In John 3 we read about the night visit of Nicodemus to Jesus. He was a Pharisee and one of the rulers of the Jews. Apparently he went to Jesus at night so he wouldn't be seen by anyone, but he starts his inquiry by saying ". . . we know that thou art a teacher come from God. . ." We indicates that at least one other person knew he was going to see Him. Nicodemus may have just been curious about what he'd heard, but at least he acknowledged that Jesus couldn't have performed miracles unless God was with Him.
What we learn from his visit is the importance of being born again. Jesus told him that "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." (vs 3). Then he said, "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God" (vs. 5). To see the kingdom of God is not the same thing as to enter therein. Having a spiritual rebirth, or being born again, consists of two general parts.
The Prophet Joseph Smith explained: "There is a difference between the Holy Ghost and the gift of the Holy Ghost. Cornelius received the Holy Ghost before he was baptized, which was the convincing power of God unto him of the truth of the Gospel, but he could not receive the gift of the Holy Ghost until after he was baptized. Had he not taken this sign or ordinance upon him, the Holy Ghost which convinced him of the truth of God, would have left him." (Teachings, p. 119.)
To have the Holy Ghost witness to a sincere seeker of truth that the Gospel is true is to "see" the kingdom. That person must accept the witness and then be baptized into the true church before he can be given the gift of the Holy Ghost, by the laying on of hands by one holding proper Priesthood authority. Participating in those ordinances prepares a person to "enter" the kingdom of God, but it doesn't just automatically happen. Former Church President, Harold B. Lee explained it this way:
"Baptism by immersion symbolizes the death and burial of the man of sin; and the coming forth out of the water, the resurrection to a newness of spiritual life. After baptism, hands are laid upon the head of the baptized believer, and he is blessed to receive the Holy Ghost. Thus does the one baptized receive the promise or gift of the Holy Ghost or the privilege of being brought back into the presence of one of the Godhead, by obedience to whom and through his faithfulness one so blessed might receive the guidance and direction of the Holy Ghost in his daily walks and talks, even as Adam walked and talked in the Garden of Eden with God, his Heavenly Father. To receive such guidance and such direction from the Holy Ghost is to be spiritually reborn."
Elder Bruce R. McConkie, a former Apostle explained: "Mere compliance with the formality of the ordinance of baptism does not mean that a person has been born again. No one can be born again without baptism, but the immersion in water and the laying on of hands to confer the Holy Ghost do not of themselves guarantee that a person has been or will be born again. The new birth takes place only for those who actually enjoy the gift or companionship of the Holy Ghost, only for those who are fully converted, who have given themselves without restraint to the Lord. Thus Alma addressed himself to his 'brethren of the church,' and pointedly asked them if they had 'spiritually been born of God,' received the Lord's image in their countenances, and had the 'mighty change' in their hearts which always attends the birth of the Spirit. (Alma 5:14-31.)" (McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p. 101.)
To receive and enjoy the gift of the Holy Ghost in this life is the greatest gift we can receive here, and to have Eternal Life and Exaltation is the greatest gift of God for eternity. The purpose of life here on earth is to prepare for life hereafter. We must be spiritually born again and have the companionship and guidance of the Holy to help us qualify for the blessings of Eternal Life. Eternity is a very long time! Nothing this world has to offer is worth forfeiting the blessings of Eternal Life for. There just isn't time to seek a life of money and pleasure (even if no "sin" is involved), and still be able to devote our energy, hearts, and minds to things of the Spirit. We are free to choose, but we really can't have it both ways.
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