In his book ‘Changed Through His Grace’ Brad Wilcox shared the following:
Some associate being born again with baptism, which is an essential ordinance, but spiritual rebirth is usually a much longer process. In the perspective of the plan of salvation, being born again entails much more than the cleansing of baptism described in the Bible. It also includes the development of the soul associated with the covenants of baptism emphasized in the Book of Mormon (see Alma 7:15). As I renew baptismal covenants by partaking of the sacrament every week throughout my life, I engage in the process of trading my “broken heart” (3 Nephi 9:20) for a “new heart.” Christ takes away my “stony heart” and replaces it with a heart of flesh” (Ezekiel 36:26).
After we make covenants at baptism, we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost—a greater endowment of the same feelings associated with the light of Christ and the opportunity to have those feelings with us always.14 As we follow the Spirit’s promptings, He sanctifies us, smooths out our rough edges, and polishes us over time.
During World War II, Elder David B. Haight was flying in a plane over the Pacific when suddenly the engine began spewing flames and smoke, In the terror of that moment, Elder Haight poured out his heart to God. He promised that if he got out of the war alive he would rededicate his life to service in the Church. Elder Haight said, ” I pondered that night that I hadn’t given it my all. I didn’t have my priorities in proper order. That night my whole life passed in review before me. I reappraised my life and recommitted myself to the Lord.”15
That sincere prayer was a turning point. However, Elder Haight was not born again the instant he made his commitment but throughout all the subsequent years that he kept it. This event was only part of strengthening a covenant relationship with the Lord that continued throughout Elder Haight’s lifetime.
As an Apostle, Elder Haight visited the mission where I was serving as a young man. It was my first time seeing an Apostle in such an intimate setting. He told us that, although he had a testimony of the gospel from a young age, he had not always been as active and dedicated as he should have been. “I’ve stolen a few apples in my time,” he stated.
His heartfelt words on that occasion touched me deeply. I figured that since God could still use Elder Haight despite his less-than-perfect past, maybe He could use me. Just as God sanctified Elder Haight, maybe he was willing to polish and refine me as well. My encounter with that Apostle so impressed me that years later I named my son, David, after him. The chance to be born again and become our best selves is one of many ways we are saved by grace. ~Brad Wilcox, His Grace (Deseret Book, Salt Lake City, 2017), (260-62 Dwarsligger® edition)
