320. The gift of the Holy Ghost is the right to the companionship of the Holy Ghost.
324. Members of the Church are entitled to revelation and guidance from the Holy Ghost.
316. The gift of the Holy Ghost is bestowed on those who have repented of their sins and have been properly baptized.
Every person who has reached or passed the age of accountability of eight years, and who with a totally repentant heart is baptized properly, positively will receive the Holy Ghost. If heeded, this member of the Godhead will guide, inspire, and warn, and will neutralize the promptings of the evil one. (Miracle of Forgiveness, pp. 14-15) TLDP:282
[T]he actual companionship of the Holy Ghost, the divinely-bestowed right to His ministrations, the sanctifying baptism with fire, are given as a permanent and personal possession only to the faithful, repentant, baptized candidate for salvation; and with all such this gift shall abide unless it be forfeited through transgression. AF:149
We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. (The fourth of the thirteen Articles of Faith; letter to John Wentworth, March 1, 1842) Articles of Faith :4
Baptism is a sign to God, to angels, and to heaven that we do the will of God, and there is no other way beneath the heavens whereby God hath ordained for man to come to Him to be saved, and enter into the kingdom of God, except faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, and baptism for the remission of sins, and any other course is in vain; then you have the promise of the gift of the Holy Ghost. (In the Grove near the temple at Nauvoo, Ill., March 20, 1842. ) HC4:555
translating the Book of Moses
And he also said unto him: If thou wilt turn unto me, and hearken unto my voice, and believe, and repent of all thy transgressions, and be baptized, even in water, in the name of mine Only Begotten Son, who is full of grace and truth, which is Jesus Christ, the only name which shall be given under heaven, whereby salvation shall come unto the children of men, ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, asking all things in his name, and whatsoever ye shall ask, it shall be given you. (The record of Moses : Enoch testifies to the people) Moses 6:52
About this gift, President Joseph F. Smith said: “ ‘The gift of the Holy Ghost,’ is a special blessing sealed upon baptized repentant believers in Jesus Christ, and is ‘an abiding witness.’ The spirit of God may be enjoyed as a temporary influence by which divine light and power come to mankind for special purposes and occasions. But the gift of the Holy Ghost, which was received by the apostles on the day of Pentecost, and is bestowed in confirmation, is a permanent witness and higher endowment” (CR 2002Apr; Becoming Men in Whom the Spirit of God Is, Ensign, May 2002, p.39)
By using the Light of Christ to discern and choose what is right, we can be led to an even greater light: the gift of the Holy Ghost. I testify that through the Restoration of the gospel and the holy priesthood of God, disciples of Jesus Christ in these latter days have the power to give the gift of the Holy Ghost. It is bestowed by the laying on of hands by those who have the authority of the priesthood, and it is received by those who have followed the principles of faith and repentance and have received the ordinance of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins. (CR 2002Apr; Out of Darkness into His Marvelous Light, Ensign, May 2002, p.69)
Related Witnesses:
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. CR1947Oct:64; DCSM:42
317. The gift of the Holy Ghost differs from the temporary witness of the Spirit, for the gift conveys the right to the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost.
There is a difference between the Holy Ghost, and the gift of the Holy Ghost. Cornelius received the Holy Ghost before he was baptized; which was the convincing power of God unto him of the truth of the gospel; but he could not receive the gift of the Holy Ghost until after he was baptized. Had he not taken this sign, or ordinance upon him, the Holy Ghost which convinced him of the truth of God, would have left him. (Times and Seasons, April 15, 1842, p. 752) TLDP:276
The Lord will grant to any honest person who earnestly seeks to know the truth one manifestation by the Holy Ghost; but he is not entitled to repeated manifestations. After such a revelation is given, he is to act, for the Holy Ghost cannot be appealed to for continued manifestations until after baptism and the gift has been bestowed. (Answer to Gospel Questions, 4:89) TLDP:279
True it is that honest truth seekers come to know of the truth and divinity of the Lord's work by the power of the Holy Ghost: they receive a flash of revelation telling them that Jesus is the Lord, that Joseph Smith is his prophet, that the Book of Mormon is the mind and will and voice of the Lord, that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only true and living Church upon the whole earth. They gain a testimony before baptism. But it is only after they pledge their all in the cause of Christ that they receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. . . . (The Millennial Messiah, pp. 98-99) DGSM:45
In another sense the Holy Ghost has frequently operated for good through persons that were unbaptized; indeed, some measure of His power is given to all mankind; for, as seen already, the Holy Spirit is the medium of intelligence, of wise direction, of development, of life. Manifestations of the power of God, as made plain through the operations of the Spirit, are seen in the triumphs of ennobling art, the discoveries of science, and the events of history; with all of which the carnal mind may believe that God takes no direct concern. Not a truth has ever been made the property of humankind except through the power of that great Spirit who exists to do the bidding of the Father and the Son. And yet the actual companionship of the Holy Ghost, the divinely-bestowed right to His ministrations, the sanctifying baptism with fire, are given as a permanent and personal possession only to the faithful, repentant, baptized candidate for salvation; and with all such this gift shall abide unless it be forfeited through transgression. AF:149
Every man can receive manifestation of the Holy Ghost, even when he is out of the Church, if he is earnestly seeking for the light and for the truth. The Holy Ghost will come and give the man the testimony he is seeking, and then withdraw; and the man does not have a claim upon another visit or constant visits and manifestations from him. He may have the constant guidance of that other Spirit, the Spirit of Christ. Every man may receive such a manifestation from the Holy Ghost when he is seeking for the truth, but not the power to call upon the Holy Ghost whenever he feels he needs the help, as a man does who is a member of the Church. (Doctrines of Salvation, 1:42) TLDP:279
We are able to receive this spiritual manifestation because the Holy Ghost is “a personage of Spirit” who can “dwell in us.” His mission is to witness of the Father and the Son, convey Their will to us, and teach us “all things what [we] should do.” People everywhere may feel the influence of the Holy Ghost from time to time in their lives. But only those who have been baptized and confirmed can receive the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands by one in authority, which makes His constant companionship possible. (CR 2003Oct; Receiving a Testimony of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ, Ensign, November 2003, p.28)
318. The gift of the Holy Ghost is bestowed by the laying on of hands by elders of the Church holding the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood.
This holy gift [the Holy Ghost] is bestowed today as it was anciently, by the laying on of hands by men possessing the authority to administer in the ordinances of the Gospel. (In Tabernacle, May 14, 1882, JD23:127) TLDP:277
Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, according to the holy commandment, for the remission of sins;
14. And whoso doeth this shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, by the laying on of the hands of the elders of the church. (Revelation received March 1831) D&C 49:13-14
An apostle is an elder, and it is his calling to baptize; . . .
41. And to confirm those who are baptized into the church, by the laying on of hands for the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost, according to the scriptures; (Revelation on Church Organization and Government, April 1830) D&C 20:38,41
He said this Aaronic Priesthood had not the power of laying on hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost, but that this should be conferred on us hereafter; and he commanded us to go and be baptized, and gave us directions that I should baptize Oliver Cowdery, and that afterwards he should baptize me. (John the Baptist appears to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, May 15, 1829) JS-H 1:70
The gift of the Holy Ghost . . . is not given unto all men until they repent of their sins and come to a state of worthiness before the Lord. Then they receive it by the laying on of the hands of those who are authorized of God to bestow his blessings upon the heads of the children of men. ("Editor's Table," IE1908Mar:380-81) TLDP:277
But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
13. Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
14. Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John :
15. Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
16. (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) 17. Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
18. And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
19. Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
20. But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. (Peter and John come to Samaria and confer the gift of the Holy Ghost) Acts 8:12-20
Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. (Letter to his assistant Timothy, about A.D.64) 2 Timothy 1:6
When the child reaches eight years of age, the age of accountability, he or she is immersed in the waters of baptism by one who holds the priesthood. The young boy or girl is then confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by one holding the holy Melchizedek Priesthood. In this ordinance, the child is given the gift of the Holy Ghost. (CR 1995Oct; Blessings of the Priesthood, Ensign, November 1995, p.32)
Related Witnesses:
The words of Christ, which he spake unto his disciples, the twelve whom he had chosen, as he laid his hands upon them—
2. And he called them by name, saying: Ye shall call on the Father in my name, in mighty prayer; and after ye have done this ye shall have power that to him upon whom ye shall lay your hands, ye shall give the Holy Ghost; and in my name shall ye give it, for thus do mine apostles.
3. Now Christ spake these words unto them at the time of his first appearing; and the multitude heard it not, but the disciples heard it; and on as many as they laid their hands, fell the Holy Ghost. (Moroni writes for the benefit of the Lamanites, A.D. 400-421) Moroni 2:1-3
319. Although we may receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, we may benefit from that gift only to the extent we make ourselves worthy to receive its manifestations.
[I]t is my judgment that there are many members of this Church who have been baptized for the remission of their sins, who have had hands laid upon their heads for the gift of the Holy Ghost, who have never received that gift, that is, the manifestations of it. Why? Because they have never put themselves in order to receive these manifestations. They have never humbled themselves. They have never taken the steps that would prepare them for the companionship of the Holy Ghost. CR1958Oct:21
While the Holy Ghost may be conferred upon us, and is designed to be our guide and support, it is only restrained and manifested in its fulness in our guidance and defence in proportion to the degree to which we cultivate it and listen to its promptings. We may lose it entirely through indifference or transgression and once deprived of its presence we are left in darkness more dense than before its reception. Cultivate it, my brethren and sisters, and it will become in reality the iron rod, which is the word of God, and will lead us back to him. CR1934Apr:101-02
The Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit and comes into our lives to lead us in the paths of righteousness. Each person on whom authoritative hands have been placed will receive the Holy Ghost. He will lead us unto all truth. And so we are a blessed people with all these special blessings. If one does not receive the great gift of the Holy Ghost, then it is his fault, that he hasn't been spiritual enough or close enough to Heavenly Father. (Seoul Korea Area conference, Aug. 1975) DGSM:45
quoted by John A. Widtsoe
We want to live so as to have the Spirit every day, every hour of the day, every minute of the day, and every Latter-day Saint is entitled to the Spirit of God, to the power of the Holy Ghost, to lead him in his individual duties. (In Tabernacle, May 15, 1864, JD10:296) DBY:82
The gift of the Holy Ghost confers upon a person the right to receive, as he may desire and need, the presence, light and intelligence of the Holy Ghost. It gives, as it were, an official claim upon the mighty assistance and comforting assurance of the Holy Ghost. When the servants of the Lord display a spiritual power beyond the command of man; when the grief-laden heart beats with joy; when failure is converted into victory, it is by the visitation of the Holy Ghost. It is the Spirit of God under the direction of the Holy Ghost that quickeneth all things.
The gift of the Holy Ghost remains inoperative unless a person leads a blameless life. Worthiness determines whether a person shall enjoy the privileges promised when the "gift" is conferred. It is useless to expect this high official assistance unless there is daily conformity to the laws of the gospel. Faith and prayer, out of the heart and unceasing, will fit a person for the presence of the Holy Ghost, and to such a life he will respond in power.
Latter-day Saints have received, under the hands of those divinely empowered, this inexpressibly glorious "gift," which will lead them if they are fitted, into the companionship of the Holy Ghost, and win for them intelligence and power to win joy in life and exaltation in the world to come. Those who have been so blessed have not always understood the greatness of that which has been given them, or have not earnestly sought its help. So powerful a gift, with such boundless promise, justifies every attempt to cleanse body and soul. Certain it is, that only with the aid of the Holy Ghost shall we be able to rise to the heights of salvation of which we dream and for which we pray. (Man and the Dragon, pp. 150-51) TLDP:276-77
To have the continuous companionship of the Holy Ghost is the most precious possession we can have in mortality. The gift of the Holy Ghost was conferred upon us by the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood after our baptism. But to realize the blessings of that gift, we must keep ourselves free from sin. When we commit sin, we become unclean and the Spirit of the Lord withdraws from us. (CR 1998Oct; The Aaronic Priesthood and the Sacrament, Ensign, November 1998, p.37)
I bear witness of the power and comfort the gift of the Holy Ghost is to those who live worthy of it. What a reassurance it is for us to know that we are not left alone to find the course that we must follow to merit the eternal blessings of our Father in Heaven. We do not need man-made rating systems to determine what we should read, what we should watch, what we should listen to, or how we should conduct our lives. What we do need to do is live worthy of the continued companionship of the Holy Ghost and have the courage to follow the promptings that come into our lives. (CR 1997Apr; “That Spirit Which Leadeth to Do Good”, Ensign, May 1997, p.68)
Related Witnesses:
O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it; that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him, and keep his commandments which he hath given them, that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen. (Moroni, records the prayer for the sacramental bread, A.D. 400-421) Moroni 4:3
The only way to maintain our position in the Kingdom of God is to so conduct ourselves that we may have a living testimony of the truth continually dwelling in our bosoms, to live so that the Spirit of the Lord may be a constant and abiding quest with us, whether in the privacy of our chamber, in the domestic circle or in the midst of the crowded thoroughfares, the busy scenes and anxious cares of life. He who will pursue this course will never lack for knowledge; he will never be in doubt or in darkness, nor will his mind ever be clouded by the gloomy pall of unbelief; on the contrary his hopes will be bright; his faith will be strong; his joy will be full; he will be able each succeeding day to comprehend the unfolding purposes of Jehovah and to rejoice in the glorious liberty and happiness which all the faithful children of God enjoy.
. . . . We can only retain the testimony of the truth in our heart by living near unto God. If we call upon Him in faith to bless us and seek to enjoy the companionship of the Holy Spirit, so ordering our lives that God can, consistently, bless us and the Spirit of the Lord can abide with us, we receive strength to overcome every evil and our minds instinctively recoil from the commission of any act which might grieve that Spirit or bring a stain upon our own character or upon the divine cause in which we are engaged. (Gospel Truth, 1:343-33) TLDP:284
[We] should live so near to the Lord, be so humble in our spirits, so tractable and pliable, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, that we will be able to know the mind and will of the Father concerning us as individuals and as officers in the Church of Christ under all circumstances. And when we live so that we can hear and understand the whisperings of the still small voice of the Spirit of God, let us do whatsoever that Spirit directs, without fear of the consequences. It does not make any difference whether it meet the minds of carpers or critics, or of the enemies of the kingdom of God, or not. Is it agreeable to the will of the Lord? Is it compatible with the spirit of the great latter-day work in which we are engaged? Is the end aimed at likely to advance the Church and to strengthen it in the earth? If its trend is in that direction, let us do it, no matter what men may say or think. CR1903Oct:86
Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven.
46. The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever. (Revelation received while in Liberty Jail, March 20, 1839; the priesthood should be used only in righteousness) D&C 121:45-46
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. (Epistle to his son Moroni, prior to A.D. 384) Moroni 8:26
The Holy Ghost will not dwell in unclean tabernacles or disobedient tabernacles. The Holy Ghost will not dwell with that person who is unwilling to obey and keep the commandments of God or who violates those commandments willingly. In such a soul the spirit of the Holy Ghost cannot enter.
That great gift comes to us only through humility and faith and obedience. Therefore, a great many members of the Church do not have that guidance. Then some cunning, crafty individual will come along teaching that which is not true, and without the guidance which is promised to us through our faithfulness, people are unable to discern and are led astray. It depends on our faithfulness and our obedience to the commandments of the Lord if we have the teachings, the enlightening instruction, that comes from the Holy Ghost. (Take Heed to Yourselves, p. 364) TLDP:279
Of what use is it that we know the truth, if we lack its spirit? Our knowledge, in this event, becomes a condemnation to us, failing to bear fruit. It is not sufficient that we know the truth, but we must be humble and with this knowledge possess the spirit to actuate us to good deeds. Baptism, as well as all other outward ordinances, without the spirit accompanying, is useless. We remain but baptized sinners.
It is the duty of the young men of Israel to seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and leave other things to follow; to seek the spirit of truth so as to possess the knowledge of God, which giveth them a desire for purity, light, truth; and a spirit to despise evil and to turn away from all that is not of God. ("Editor's Table," IE1899Jul:699-700) TLDP:284-85
320. The gift of the Holy Ghost is the right to the companionship of the Holy Ghost.
What is the gift of the Holy Ghost? Nothing more nor less than the right to the companionship of the Holy Ghost. (Doctrines of Salvation, 1:40) TLDP:276
The gift of the Holy Ghost is an endowment that gives one the right to enjoy the enlightenment, companionship, and guidance of the Spirit and the influence of the Holy Spirit as long as one complies with the commandments of God. (Learning for the Eternities, p. 22) TLDP:277
What do we mean when we say the gift of the Holy Ghost? I think that perhaps one of the most lucid explanations is made by President Joseph F. Smith. He said:
"Therefore, the presentation of 'gift' of the Holy Ghost simply confers upon a man the right to receive at any time, when he is worthy of it and desires it, the power and light of truth of the Holy Ghost, although he may often be left to his own spirit and judgment." [Gospel Doctrine, eleventh edition, 1959, pp. 60-61]
The bestowal of the gift is actually, then, a command to so live that when we need and desire it, we may have the accomplishment of the power of the Holy Ghost. (To seminary and institute teachers, June 1962) (Stand Ye in Holy Places, pp. 56-57) TLDP:277
And yet the actual companionship of the Holy Ghost, the divinely-bestowed right to His ministrations, the sanctifying baptism with fire, are given as a permanent and personal possession only to the faithful, repentant, baptized candidate for salvation; and with all such this gift shall abide unless it be forfeited through transgression. AF:149
This Comforter is, by his influence, to be a constant companion to every baptized person, and to administer unto the members of the church by revelation and guidance, knowledge of the truth that they may walk in its light. It is the Holy Ghost who enlightens the mind of the truly baptized member. (Answers to Gospel Questions, 2:149-50) DGSM:12
The gift of the Holy Ghost includes the right to constant companionship, that we may “always have his Spirit to be with [us]” (CR 1996Oct; D&C 20:77). (“Always Have His Spirit”, Ensign, November 1996, p.59)
The gift of the Holy Ghost is the right to the constant companionship of that member of the Godhead based on faithfulness. It is the right to receive revelation, to see visions, to be in tune with the Infinite. (CR 1977Oct; The Ten Blessings of the Priesthood, Ensign, November 1977, p.33)
321. Receiving the Holy Ghost is a "baptism of fire" (it has a sanctifying, purifying effect on the person who has been baptized by water).
This "mighty change" wrought by the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost should and does, if the proselyte is prepared to receive it, occur when he is baptized by immersion for the remission of sins and receives the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost—the two required ordinances for being "born of water and of the spirit." (Look to God and Live, pp. 269-70) DGSM:49
As starving men crave a crust of bread, as choking men thirst for water, so do the righteous yearn for the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost is a Revelator; he is a Sanctifier; he reveals truth, and he cleanses human souls. He is the Spirit of Truth, and his baptism is one of fire; he burns dross and evil out of repentant souls as though by fire. The gift of the Holy Ghost is the greatest of all the gifts of God, as pertaining to this life; and those who enjoy that gift here and now, will inherit eternal life hereafter, which is the greatest of all the gifts of God in eternity. (The Mortal Messiah, 2:122) TLDP:276
Wherefore, do the things which I have told you I have seen that your Lord and your Redeemer should do; for, for this cause have they been shown unto me, that ye might know the gate by which ye should enter. For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water; and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost. (Nephi writes, between 559-545 B.C.) 2 Nephi 31:17
And yet the actual companionship of the Holy Ghost, the divinely-bestowed right to His ministrations, the sanctifying baptism with fire, are given as a permanent and personal possession only to the faithful, repentant, baptized candidate for salvation; and with all such this gift shall abide unless it be forfeited through transgression. AF:149
recorded in Matthew
I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: (John the Baptist baptizes the repentant) Matthew 3:11
And of tenets thou shalt not talk, but thou shalt declare repentance and faith on the Savior, and remission of sins by baptism, and by fire, yea, even the Holy Ghost. (A commandment of God for Martin Harris, March 1830) D&C 19:31
receiving the Word of the Lord
And this is my gospel—repentance and baptism by water, and then cometh the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost, even the Comforter, which showeth all things, and teacheth the peaceable things of the kingdom. (Revelation received Jan. 5, 1831) D&C 39:6
translating Matthew,
quoting, in part, John the Baptist
I indeed baptize you with water, upon your repentance; and when he of whom I bear record cometh, who is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear, (or whose place I am not able to fill,) as I said, I indeed baptize you before he cometh, that when he cometh he may baptize you with the Holy Ghost and fire. . . .
40. Thus came John, preaching and baptizing in the river of Jordan; bearing record, that he who was coming after him had power to baptize with the Holy Ghost and fire. (John the Baptist baptizes the repentant) JST(Matthew 3:38,40 in Appendix)
The importance of receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost is beyond expression. It is the baptism of fire referred to by John. (CR 1974Apr; See Luke 3:16.) It is the “spirit” birth of which Jesus spoke to Nicodemus. (The Holy Ghost, Ensign, May 1974, p.90)
Related Witnesses:
The gift of the Holy Ghost . . . quickens all the intellectual faculties, increases, enlarges, expands, and purifies all the natural passions and affections, and adapts them, by the gift of wisdom, to their lawful use. It inspires, develops, cultivates, and matures all the fine-toned sympathies, joys, tastes, kindred feelings, and affections of our nature. It inspires virtue, kindness, goodness, tenderness, gentleness, and charity. It develops beauty of person, form, and features. It tends to health, vigor, animation, and social feeling. It invigorates all the faculties of the physical and intellectual man. It strengthens and gives tone to the nerves. In short, it is, as it were, marrow to the bone, joy to the heart, light to the eyes, music to the ears, and life to the whole being. (Key to the Science of Theology, p. 61) DGSM:45
quoted by Mormon
Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day. (The resurrected Jesus instructs his twelve Nephite disciples, A.D. 34) 3 Nephi 27:20
And it came to pass when they were all baptized and had come up out of the water, the Holy Ghost did fall upon them, and they were filled with the Holy Ghost and with fire.
14. And behold, they were encircled about as if it were by fire; and it came down from heaven, and the multitude did witness it, and did bear record; and angels did come down out of heaven and did minister unto them. (The twelve disciples are baptized, A.D. 34) 3 Nephi 19:13-14
322. Only those who are baptized of the water and of the Spirit, namely, the Holy Ghost, will enter the kingdom of God.
Now, baptism into the Church is not enough to save us. It is for the remission of sins, that is true, but there is another baptism which is just as essential, and that is the baptism of the spirit, or the bestowal of the gift of the Holy Ghost. CR1958Oct:21
quoted by Mormon
Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day. (The resurrected Jesus instructs his twelve Nephite disciples, A.D. 34) 3 Nephi 27:20
quoted by John
There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
2. The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
3. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
5. Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
8. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. (Jesus tells Nicodemus men must be born again) John 3:1-8
translating the Book of Moses
That by reason of transgression cometh the fall, which fall bringeth death, and inasmuch as ye were born into the world by water, and blood, and the spirit, which I have made, and so became of dust a living soul, even so ye must be born again into the kingdom of heaven, of water, and of the Spirit, and be cleansed by blood, even the blood of mine Only Begotten; that ye might be sanctified from all sin, and enjoy the words of eternal life in this world, and eternal life in the world to come, even immortal glory;
60. For by the water ye keep the commandment; by the Spirit ye are justified, and by the blood ye are sanctified; . . .
64. And it came to pass, when the Lord had spoken with Adam, our father, that Adam cried unto the Lord, and he was caught away by the Spirit of the Lord, and was carried down into the water, and was laid under the water, and was brought forth out of the water.
65. And thus he was baptized, and the Spirit of God descended upon him, and thus he was born of the Spirit, and became quickened in the inner man.
66. And he heard a voice out of heaven, saying: Thou art baptized with fire, and with the Holy Ghost. This is the record of the Father, and the Son, from henceforth and forever; (The record of Moses : Enoch recounts God speaking to Adam) Moses 6:59-60,64-66
Related Witnesses:
receiving the Word of the Lord
And behold, whosoever believeth on my words, them will I visit with the manifestation of my Spirit; and they shall be born of me, even of water and of the Spirit— (Revelation received at the request of Martin Harris, March 1829; the Lord promises to supply three witnesses to the Book of Mormon) D&C 5:16
recorded in Matthew
I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: (John the Baptist baptizes the repentant) Matthew 3:11
translating Matthew,
quoting, in part, John the Baptist
I indeed baptize you with water, upon your repentance; and when he of whom I bear record cometh, who is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear, (or whose place I am not able to fill,) as I said, I indeed baptize you before he cometh, that when he cometh he may baptize you with the Holy Ghost and fire. . . .
40. Thus came John, preaching and baptizing in the river of Jordan; bearing record, that he who was coming after him had power to baptize with the Holy Ghost and fire. (John the Baptist baptizes the repentant) JST(Matthew 3:38,40 in Appendix)
And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.
10. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: (Mark writes of John the Baptist) Mark 1:9-10
323. The truth of all things may be made known to those who have received the gift of the Holy Ghost.
And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things. (The final writings of Moroni, about A.D. 421) Moroni 10:5
Now, what did Jesus tell His disciples the Holy Ghost should do when it came? He promised—"It shall lead you into all truth" What shall it do? Lead you into all truth—not into a diversity of sentiments, not into differences of doctrine, not into a variety of ordinances, but you shall see alike, comprehend alike and understand alike. "It shall lead you into all truth." (In Assembly Hall, Feb. 11, 1883, JD23:374) TLDP:272
The Holy Ghost is a revelator of truth. . . . CR1966Oct:112
quoted by John
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. (Jesus discourses on the mission of the Holy Ghost) John 16:13
quoted by John
And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
17. Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. . . .
26. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (Jesus promises his disciples to send the Holy Ghost) John 14:16-17,26
quoted by Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
[W]e believe that it [the gift of the Holy Ghost] . . . brings things past to our remembrance, leads us into all truth, and shows us of things to come; we believe that "no man can know that Jesus is the Christ, but by the Holy Ghost." (Editorial in "Times and Seasons," June 1842) HC5:27; TPJS:243; TLDP:274
translating the Book of Moses
Therefore it is given to abide in you; the record of heaven; the Comforter; the peaceable things of immortal glory; the truth of all things; that which quickeneth all things, which maketh alive all things; that which knoweth all things, and hath all power according to wisdom, mercy, truth, justice, and judgment. (The record of Moses : Enoch recounts God speaking to Adam) Moses 6:61
Each person on whom authoritative hands have been placed will receive the Holy Ghost. He will lead us unto all truth. (Seoul Korea Area conference, Aug. 1975) DGSM:45
[I]t is only after [honest truth seekers] pledge their all in the cause of Christ that they receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, which is the heavenly endowment of which Jesus spoke. Then they receive a fulfillment of the promise: "by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things." (Moroni 10:5) Then they receive the "spirit of revelation," and the Lord tells them in their heart and in their mind whatsoever he will. (D&C 8:1-3(The Millennial Messiah, pp. 98-99) DGSM:45
I wonder if any of those guards prayed that night. The Holy Ghost was ready to tell them that the remarkable message was true. With a testimony of the Spirit they would have known that they should ask for baptism. And then they could have received the priceless gift of the Holy Ghost. With that gift, they could know the truth of all things. I wonder if any of them sensed that night how close they were to starting down the only path which would lead them to the Savior in the world to come, to see His face with pleasure and hear the words, “Come unto me, ye blessed, there is a place prepared for you in the mansions of my Father.” (CR 2003Oct; Enos 1:27.) (An Enduring Testimony of the Mission of the Prophet Joseph, Ensign, November 2003, p.89)
Related Witnesses:
quoted by Joseph Smith,
translating the Book of Moses
Believe and repent of your sins and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, even as our fathers, and ye shall receive the Holy Ghost, that ye may have all things made manifest; and if ye do not this, the floods will come in upon you; nevertheless they hearkened not. (The record of Moses : Noah preaches to the people) Moses 8:24
324. Members of the Church are entitled to revelation and guidance from the Holy Ghost.
This Comforter is, by his influence, to be a constant companion to every baptized person, and to administer unto the members of the church by revelation and guidance, knowledge of the truth that they may walk in its light. It is the Holy Ghost who enlightens the mind of the truly baptized member. (Answers to Gospel Questions, 2:149-50) DGSM:12
Every person who has reached or passed the age of accountability of eight years, and who with a totally repentant heart is baptized properly, positively will receive the Holy Ghost. If heeded, this member of the Godhead will guide, inspire, and warn, and will neutralize the promptings of the evil one. (Miracle of Forgiveness, pp. 14-15) TLDP:282
For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do. (Nephi's writings, between 559-545 B.C.) 2 Nephi 32:5
receiving the Word of the Lord
Go your way whithersoever I will, and it shall be given you by the Comforter what you shall do and whither you shall go. (Revelation for Thomas B. Marsh who had been baptized earlier in the month, received Sept. 30, 1830) D&C 31:11
The Holy Ghost is the genius of the Holy Priesthood. Remove from this body of men, clothed with this power, dispossess them, if that were possible of the guiding influence of the spirit of revelation and they would be as unproductive in the ministry as the dry sand on the seashore.
The spirit of revelation directs the leaders of the Church in the appointment of officers. They pray to the Lord. "Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen." The Lord is the searcher of the heart. He knows the qualifications, the most secret purposes and intentions and dispositions of all men. Every man whom we have sustained by our vote this afternoon, in the position to which he has been appointed, that man, I testify, has been chosen by the spirit of revelation, by the Holy Ghost, which, as I have stated is the genius of the Priesthood. While this spirit remains in the Church—and it will remain forever—we need not be afraid that we will be led astray, for God loves us. He loves the men whom he has appointed and he will move upon them, by the Holy Spirit, to select men whom he has chosen to be overseers of the flock, "to feed the Church of God." CR1938Apr:100
Related Witnesses:
The Holy Ghost is a revelator. Every worthy soul is entitled to a revelation, and it comes through the Holy Ghost. ("The Fourth Article of Faith," Instructor, April 1955, p. 108) TLDP:274
quoted by Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
[W]e believe that [the gift of the Holy Ghost] is necessary to make and to organize the Priesthood, that no man can be called to fill any office in the ministry without it; we also believe in prophecy, in tongues, in visions, and in revelations, in gifts, and in healings; and that these things cannot be enjoyed without the gift of the Holy Ghost. We believe that the Holy Ghost, and that holy men in these days speak by the same principle; we believe in its being a comforter and a witness bearer, that it brings things past to our remembrance, leads us into all truth, and shows us of things to come; we believe that "no man can know that Jesus is the Christ, but by the Holy Ghost." (Editorial in "Times and Seasons," June 1842) HC5:27; TPJS:243; TLDP:274
quoted by John A. Widtsoe
The Holy Ghost reveals unto you things past, present, and to come; it makes your minds quick and vivid to understand the handiwork of the Lord. Your joy is made full in beholding the footsteps of our Father going forth among the inhabitants of the earth; this is invisible to the world, but it is made visible to the Saints, and they behold the Lord in his providences, bringing forth the work of the last days. (In Bowery, Aug. 17, 1856, JD4:22) DBY:161
Now this gift of the Holy Ghost, as I before remarked, is the greatest boon that can be conferred upon mortal men, because by it they can discern and comprehend the things of God, and without it they cannot. They may reflect upon them, ponder upon them, speculate about them; they may come to certain conclusions in their own minds by reason and logic, but they cannot obtain a knowledge of these things unless it is by the power and gift of the Holy Ghost, which is the spirit of revelation. (In Tabernacle, May 1, 1880, JD22:89) TLDP:282
