Articles of Faith: What Do Latter-day Saints Believe About the Godhead 6?

Article of Faith 1

We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ,

                                and in the Holy Ghost.

This is the sixth and last article on the Godhead in my series on the Articles of Faith of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The past few weeks, I discussed the character of God the Father or Elohim, and last week I discussed Jesus Christ or Jehovah. Since Jesus Christ taught that His disciples “he that hath seen me hath seen the Father” (John 14:9), we can know that He has the same character traits as His Father.

Through latter-day revelation, we know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ each have a physical body made of flesh and bone, but the Holy Ghost is a spirit personage. Doctrine and Covenants 130:22-23 teaches as follows:

22 The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s; the Son also; but the Holy Ghost has not a body of flesh and bones, but is a personage of Spirit. Were it not so, the Holy Ghost could not dwell in us.

23 A man may receive the Holy Ghost, and it may descend upon him and not tarry with him.

My essay for this week will use the words of Elder Bruce R. McConkie to explain clearly who the Holy Ghost is.

There are several ways in which the labors and ministry and status of “God the third,” who is the Holy Ghost, are separate from the other members of the Godhead. Chief among them are these:

1. He is a personage of spirit.

The Father and the Son have tangible bodies of flesh and bones, while “the Holy Ghost has not a body of flesh and bones, but is a personage of Spirit.” That is, he is a spirit person, a spirit entity, a spirit man. He is the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of the Lord. Why this difference between him and the other two members of the Godhead? With reference to his status as “a personage of Spirit,” the scripture says: “Were it not so, the Holy Ghost could not dwell in us.” (D&C 130:22.) That is to say, according to the eternal laws ordained by the Father, there are certain separate and distinct things to be done by a spirit member of the Godhead. He is to dwell, figuratively, in the faithful, and he is to speak to their spirits in a special and particular way, which he can do because he himself is a spirit.

2. He is the Testator, Revelator, Comforter.

The Holy Ghost is God’s minister; he is appointed to teach and testify, to bear witness of the Father and the Son, and to reveal all needful things to men. As the Testator, he bequeaths salvation, through an eternal testament, to the heirs of God. The Holy Ghost is a Revelator. Almost always the first great revelation received by any person is a testimony of the truth and divinity of the Lord’s work on earth. “And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.” (Moroni 10:5.) He is the Comforter. Those who enjoy his companionship find their whole souls are filled with comfort and joy. And the very reason men are commanded to repent and be baptized is so they “may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that [they] may stand spotless before [the Lord] at the last day.” (3 Nephi 27:20.)

 3. He uses the light of Christ in his ministry.

The light of Christ (also called the Spirit of Christ and the Spirit of the Lord) is a light, a power, and an influence that proceeds forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space. It is the agency of God’s power and the law by which all things are governed. It is also the agency used by the Holy Ghost to manifest truth and dispense spiritual gifts to many people at one and the same time. For instance, it is as though the Holy Ghost, who is a personage of spirit, was broadcasting all truth throughout the whole universe all the time, using the light of Christ as the agency by which the message is delivered. But only those who attune their souls to the Holy Spirit receive the available revelation. It is in this way that the person of the Holy Ghost makes his influence felt in the heart of every righteous person at one and the same time. (Bruce R. McConkie, A New Witness for the Articles of Faith [1985], 69-70)

How Does God Lead Us?

My Come Follow Me studies for this week took me to 1 Nephi 16-22 in a lesson titled “I Will Prepare the Way before You.” The lesson was introduced with the following information.

As Lehi’s family journeyed toward the promised land, the Lord made them this promise: “I will prepare the way before you, if it so be that ye shall keep my commandments” (1 Nephi 17:13). Clearly, that promise did not mean that the journey would be easy—family members still disagreed, bows broke, people struggled and died, and they still had to build a ship from raw materials. However, when the family faced adversity or tasks that seemed impossible, Nephi recognized that the Lord was never far away. He knew that God “doth nourish [the faithful], and strengthen them, and provide means whereby they can accomplish the thing which he has commanded them” (1 Nephi 17:3). If you ever wonder why bad things happen to good people like Nephi and his family, you may find insights in these chapters. But perhaps more important, you will see what good people do when bad things happen.

The principle for this discussion is “God guides me through small and simple means” (1 Nephi 16:10-16, 23-31; 18:11-22). When God commanded Lehi’s family into the wilderness, “He did not give them a map showing every detail of the journey.” However, He did give them an instrument or compass called the Liahona to guide them on a daily basis. First, we will look at the actual scriptures: 1 Nephi 16:10-16, 23-31; 18:11:22.

10 And it came to pass that as my father arose in the morning, and went forth to the tent door, to his great astonishment he beheld upon the ground a round ball of curious workmanship; and it was of fine brass. And within the ball were two spindles; and the one pointed the way whither we should go into the wilderness.

11 And it came to pass that we did gather together whatsoever things we should carry into the wilderness, and all the remainder of our provisions which the Lord had given unto us; and we did take seed of every kind that we might carry into the wilderness.

12 And it came to pass that we did take our tents and depart into the wilderness, across the river Laman.

13 And it came to pass that we traveled for the space of four days, nearly a south-southeast direction, and we did pitch our tents again; and we did call the name of the place Shazer.

14 And it came to pass that we did take our bows and our arrows, and go forth into the wilderness to slay food for our families; and after we had slain food for our families we did return again to our families in the wilderness, to the place of Shazer. And we did go forth again in the wilderness, following the same direction, keeping in the most fertile parts of the wilderness, which were in the borders near the Red Sea.

15 And it came to pass that we did travel for the space of many days, slaying food by the way, with our bows and our arrows and our stones and our slings.

16 And we did follow the directions of the ball, which led us in the more fertile parts of the wilderness.

23 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did make out of wood a bow, and out of a straight stick, an arrow; wherefore, I did arm myself with a bow and an arrow, with a sling and with stones. And I said unto my father: Whither shall I go to obtain food?

24 And it came to pass that he did inquire of the Lord, for they had humbled themselves because of my words; for I did say many things unto them in the energy of my soul.

25 And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came unto my father; and he was truly chastened because of his murmuring against the Lord, insomuch that he was brought down into the depths of sorrow.

26 And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord said unto him: Look upon the ball, and behold the things which are written.

27 And it came to pass that when my father beheld the things which were written upon the ball, he did fear and tremble exceedingly, and also my brethren and the sons of Ishmael and our wives.

28 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld the pointers which were in the ball, that they did work according to the faith and diligence and heed which we did give unto them.

29 And there was also written upon them a new writing, which was plain to be read, which did give us understanding concerning the ways of the Lord; and it was written and changed from time to time, according to the faith and diligence which we gave unto it. And thus we see that by small means the Lord can bring about great things.

30 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did go forth up into the top of the mountain, according to the directions which were given upon the ball.

31 And it came to pass that I did slay wild beasts, insomuch that I did obtain food for our families.

18 Because of their grief and much sorrow, and the iniquity of my brethren, they were brought near even to be carried out of this time to meet their God; yea, their grey hairs were about to be brought down to lie low in the dust; yea, even they were near to be cast with sorrow into a watery grave.

19 And Jacob and Joseph also, being young, having need of much nourishment, were grieved because of the afflictions of their mother; and also my wife with her tears and prayers, and also my children, did not soften the hearts of my brethren that they would loose me.

20 And there was nothing save it were the power of God, which threatened them with destruction, could soften their hearts; wherefore, when they saw that they were about to be swallowed up in the depths of the sea they repented of the thing which they had done, insomuch that they loosed me.

21 And it came to pass after they had loosed me, behold, I took the compass, and it did work whither I desired it. And it came to pass that I prayed unto the Lord; and after I had prayed the winds did cease, and the storm did cease, and there was a great calm.

22 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did guide the ship, that we sailed again towards the promised land.

God gave the Liahona to Lehi and his family to guide them on their journey to their promised land. He has also given a great gift – even the gift of the Holy Ghost – to those people who are baptized and confirmed as members of His Church, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. When we are faithful and obedient to His commandments and to the instructions given to us by the Holy Ghost, we can be led along our earth’s journey back into the presence of God. When we humble ourselves – like Nephi did -- and ask for guidance, He will give it to us. He loves us and cares about us. He will guide with both small and large concerns.

 

 

 

 

What Does It Mean to Resist the Holy Ghost?

My Come Follow Me studies for this week took me to Acts 6-9 and a lesson titled “What Wilt Thou Have Me to Do?” The following counsel preceded the lesson: “Begin by reading Acts 6-9. The suggestions in this outline can help you identify some of the important principles in these chapters, though you may find others in your own study.” The lesson was introduced with this paragraph: 

If anyone seemed like an unlikely candidate for conversion, it was probably Saul – a Pharisee who had a reputation for persecuting Christians. So when the Lord told a disciple named Ananias to seek out Saul and offer him a blessing, Ananias was understandably hesitant. “Lord,” he said, “I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints” (Acts 9:13). But the Lord knew Saul’s heart and his potential, and He had a mission in mind for Saul: “He is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel” (Acts 9:15). So Ananias obeyed, and when he found this former persecutor, he called him “Brother Saul” (Acts 9:17). If Saul could change so completely and Ananias could welcome him so freely, then should we ever consider anyone an unlikely candidate for change – including ourselves?

Have you ever wondered what the Lord would have you do? You may have worked tirelessly for your entire life to live the gospel of Jesus Christ. Yet, life is not going the way that you expect it to go. If so, you may be able to identify with Saul, who thought that he was doing God’s will when he persecuted and supported the killing of Christians.

The principle for discussion tonight is, “Resisting the Holy Ghost can lead to rejecting the Savior and His servants” (Acts 6-7). The leaders of the Jews were responsible for preparing the Jewish people for the coming of the Messiah. Yet, they did not recognize the Messiah when He came, and they even rejected Him and crucified Him. It is perfectly normal for us to wonder how such a thing could happen.

However, part of the answer may be found in the words of Stephen to the Jews who later stoned him: “Ye do always resist the Holy Ghost” (Acts 7:51). Before discussing what it means to resist the Holy Ghost, we should first learn more about Him. The Holy Ghost is a member of the Godhead. The first member is God the Father, the second member is Jesus Christ, and the third member is the Holy Ghost. The Godhead is like a presidency or bishopric with the president or bishop, the first counselor, and the second counselor. Holy Ghost (churchofjesuschrist.org)

God the Father and Jesus Christ have bodies of flesh and bones, but the Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit (Doctrine and Covenants 130:22). The Holy Ghost has other names, such as the Spirit, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God, the Spirit of the Lord, or the Comforter.

The Holy Ghost has several roles to fulfill as He works in perfect unity with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in their work “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39). His duties include being a witness for the Father and the Son (2 Nephi 31:18) and revealing and teaching “the truth of all things” (Moroni 10:5). It is through the witness of the Holy Ghost that we can receive sure testimonies of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

The Holy Ghost will guide all sincere seekers of truth to Jesus Christ and His gospel. After a person is baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Days, he or she is confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ by the laying on of hands by men who hold the Melchizedek Priesthood. As part of the blessing, the newly baptized person is given the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Having the gift of the Holy Ghost is not the same thing as feeling the influence of the Holy Ghost. Anyone in the world can feel the influence of the Holy Ghost at times and can be led to know the truth. After receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, a person has the right to have the Holy Ghost with them constantly if they keep the commandments.

The Holy Ghost is a guide. He prompts us to take certain actions. He brings information to our remembrance. He confirms correct decisions. He gives numerous promptings. He speaks with a quiet voice to our heart and mind. If we pay attention to His guidance, He will guide us along the covenant path to eternal life. If we do not listen to him, resist Him, or ignore His promptings, we may step off the covenant path and fall away from the gospel of Jesus Christ into apostasy. This was the condition of the Jewish leaders who did not recognize their Messiah.

The Holy Ghost Can Help Us

            A few weeks ago I taught a lesson on this subject to my five-year-old CTR class. We discussed as a class several ways that the Holy Ghost can help us. One of the stories in the lesson was about a young girl who saved the life of her little brother because she listened to a prompting from the Holy Ghost. They were walking along a railroad track when the brother’s foot was caught between the railroad ties. Time was of the essence because the children could see a train coming down the track. The sister tugged and tugged at his foot, but she could not get it loose. Then she said a little prayer and was prompted to unlace the shoe. She did so and was able to pull her brother’s foot out of the shoe. The children were barely off the track before the train was barreling down on them.

            The Holy Ghost can help us in other ways, and I will share some of them after I discuss some of His attributes. First, the Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead. His job is to testify of truth and to help in other ways. Second, the Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit, meaning that He has a spirit body. Whereas Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have bodies of flesh and bone, the Holy Ghost is a spirit. Third, the Holy Ghost can witness and testify of the truth to anyone, but one must receive the gift of the Holy Ghost in order to have Him as a constant companion. This gift is given by the laying on of hands by those who hold the proper priesthood authority to do so.

            Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke on the topic of “How Does the Holy Ghost Help You?” in his April 2017 General Conference talk. Elder Stevenson shares three ways in which the Holy Ghost can help us: The Holy Ghost warns. The Holy Ghost comforts. The Holy Ghost testifies.

            The Holy Ghost can help us by giving advance warning of spiritual or physical danger. Elder Stevenson shares two experiences to illustrate. When he was a young boy hiking along a trail with his father, he wanted to climb up a big rock. The father suggested that they stay on the trail. When they were up the trail and could long down upon the rock, they could see a huge rattle snake curled up on the top of the rock. When the boy asked the father how he knew that the snake was there, the father was able to teach about the warnings given by the Holy Ghost.

            The second experience shared by Elder Stevenson took place in Japan. A mission president was prompted to invite all the missionaries of a certain zone to a meeting that would normally be held for just the leaders.

However, setting convention aside in order to follow the prompting he had received, he invited all missionaries serving in several coastal cities, including the city of Fukushima, to the meeting. On the appointed day, March 11, 2011, the missionaries gathered together for the expanded mission meeting in the inland city of Koriyama.

During this meeting a 9.0-magnitude earthquake and tsunami struck the region of Japan where the Japan Sendai Mission is located. Tragically, many coastal cities – including those from which the missionaries had been gathered – were devastated and suffered great loss of life. And the city of Fukushima suffered a subsequent nuclear event.

Although the meetinghouse where the missionaries were meeting that day was damaged by the earthquake, through following the promptings of the Holy Ghost, President and Sister Tateoka and all missionaries were safely assembled. They were out of harm’s way and miles from the devastation of the tsunami and the nuclear fallout.

            The Holy Ghost can comfort us when events in our lives bring “sadness, pain, and disappointment.” Jesus Christ promised that the Father would send the Comforter to help us through the trials of mortality, and this Comforter is the Holy Ghost. Elder Stevenson illustrates this attribute with the story of the death of Fernando’s young wife Bayley and their unborn baby.

Yet as deep as was Fernando’s pain, as well as that of Bayley’s parents and siblings, so too was the depth of contrasting peace and comfort that distilled upon them almost immediately. The Holy Ghost in His role as Comforter truly sustained Fernando through this incomprehensible affliction. The Spirit communicated an abiding peace that led Fernando to an attitude of forgiveness and love toward everyone involved in the tragic crash.

            The Holy Ghost bears witness of the Father and the Son and testifies of all truth. Elder Stevenson continues the story of Fernando and Bayley to illustrate this role of the Holy Ghost.

When Fernando and his brother were baptized as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, their parents and three younger brothers were not. They declined “numerous invitations to meet with the missionaries over the years.”

Upon the painful passing of Bayley and her baby daughter, Fernando’s family was inconsolable. Unlike Fernando and unlike Bayley’s family, they found no comfort or peace. They could not understand how their own son, along with Bayley’s family, could bear their heavy burden.

Eventually, they concluded that what their son possessed and they did not was the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and this must be his source of peace and comfort. Following this realization, they invited the missionaries to teach their family the gospel. As a result, they received their own witness and testimony of the great plan of happiness, which brought them the sweet peace and calming comfort they were desperately seeking.

Two months after the loss of Bayley and their unborn granddaughter, Fernando’s parents as well as two of his younger brothers were baptized and confirmed and received the gift of the Holy Ghost. Fernando’s youngest brother looks forward to his baptism when he turns eight. They each testify that the Spirit, the Holy Ghost, bore witness of the truthfulness of the gospel, leading them to a desire to be baptized and to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

            In summary, the Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead, a personage of spirit, and testifies of the Father, the Son, and all truth. He helps us by warning us of spiritual and physical dangers, comforts us at times of distress, and testifies of the truth.

            I join with Elder Stevenson in stating that I know these teachings to be true. I also know of the warnings, comfort, and witnesses for myself. I encourage you to invite the missionaries into your home and let them teach you about how the Holy Ghost can help you in your life.

Guided by the Holy Ghost

                The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead. He is a Personage of Spirit. His influence can be everywhere and can even dwell in our hearts. I consider Him to be one of my very best friends!

                One week I was preparing to teach a lesson to my six-year-old Primary class on the Holy Ghost. Early that Sunday morning, just as I awoke from deep sleep, I felt the Spirit whisper to me, “The Holy Ghost loves you!” This was a great surprise to me. I know with all my heart that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love me, but I had never thought about the Holy Ghost loving me. I recognized later that this inspiration was given to me in order that I could testify to my little Primary children that they are all loved by Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. Again, I was a little surprised. The children seemed to already understand that the Holy Ghost loves them!

                During World War II there was an all-black fighter group known as the Tuskegee Airmen. The job of the Tuskegee Airmen was to protect bombers – “to keep them as safe as possible and giving aid when needed.” Janice Porter Hayes tells a story of her Uncle Ken who flew “more than 50 missions in Europe as a tail gunner on a B-17 for the U.S. military.” She liked his stories, but she particularly liked the story of when the Tuskegee Airmen came to his rescue. 

                … Their help was never more valued than during one hazardous mission over Hungary when things went badly and my uncle’s plane was hit by flak from head to tail, knocking off the nose cone, damaging two of the engines, and wounding most of the crew. In an attempt to stay in the air, they discarded most of their guns, ammo, and anything else they could find. Even so, their situation became dire until at last they were able to make radio contact with the Tuskegee Airmen.

                “`Where are you boys?’ one of my uncle’s crewmen asked. `We can’t see you.’

                “Within seconds of his call, the answer came reassuringly back: `Don’t worry fellas. You can’t see us, but we sure enough can see you!’ With that, the Tuskegee Airmen flew in to help my uncle, his crew, and their damaged B-17 to safety.

                The Holy Ghost is in our lives just like the Tuskegee Airmen were in the lives of the crewmen on that aircraft. We cannot see Him, but He can clearly see us. His mission is to protect us, to guide us, and to help us return home safely.

                On Friday, one week ago, there was a big snow storm in the forecast. I wondered if I should go to the temple that night or stay home. When the Holy Ghost whispered to me that I should stay at home, I asked if I should go on Saturday morning. Once again the answer was no. I felt impressed that I should complete as many of my school assignments as possible, but I still thought I was to stay home because of the “terrible storm.”

                I made plans to stay home Friday night and Saturday morning. I worked on my assignments and completed many of them. I kept watching the weather and thinking that the storm did not seem to be all that bad. Sunday evening my son came over to visit, and I asked when his shoulder surgery was scheduled. He replied that it was scheduled for Wednesday. He would need a ride at 9:00 and another one at 3:00 to come home.

                I thought, “That is the answer to the inspiration to get as many assignments completed as possible.” I had numerous assignments due on Wednesday night, and I knew I would be gone most of Wednesday. I completed the rest of the assignments on Monday and Tuesday, and I was relaxed all the time I was helping my son on Wednesday. Thursday and Friday mornings I did not feel well and had a dull ache or pain in my left side and left back, but I completed more assignments that were due on Monday. I did not feel good enough to go to the temple Friday night.

                Saturday morning I again did not feel well and felt the same pain in my left side, but I continued working on assignments due on Monday. By noon I was getting really sick. About 3:00 in the afternoon I called a substitute for my Primary class on Sunday, wanting the class to be covered even while hoping I would be there. Shortly after 4:00 the pain was so bad that I asked my husband to take me to the hospital.

                We knew that snow was falling, but we did not know of the white out conditions until we reached the freeway. We could see two or three car lengths in front of us, and we had to drive very slowly because of the icy highway. We eventually made it to the hospital where we found no one in the waiting room. I was taken right in, registered and taken to a room. I slipped on a hospital gown, and the nurse was inserting an IV to give me some pain medication. The pain was already an 8 or a 9.

                Suddenly, I felt what seemed like something bursting through a wall and a secondary something nearly as bad. The pain became so great that I started to vomit repeatedly. Finally, the nurse was able to insert the IV and give me some medication for nausea and pain. Gradually, the pain went away. I returned home several hours later with the belief that the pain was behind me.

                Early the next morning the pain came back, and I realized that medication had been masking the pain. I was high on pain pills all day Sunday and Monday. I was either sleeping or so groggy that I could hardly think. I knew that I had one more assignment due Monday night, the final draft of an essay. I was grateful to have it completed before I became ill. I tried to read through it to make sure that it said what I wanted it to say, but I finally just uploaded it and submitted it to my teacher with an explanation of my condition. By Tuesday the pain had decreased enough that I could handle it with Tylenol and gradually get on with my life.

                The whole time I felt great gratitude for the personal revelation given to me by the power of the Holy Ghost. When I thought that I was staying home from the temple because of a great snow storm, the Holy Ghost knew that there was a great health storm in my future. Because He was there to safely guide me, I was able to complete all my assignments in spite of the health crisis.

Holy Ghost

                After Adam and Eve transgressed the law and partook of the forbidden fruit, they were cast out of the Garden and Eden.  They once walked and talked with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, but they were separated from God both physically and spiritually when they left the garden.

                Adam and Eve worked hard in their new world.  They learned to till the earth and perform other tasks in order to provide for themselves.  They began to have children and became the parents of many sons and daughters.  Their sons and daughters began to marry and have families of their own (see Pearl of Great Price, Moses 5:1-3).  The spirit children of Heavenly Father came to earth to inhabit the physical bodies prepared by Adam and Eve and their posterity.

                The new arrivals did not remember living with Heavenly Father because a veil was placed across their mind.  God wanted His children to be free to exercise their agency and make choices without any memories of their heavenly home.  He did not leave His children alone in their world because He sent the Holy Ghost to comfort them and guide them in their daily decision.

                Adam and Eve remembered their experiences in God even though they were no longer in His presence.  They called upon Heavenly Father in prayer, and He gave them further commandments.  They were obedient to all those commandments.  Heavenly Father sent an angel to teach Adam and Eve about the Father and the Son, the plan of salvation, and the gospel.

                The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead, and He has a body of spirit in the form and likeness of a man.  He can be in only one place at a time, but His influence can be everywhere at the same time.  The Godhead consists of Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost.  The three individuals are one in purpose but not in body.  Their purpose is to “bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39).  Heavenly Father stands at the head of the Godhead as our Father in heaven and ruler.  Jesus Christ stands on His right hand and is our Savior.  The Holy Ghost reveals and testifies of all truth; He is the messenger that brings information to us from God.  The Gift of the Holy Ghost ranks among the greatest of all the gifts of God.

                The Holy Ghost’s mission is to testify of the Father and the Son.  He bears witness that Jesus is the Christ, the Savior and Redeemer of all mankind.  He bears witness that Heavenly Father is indeed the father of our spirits and that we are all brothers and sisters.  He helps us to understand the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ.   Moroni taught, “By the power of the Holy Ghost [we] may know the truth of all things” Book of Mormon – Another Testament of Jesus Christ, Moroni 10:5).  It is by the power of the Holy Ghost we can know that Jesus is the Christ.           When the Holy Ghost speaks to us, He has such power that His teachings become a part of us.  President Joseph Fielding Smith explained:  “When a man has the manifestation form the Holy Ghost, it leaves an indelible impression on his soul, one that is not easily erased.  It is Spirit speaking to spirit, and it comes with convincing force.  A manifestation of an angel, or even the Son of God himself, would impress the eye and mind, and eventually become dimmed, but the impressions of the Holy Ghost sink deeper into the soul and are more difficult to erase...”  (See Answers to Gospel Questions, II:151).  He also said, “Through the Holy Ghost the truth is woven into the very fibre and sinews of the body so that it cannot be forgotten” (Doctrines of Salvation, 1:48).

                Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost and are instructed to “receive the Holy Ghost.”  Through this great gift we can receive testimony and guidance from God through the power of the Holy Ghost if we are worthy to be in His presence.  The Holy Ghost is a special messenger and witness of God.  I am very grateful for this great gift and the opportunity I have to receive personal revelation from a loving Father in Heaven to help me make good decisions.  I love to feel His presence with me and miss Him when I move away from Him.

Holy Ghost

                The first Article of Faith of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints states, “We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.”  These three individual personages comprise the Godhead and make one unit with one acting as head and the other two as counselors. 

                The Father and the Son are personages of tabernacle, meaning They have glorified bodies of flesh and bones.  The Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit, meaning He has only a spirit body, which is in the form of a man. 

                The scriptural support for this statement is found in Doctrine and Covenants 130:22:  “The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s; the Son also; but the Holy Ghost has not a body of flesh and bones, but is a personage of Spirit.  Were it not so, the Holy Ghost could not dwell in us.”

                The scriptures teach about the Holy Ghost and refer to Him as the Spirit, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God, the Spirit of the Lord, the Spirit of Truth, or the Comforter.  According to these scriptures, the Holy Ghost is a person.  Jesus referred to the Holy Ghost as a male person when He said to his disciples, “… It is expedient for you that I go away:  for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you” (John 16:7).

                The Holy Ghost works in perfect harmony with the Father and the Son and plays several roles in helping us live righteously and receive the blessings of the gospel.  He is a witness for the Father and the Son.  He teaches truth.  He leads us in the path to eternal life.  He is the Comforter and soothes our fears as a loving parent soothes a crying child.  He sanctifies us as we repent.  He is the Holy Spirit of Promise and puts His seal of approval on all those who have proven their worthiness by their continual faithfulness and are acceptable to God.

                The mission of the Holy Ghost is to bear witness of the Father and the Son and of all truth.  The Holy Ghost has been present in every dispensation of time since the days of Adam and Eve.  The Holy Ghost sits in counsel with the Father and the Son and then reveals to mankind those matters that the Father wants to be revealed.

                The Holy Ghost is manifested both as the power of the Holy Ghost and as the gift of the Holy Ghost.  The power of the Holy Ghost can come upon a person before baptism and often does as a witness of the Jesus Christ, His atoning sacrifice, and the truthfulness of the gospel.  The gift of the Holy Ghost comes only after proper and authorized baptism, and it is bestowed by the laying on of hands by authorized priesthood bearers.

                When we speak of the gift of the Holy Ghost, we speak of the right to have the companionship of the Holy Ghost as long as we live worthy of it.  The gift of the Holy Ghost brings the additional power to cleanse and purify our souls.  This power is often spoken of as “fire.” 

                When a person speaks by the power of the Holy Ghost that same power carries the conviction into the heart of the hearer.  The Holy Ghost knows all things and can lead us to know of future events.

                President Joseph Fielding said, “The Spirit of God speaking to the spirit of man has power to impart truth with greater effect and understanding than the truth can be imparted by personal contact even with heavenly beings.  Through the Holy Ghost the truth is woven into the very fibre and sinews of the body so that it cannot be forgotten.”

                This is a very powerful message.  When the Holy Ghost speaks to us, His message becomes part of us and becomes impossible for us to forget.  A message from the Holy Ghost has greater impact on us than a visit from an angel or other heavenly beings.

                The Holy Ghost manifests the truth to honest people everywhere.  He will manifest himself to any individual who asks for the truth.  As he prepared to close his record and bury the golden plates, Moroni wrote this promise:  “And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.”

                “And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things” (Book of Mormon – Another Testament of Jesus Christ, Moroni 10:4-5).

                I know that we can know the truth of all things by asking God and receiving the knowledge of the truth through the power and/or gift of the Holy Ghost.  Anyone who is honestly and sincerely seeking truth can have it manifested to them by the power of the Holy Ghost.  If the person has not been baptized and given the gift of the Holy Ghost, the Holy Ghost will deliver the testimony and depart; however, He may linger longer with someone who has received the gift of the Holy Ghost. 

                We can all receive guidance and reassurance through the gift and power of the Holy Ghost, but we must meet several requirements.    (1) We must be worthy of having the Holy Ghost come to us.  (2) We must be humble enough to ask God for assistance.  (3) We must be willing to be obedient to the answer we receive.  (4) We must then put our trust in God and let Him work miracles in our lives.  (5) We must remember to give thanks for the blessings we receive.

                I am very grateful for the gift of the Holy Ghost and for His frequent visits to me.  I thank God for this great gift every single day because I would be lost trying to make my way through this life by myself.  I know there is a God in heaven who loves us. I know that His Son, Jesus Christ, lives and stands at the head of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  I know Joseph Smith is a prophet of God and that Thomas S. Monson is a living prophet of God today.  I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is God’s kingdom on earth.  I know these things through the gift and power of the Holy Ghost.