Holy Ghost

In Mormon doctrine, the Holy Ghost is a spirit, the same spirit that Christ promised to send as a comforter to His disciples in John 14:18. The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead. In Mormon belief the Godhead consists of three separate and distinct personages united in purpose.  The Holy Ghost is also known by other names that often point to the duty of the Holy Ghost, such as Comforter, Holy Spirit, Spirit, Spirit of God, Spirit of the Lord, Spirit of Truth, Still Small Voice, and Testifier. 

The Holy Ghost has several jobs, or roles. The first and probably most important role is to bear witness of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. In 1 Corinthians 12:3 it states, "no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost." Closely linked to this role as witness of God and Christ is the Holy Ghost's role of revealing the truth of all things. In the Book of Mormon, Moroni 10:5 states, "and by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things."

The Holy Ghost also sanctifies those who have repented and been baptized (see John 3:5-6, 3 Nephi 27:20).  The Holy Ghost also has the ability to comfort and guide us. John 16:13 expresses this role, "When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth." The Holy Ghost also teaches or instructs and can help a person remember things, "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" (John 14:26).

Any person is able to feel the Holy Ghost's influence, but only those who have been given the Gift of the Holy Ghost are able to keep the Holy Ghost with them all the time. To receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost a person must be baptized by someone that has the authority or proper priesthood. After their baptism they must be confirmed as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and then they can receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost. When this gift is given it must be given by the laying on of hands (placing hands on a persons head).   Even though the person is promised that they may always have the Holy Ghost to be with them, if the person becomes unworthy, the Holy Ghost will withdraw.  The Holy Ghost is holy, and cannot dwell with unclean persons.

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Holy Ghost

The Godhead