John 3 - 4

In a brief conversation, the Savior taught Nicodemus three basic principles in the process of entering the kingdom of God. As Nicodemus, a Pharisee, visited with the Savior under the cover of night, the Savior said -

"...Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." (New Testament John 3:3)

I think it is significant that the Savior taught that a re-birth or a change had to take place in a person just to "see" the kingdom of God. Alma as his brethren -

"...have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?" (Book of Mormon Alma 5:14)

This born again then must be a spiritual re-birth or spiritual witness or communication which of which the Holy Ghost changes ones heart. Alma taught that -

"...he changed their hearts; yea, he awakened them out of a deep sleep, and they awoke unto God. Behold, they were in the midst of darkness; nevertheless, their souls were illuminated by the light of the everlasting word..." (Book of Mormon Alma 5:7)

I think this is what Paul meant when he said -

"Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery..." (New Testament Romans 16:25)

It is all a mystery to those who never experience this re-birth, this change of heart, this witness by the Spirit. But even though one "sees" the kingdom of God, he has not entered into the kingdom of God. The Savior goes on to explain -

"...except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." (New Testament John 3:5)

There appears to be a strong distinction that more faith is required. After one receives a witness of the Spirit does not mean he is "born of the Spirit". To enter the kingdom, one has to be born of the water or baptized and then receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost and be baptized by Fire. President Harold B. Lee taught -

“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.” (Harold B. Lee in CR, Oct. 1947, p. 64.)

Nephi taught his people -

"...I know that if ye shall follow the Son, with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God, but with real intent, repenting of your sins, witnessing unto the Father that ye are willing to take upon you the name of Christ, by baptism—yea, by following your Lord and your Savior down into the water, according to his word, behold, then shall ye receive the Holy Ghost; yea, then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost..." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 31:13)

In this manner you enter in the kingdom of God, -

"...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." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 31:18)

But even though you have entered in the the gate -

"...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.
20 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." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 31:19 - 20)

This is the process -

"...this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 31:21)