, charity is the greatest of all, as Paul states, but it comes immediately with the realization that our hope is obtained. We intend to shed the light of the scriptures on this relationship and explain why and how hope and charity are so often joined in holy writ.
3. This lecture will address our final foundational virtue, hope, and discuss how hope is obtained and, ultimately, as we will see, point toward how charity is obtained as well.
4. Hope, is a very misunderstood virtue amongst the followers of Christ. At the root of this misunderstanding is the fact that hope is used in two different contexts throughout scripture.
5. Firstly, there is the hope spoken of which is a desire to believe.
6. Secondly there is the hope in Christ which is “obtained”.
7. As we will see, these are two very different definitions of hope.
8. Since charity rests upon hope, we need to understand both definitions, with an emphasis on the hope which is obtained in Christ.
9. To begin, we must first understand hope as a desire to believe.
10. We read in Mormon’s letter to his son, Moroni: “How is it that ye can attain unto faith, save ye shall have hope?” Moroni 7:40. From Paul’s epistle to the Hebrews: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1. And from Alma “And now as I said concerning faith—faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true.” Alma 32:21
11. In these examples we see hope referred to as a foundational desire and a predecessor to faith. Faith is impossible to exercise without hope as a desire to believe.
12. Continuing, Alma states, “But behold, if ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith, yea, even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you, even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my words.” Alma 32:27
13. We see here that the desire to believe—the hope—must be present to exercise even a particle of faith. It is this foundational hope or desire which all who hear the word of God and want to see it active in their lives must take hold upon in order to begin to believe enough to test the words of God as delivered by his prophets and messengers.
14. Without the hope that something better might come, faith in Christ, and in his atoning sacrifice cannot be exercised.
15. However, there is a different type of hope, or perhaps better stated, a higher level of hope, which we will refer to as “obtained hope”, or “hope obtained”, which is also discussed in scripture.
16. This “hope obtained” is a result of our exercising faith in Christ, repenting of sins, fulfilling the commandments, humbling ourselves mightily before the Lord, and receiving the baptism of water and the baptism of fire, and receiving the Holy Ghost.
17. This process is referred to in scripture as “entering in by the way” or “entering in at the gate”.
18. Having thus entered into the way we have revealed to us, by and through the Holy Ghost, that we are worthy to stand at the right hand of God. This knowledge of our standing before God is hope obtained, which scriptures also refer to as “a perfect brightness of hope”.
19. Note in scripture how prominent this hope is and note that it comes of faith (as opposed to hope as a desire to believe which must precede faith).
20. Jacob, brother of Nephi, proclaimed: “Wherefore, we search the prophets, and we have many revelations and the spirit of prophecy; and having all these witnesses we obtain a hope, and our faith becometh unshaken, insomuch that we truly can command in the name of Jesus and the very trees obey us, or the mountains, or the waves of the sea.~ Wherefore, beloved brethren, be reconciled unto him through the atonement of Christ, his Only Begotten Son, and ye may obtain a resurrection, according to the power of the resurrection which is in Christ, and be presented as the first-fruits of Christ unto God, having faith, and obtained a good hope of glory in him before he manifesteth himself in the flesh.” Jacob 4:6, 11
21. Further, in Ether, we read Moroni’s commentary stating: “Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God.” Ether 12:4
22. Paul puts this obtained hope following faith: “For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.” Galatians 5:5
23. Nephi also puts this obtained hope in its proper order, following the receipt of the Holy Ghost, when he shared from his experience, “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. And then are ye in this strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life; yea, ye have entered in by the gate; ye have done according to the commandments of the Father and the Son; and ye have received the Holy Ghost, which witnesses of the Father and the Son, unto the fulfilling of the promise which he hath made, that if ye entered in by the way ye should receive. And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye 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 save. Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.” 2 Nephi 31:17-20
24. We see from the aforementioned scriptures that the hope obtained is far more than hope as a desire to believe. This hope obtained is revealed knowledge that we have properly entered into the way, we have had our sins remitted by and through the atonement of Christ, and that we are worthy to stand in his presence. It comes with the visitation, or receipt, of the Holy Ghost—which event the scriptures refer to as the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost. And this hope obtained is part of what is referred to as the “gift of the Holy Ghost”—for what greater gift can one receive than a remission of their sins and a knowledge that they have been made clean before their Maker?
25. One of the most prominent displays of hope obtained, this knowing one’s position and station before the Lord, was uttered by Enos, the prophet who wrestled in mighty prayer before God until he received a remission of his sins—and then turned his prayers to his brethren and even his enemies. Enos leaves off his writing with this profoundly personal statement showing that his hope had been obtained: “And I soon go to the place of my rest, which is with my Redeemer; for I know that in him I shall rest. And I rejoice in the day when my mortal shall put on immortality, and shall stand before him; then shall I see his face with pleasure, and he will say unto me: Come unto me, ye blessed, there is a place prepared for you in the mansions of my Father. Amen.” Enos 1:27
26. We see here a prophet of God use personal pronouns such as “I” and “my” at least ten times in one short passage, describing what he has seen in his future. Enos had most assuredly obtained a hope in Christ!
27. It is important for us to focus on the baptism of fire and receiving the Holy Ghost as this is the important event which must precede the receipt of a hope obtained; and a hope obtained must, in turn, precede receiving charity. Joseph Smith said, “You might as well baptize a bag of sand as a man, if not done in view of the remission of sins and getting of the Holy Ghost. Baptism by water is but half a baptism, and is good for nothing without the other half—that is, the baptism of the Holy Ghost.” History of the Church, 5:499
28. And the Savior says, “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” John 3:5
29. For clarification, we should note the difference between the ordinance of laying on of the hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost with the actual baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost. In LDS theology, the two are often taught as one and the same event. However, this is not the case. The baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost might precede the laying on of the hands ordinance, it might come at the same time as the ordinance, and it might come days, weeks, or even years after the ordinance depending upon our willingness, humility, faith, repentance, and godly walk. (For further details on the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost see Appendix B for scriptural accounts and Appendix C for individual accounts.)
30. Sadly, due to the foolish traditions of men, there are good people who go about their lives thinking that they have received the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost because they have received an ordinance wherein they were admonished to “receive the Holy Ghost”. However, this was a directive to the individual to press forward to receive the Holy Ghost! The Holy Ghost does not come at the command of a priesthood holder, however worthy, and enter the person upon whom they lay hands. The baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost can only be directed by the Savior.
31. Note Christ’s words to those he visited in the Americas, “And whoso cometh unto me with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, him will I baptize with fire and with the Holy Ghost…” 3 Nephi 9:20 and “Blessed are ye if ye shall give heed unto the words of these twelve whom I have chosen from among you to minister unto you, and to be your servants; and unto them I have given power that they may baptize you with water; and after that ye are baptized with water, behold, I will baptize you with fire and with the Holy Ghost…” 3 Nephi 12:1
32. Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdrey were baptized with fire and with the Holy Ghost upon their baptism in water even though the keys of the higher priesthood had not yet been restored to the earth! Neither of them had power to perform the ordinance of laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost yet we read in their history as follows:
33. “No sooner had I baptized Oliver Cowdery, than the Holy Ghost fell upon him, and he stood up and prophesied many things which should shortly come to pass. And again, so soon as I had been baptized by him, I also had the spirit of prophecy, when, standing up, I prophesied concerning the rise of this Church, and many other things connected with the Church, and this generation of the children of men. We were filled with the Holy Ghost, and rejoiced in the God of our salvation. Our minds being now enlightened, we began to have the scriptures laid open to our understandings, and the true meaning and intention of their more mysterious passages revealed unto us in a manner which we never could attain to previously, nor ever before had thought of…” JS-History 1:73-74
34. We read in the Book of Mormon during Nephi and Lehi’s ministry to the Lamanites of a group of 300 upon whom fell the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost (possibly even before their baptism in water): “And behold, the Holy Spirit of God did come down from heaven, and did enter into their hearts, and they were filled as if with fire, and they could speak forth marvelous words. 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.” Helaman 5:45-47
35. We know that this was a baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost because Christ testified of this event when in resurrected form to the Nephites he proclaimed, “…I baptize with fire and with the Holy Ghost, even as the Lamanites, because of their faith in me at the time of their conversion, were baptized with fire and with the Holy Ghost, and they knew it not.” 3 Nephi 9:20
36. Others, such as Peter and the Apostles, did not receive their baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost until some years after their baptisms in water (many had received the baptism of John the Baptist which preceded Christ’s ministry), possibly years after their receipt of the Holy Priesthood, and even weeks after Christ’s atonement and crucifixion. “And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Acts 2:2-4
37. What we learn from these scriptures is that the Lord is in charge of this event (and we use the term event deliberately). He will baptize with fire and the Holy Ghost those who exercise faith, repent, and turn unto Him with full purpose of heart.
38. This event carries many names – here we have been using the name the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost but we also read in scripture such terms as “receiving the Holy Ghost”, being “born of the Spirit”, receiving “the mighty change of heart”, entering into “the straight and narrow path”, being “born again”, becoming “sanctified”, and becoming “a son or daughter of God”.
39. Often, by tradition, we are taught that this baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost or mighty change of heart is a process. From scripture, we witness that it is not. It is an event. The event might be brought on by a process, even a long and difficult process, but when the event occurs there is no doubt that the event has occurred. Scriptures do not record any other way. They do not provide any record of any individual being baptized by slow warming, giving up a part of their sins, being half-broken hearted, or somewhat contrite.
40. Our Father in Heaven is the same yesterday, today, and forever and we can see this in the life of the first man, Adam, where the principal was recorded as follows:
41. “And it came to pass, when the Lord had spoken with Adam, our father, that Adam cried unto the Lord, and he was caught away by the Spirit of the Lord, and was carried down into the water, and was laid under the water, and was brought forth out of the water. And thus he was baptized, and the Spirit of God descended upon him, and thus he was born of the Spirit, and became quickened in the inner man. And he heard a voice out of heaven, saying: Thou art baptized with fire, and with the Holy Ghost. This is the record of the Father, and the Son, from henceforth and forever; And thou art after the order of him who was without beginning of days or end of years, from all eternity to all eternity. Behold, thou art one in me, a son of God; and thus may all become my sons. Amen.” Moses 6:64-68
42. As we experience this event the Spirit is poured out in such measure that we cannot deny when it occurs. It is unmistakable. We are purged from our sins. We might hear the voice of the Lord or one of his servants declaring that our sins are forgiven. We might speak in tongues, or prophecy, or see ministering angels, or feel the quickening power of God. We might have peace spoken to our souls, or any number of combinations of the above events. 
43. Regardless of the specific circumstances, environment, or gifts which may be poured out on the recipient, when the event occurs we all experience redemption. We all experience a rebirth of the Spirit. We all experience a mighty change of heart. We all know by revelation that we are sanctified by the Lord. We all have no more disposition to do evil. And we all receive two gifts of the Spirit: Hope and Charity.
44. We will leave off from this lecture sharing the words of Mormon to his son, Moroni, which words outline this divine process for obtaining hope and perfect love (charity) on which we will expand in the following lecture.
45. “And the first fruits of repentance is baptism; and baptism cometh by faith unto the fulfilling the commandments; and the fulfilling the commandments bringeth remission of sins; And the remission of sins bringeth meekness, and lowliness of heart; and because of meekness and lowliness of heart cometh the visitation of the Holy Ghost, which Comforter filleth with hope and perfect love, which love endureth by diligence unto prayer, until the end shall come, when all the saints shall dwell with God.” Moroni 8:25-26

Author’s note: It has been pointed out to me by others that the above lecture potentially contains incorrect doctrine. The point in question is whether or not the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost can precede an individual’s baptism in water, by immersion. The author’s intent is not to create confusion or contention in any way. So, presented in Appendix B are scriptures outlining differing views. The author invites the reader to make this question a matter of study and prayer.