Doctrinal Study
Holy Ghost
Overview
The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead. He is a personage of spirit, without a body of flesh and bones. He is often referred to as the Spirit, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God, the Spirit of the Lord, or the Comforter.
Roles of the Holy Ghost
The Holy Ghost works in perfect unity with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, fulfilling several roles to help us live righteously and receive the blessings of the gospel.
He “witnesses of the Father and the Son” (2 Nephi 31:18) and reveals and teaches “the truth of all things” (Moroni 10:5). We can receive a sure testimony of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ only by the power of the Holy Ghost. His communication to our spirit carries far more certainty than any communication we can receive through our natural senses.
As we strive to stay on the path that leads to eternal life, the Holy Ghost can guide us in our decisions and protect us from physical and spiritual danger.
Through Him, we can receive gifts of the Spirit for our benefit and for the benefit of those we love and serve (see Doctrine and Covenants 46:9–11).
He is the Comforter (John 14:26). As the soothing voice of a loving parent can quiet a crying child, the whisperings of the Spirit can calm our fears, hush the nagging worries of our life, and comfort us when we grieve. The Holy Ghost can fill us “with hope and perfect love” and “teach [us] the peaceable things of the kingdom” (Moroni 8:26; Doctrine and Covenants 36:2).
Through His power, we are sanctified as we repent, receive the ordinances of baptism and confirmation, and remain true to our covenants (see Mosiah 5:1–6; 3 Nephi 27:20; Moses 6:64–68).
He is the Holy Spirit of Promise (see Ephesians 1:13; Doctrine and Covenants 132:7, 18–19, 26). In this capacity, He confirms that the priesthood ordinances we have received and the covenants we have made are acceptable to God. This approval depends on our continued faithfulness.
The Gift of the Holy Ghost
All honest seekers of the truth can feel the influence of the Holy Ghost, leading them to Jesus Christ and His gospel. However, the fulness of the blessings given through the Holy Ghost are available only to those who receive the gift of the Holy Ghost and remain worthy.
After a person is baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, one or more Melchizedek Priesthood holders lay their hands on the person’s head and, in a sacred priesthood ordinance, confirm him or her a member of the Church. As part of this ordinance, called confirmation, the person is given the gift of the Holy Ghost.
The gift of the Holy Ghost is different from the influence of the Holy Ghost. Before baptism, a person can feel the influence of the Holy Ghost from time to time and through that influence can receive a testimony of the truth. After receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, a person has the right to the constant companionship of that member of the Godhead if he or she keeps the commandments.
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Related Topics
Scriptures
Scripture References
Scripture Study Resources
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Bible Dictionary, “Holy Ghost”
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Topical Guide, “Holy Ghost,” “Holy Ghost, Gift of,” “Lord, Spirit of”
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Guide to the Scriptures, “Holy Ghost”
Messages from Church Leaders
Videos
“Elder and Sister Bednar—Gift of Discernment”
“Elder and Sister Bednar—Recognizing the Spirit”
“Receiving Revelation”
“Having the Holy Ghost”
“We Can Have His Light”
“Truths That Mark the Way Home”
“Feeling the Holy Ghost”
“Patterns of Light: Discerning Light”
Tabernacle Choir Videos
Learning Resources
Church Magazines
Emily Walmer, “What Does the Spirit Feel Like?” New Era, March 2017
Eduardo Gavarret, “The Voice of the Spirit,” Ensign or Liahona, February 2017
Hollie Megan Laura Hunter, “Celestial Moments,” New Era or Liahona, January 2017
Julie Cornelius-Huang, “Don’t Forget to Pray for Erik,” Friend or Liahona, January 2017
Janice Porter Hayes, “The Holy Ghost: Our Personal Guide,” Ensign, January 2017
Jane McBride, “The Favorite Ball,” Friend, January 2017
Carol M. Truscott, “Filled with the Holy Ghost,” Ensign, October 2015
“The Holy Ghost Comforts, Inspires, and Testifies,” Ensign or Liahona, April 2013
Sandra Tanner and Cristina Franco, “The Holy Ghost Testifies of the Truth of All Things,” Liahona, June 2010
“Coloring Page,” Friend, August 2007
Margaret Lifferth, “Sharing Time: The Gift of the Holy Ghost,” Friend, August 2005
Margaret D. Nadauld, “A Comforter, a Guide, a Testifier,” Liahona, July 2001
Sheri L. Dew, “We Are Not Alone,” Liahona, January 1999
LaFond Hall, “The Holy Ghost Speaks Softly,” Friend, July 1997
Loren C. Dunn, “Fire and the Holy Ghost,” Ensign, June 1995
Study Manuals
Teachings of Presidents of the Church
Stories
Teaching Resources
Teaching Outlines
Stories and Activities for Teaching Children
“Holy Ghost,” Lesson Helps for Teaching Children
Henry B. Eyring, “Searching for Church,” Friend, October 2016