As we begin reading Mark for Lesson 7 in the New Testament, you may have that strange feeling of déjà vu. That’s because, according to the Bible Dictionary, Mark has “the least amount of unique material.” Only about 7% of what he writes about is exclusive to this book; the rest was covered by Matthew, Luke, or John. Mark appeals to a general, non-Jewish audience, often defining Jewish words or customs. Mark is also the only gospel writer who was not an apostle; he served as a missionary with Paul.
“The Testimony of St. Mark” (see JST) begins with the preparatory ministry of John the Baptist. Malachi prophesied John’s role as messenger (Malachi 3:1) and called Christ “the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in”. I just thought that was such a wonderful description of the Savior!
John obviously knows his role as messenger, for he preaches of one to come. That one – Jesus – “shall not only baptize you with water, but with fire, and the Holy Ghost” (Mark 1:8). Thus, while John led people into the water and the covenant, their conversion was not complete until they received the gift of the Holy Ghost.
In “New Witness for the Articles of Faith”, Elder Bruce R. McConkie teaches that baptism by water must be preceded by repentance (pages 239 and 291). However, the soul is not fully cleansed until one receives the actual presence of the Holy Ghost, not just the gift. The Holy Ghost itself cannot dwell in an unclean tabernacle, and so a full and total repentance process must be completed. The Holy Ghost then “burn(s) dross and evil out of a human soul as though by fire.”
Although we are given the gift of the Holy Ghost, the right and the opportunity to carry it with us, after we are baptized, that does not mean that the Spirit automatically takes up residence within our hearts. We must be righteous. It is possible to be baptized without full repentance, to immediately fall back into (or to have continued in) ones sins, whether deliberately or thoughtlessly. We must bring that willingness to change to the Lord. Only then will we be able to carry the Holy Spirit as our constant companion.
Related Articles:
Gospel Doctrine: Spiritually Reborn
Gospel Doctrine: Prepare His Ways and Make His Paths Straight