Rays of Living Light on the One Way of Salvation — John Shaqi
Rays of Living Light on the One Way of SalvationPenrose, Charles W. (Charles William)
Religion
Rays of Living Light on the One Way of Salvation
Penrose, Charles W. (Charles William)
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints -- Doctrines; Latter Day Saint churches -- Doctrines
One of the potent proofs of the possession of the Holy Ghost in the
early Christian Church was the unity it established. No matter what
were the conflicting faiths and opposing creeds entertained by the
people of that day previous to receiving the spirit of the
everlasting gospel, after baptism and the laying on of hands for the
gift of the Holy Ghost, they all became one in Christ Jesus. As Paul
wrote to the Ephesians: "There is one body, and one Spirit, even as
ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one
baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through
all, and in you all" (Ephesians 4:4-6). "For as many of you as have
been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew
nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor
female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:27-28).
"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye
are called in one body; and be ye thankful" (Colossians 3:15). "For
as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of
that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by
one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or
Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to
drink into one Spirit" (I Corinthians 12:12, 13). In his prayer to
the Father that all who believed in him might be one, Jesus spoke of
this unity as proof to the world that God had sent him (John 17:21).
The great purpose of the gift of the Holy Ghost was to guide into
all truth, and bring its possessors to "the unity of the faith and
the knowledge of the Son of God." Strife, contention, division, are
not the fruits of the Holy Spirit, but come from beneath. "For where
envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work"
(James 3:16).
The presence and inspiration of the Holy Ghost, with its gifts,
manifestations and divine light are the signs of spiritual life and
divine acceptance. Without the Holy Ghost there is no true, living
Church of Christ on earth. It can be obtained in no other way than
that which God has appointed. Following the birth of water, the
birth of the Holy Spirit makes man a new creature, and initiates him
into the Church or kingdom of God. Its various gifts are within his
reach according to his faith and diligence in seeking after them.
They are as obtainable in this age as at any former period. By the
Holy Ghost mankind may come to the knowledge of God. In its light
the sayings and writings of inspired men may be clearly understood.
The Bible is no longer a sealed book. The heavens are not closed
against mortals. Darkness flees before it and mysteries vanish. It
brings peace and comfort to the soul. It awakens and thrills the
spiritual sense. It unfolds the things of eternity and the glories
of immortality. It links earth and heaven. It fills the soul with
joy unspeakable, and he who gains and keeps it has boundless wealth
and everlasting life.
RAY NO. 5.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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