Nephi’s explanation of how to endure to the end is again attributed to the Father. He summarizes what has already been said, but also states that a remission of sins comes by fire and by the Holy Ghost (vv. 16–17). This baptism implies a two step process. The first step is to be “wrought upon and cleansed by the Holy Ghost” (Moroni 6:4). The second step is a filling or spiritual renewing:
25 And the first fruits of repentance is baptism; and baptism cometh by faith unto the fulfilling the commandments; and the fulfilling the commandments bringeth remission of sins;
26 And the remission of sins bringeth meekness, and lowliness of heart; and because of meekness and lowliness of heart cometh the visitation of the Holy Ghost, which Comforter filleth with hope and perfect love, which love endureth by diligence unto prayer, until the end shall come, when all the saints shall dwell with God. [Moroni 8:25–26]
Fulfilling the commandments “with full purpose of heart” (v. 13) is apparently the prerequisite to being cleansed by the Holy Ghost. Enduring by “diligence unto prayer” is the prerequisite to being guided along the path to eternal life (v. 18). After they are on the path to eternal life, or after they have been baptized, they must press forward with “a steadfastness in Christ” (v. 20). “Faith on the Son of God” brings “the power of the Holy Ghost” (1 Nephi 10:17). They must also have “a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men” (v. 20). The “Comforter filleth with hope and perfect love” (Moroni 8:26). While pressing forward on the path they must feast “upon the words of Christ and endure to the end” to obtain eternal life (v. 20). The function of the Holy Ghost in this capacity is explained in 2 Nephi 32.
Nephi then stresses to his brethren that this is the only way or name (Christ) whereby salvation in the kingdom of God comes (v. 21). The oneness of the Godhead is declared. The singular verb speaking of the three members of the Godhead is used because Nephi is speaking of there being only one doctrine for all three: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. The doctrine of Christ that Nephi said he “must speak concerning” (2 Nephi 31:2) is also the doctrine of the Father and the Holy Ghost.