Light Truth Light of Christ Holy Ghost

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D&C 88:6-13

6 He that ascended up on high, as also he descended

below all things, in that he comprehended all things,

that he might be in all and through all things, the lightof truth;

7 Which truth shineth. This is the light of Christ. As

also he is in the sun, and the light of the sun, and the

power thereof by which it was made.

8 As also he is in the moon, and is the light of themoon, and the power thereof by which it was made;

9 As also the light of the stars, and the power thereof

by which they were made;

10 And the earth also, and the power thereof, even

the earth upon which you stand.

11 And the light which shineth, which giveth youlight, is through him who enlighteneth your eyes,

which is the same light that quickeneth your

understandings;

12 Which light proceedeth forth from the presence of

God to fill the immensity of space

13 The light which is in all things, which giveth life

to all things, which is the law by which all things aregoverned, even the power of God who sitteth upon his

throne, who is in the bosom of eternity, who is in the

midst of all things.

D&C 84

44 For you shall live by every word that proceedeth

forth from the mouth of God.

45 For the word of the Lord is truth, and whatsoever

is truth is light, and whatsoever is light is Spirit, even

the Spirit of Jesus Christ.

46 And the Spirit giveth light to every man that

cometh into the world; and the Spirit enlightenethevery man through the world, that hearkeneth to the

voice of the Spirit.

47 And every one that hearkeneth to the voice of theSpirit cometh unto God, even the Father.

48 And the Father teacheth him of the covenant

which he has renewed and confirmed upon you, which

is confirmed upon you for your sakes, and not foryour sakes only, but for the sake of the whole world.

Notes:

What is the difference between the Holy Ghost and

the Light of Christ?

What roles do they play?

Do they feel different?If the Holy Ghost is a personage, how does heinfluence so many simultaneously?

When was the last time you felt the influence of the

Light of Christ?

When was the last time you gelt the influence of the

Holy Ghost?

Which one do you like better?

Who or what is theHoly Spirit?

Does it matter that you know the difference?


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D&C 93

1 Verily, thus saith the Lord: It shall come to pass that

every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto

me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice,and keepeth my commandments, shall see my face

and know that I am;

2 And that I am the true light that lighteth every man

that cometh into the world;

26 The Spirit of truth is of God. I am the Spirit oftruth, and John bore record of me, saying: He received

a fulness of truth, yea, even of all truth;

27 And no man receiveth a fulness unless he keepeth

his commandments.

28 He that keepeth his commandments receiveth truthand light, until he is glorified in truth and knoweth all

things.

29 Man was also in the beginning with God.Intelligence, or the light of truth, was not created or

made, neither indeed can be.

30 All truth is independent in that sphere in which

God has placed it, to act for itself, as all intelligencealso; otherwise there is no existence.

31 Behold, here is the agency of man, and here is the

condemnation of man; because that which was from

the beginning is plainly manifest unto them, and theyreceive not the light.

32 And every man whose spirit receiveth not the light

is under condemnation.

36 The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other

words, light and truth.

39 And that wicked one cometh and taketh away light

and truth, through disobedience, from the children ofmen, and because of the tradition of their fathers.

40 But I have commanded you to bring up yourchildren in light and truth.

42 You have not taught your children light and truth,

according to the commandments; and that wicked onehath power, as yet, over you, and this is the cause of

your affliction.

Notes:

Holy Ghost:

Source of spiritual gifts

A comforter A purifier / sanctifier

A spirit person

Is a HE

What is true and false

Light of Christ:

Given to all man

Is an IT

Conscience tells us right from wrong

Names:

the Spirit of Christ

the Light of Christ the Spirit of the Lord

the light of truth


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Alma 28:14

14 And thus we see the great call of diligence of men

to labor in the vineyards of the Lord; and thus we seethe great reason of sorrow, and also of rejoicing

sorrow because of death and destruction among men,

and joy because of the light of Christ unto life.

Alma 19:6

6 Now, this was what Ammon desired, for he knew

that king Lamoni was under the power of God; heknew that the dark veil of unbelief was being cast

away from his mind, and the light which did light up

his mind, which was the light of the glory of God,which was a marvelous light of his goodnessyea,

this light had infused such joy into his soul, the cloud

of darkness having been dispelled, and that the light of

everlasting life was lit up in his soul, yea, he knewthat this had overcome his natural frame, and he was

carried away in God

Alma 26:3

3 Behold, I answer for you; for our brethren, the

Lamanites, were in darkness, yea, even in the darkestabyss, but behold, how many of them are brought to

behold the marvelous light of God! And this is the

blessing which hath been bestowed upon us, that wehave been made instruments in the hands of God to

bring about this great work.

1 Cor 2:1414 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the

Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him:

neither can he know them, because they are spirituallydiscerned.

D&C 6:2121 Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I am

the same that came unto mine own, and mine own

received me not. I am the light which shineth in

darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not.

D&C 20:27

27 As well as those who should come after, whoshould believe in the gifts and callings of God by the

Holy Ghost, which beareth record of the Father and of

the Son;

Notes:

Names of the Spirits:

The Spirit of God

Holy Spirit

Spirit of Truth Holy Ghost

the Spirit

the Spirit of God

the Spirit of the Lord

the Spirit of Truth

the Holy Spirit

the Comforter


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Moroni 7:13-19

13 But behold, that which is of God inviteth and

enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, everything which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to

love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God.

14 Wherefore, take heed, my beloved brethren, thatye do not judge that which is evil to be of God, or thatwhich is good and of God to be of the devil.

15 For behold, my brethren, it is given unto you to

judge, that ye may know good from evil; and the way

to judge is as plain, that ye may know with a perfectknowledge, as the daylight is from the dark night.

16 For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every

man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I

show unto you the way to judge; for every thing

which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believein Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ;

wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is

of God.

17 But whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do evil,

and believe not in Christ, and deny him, and serve not

God, then ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is

of the devil; for after this manner doth the devil work,for he persuadeth no man to do good, no, not one;

neither do his angels; neither do they who subject

themselves unto him.

18 And now, my brethren, seeing that ye know thelight by which ye may judge, which light is the light

of Christ, see that ye do not judge wrongfully; for

with that same judgment which ye judge ye shall alsobe judged.

19 Wherefore, I beseech of you, brethren, that ye

should search diligently in the light of Christ that ye

may know good from evil; and if ye will lay holdupon every good thing, and condemn it not, ye

certainly will be a child of Christ.

Notes:

This is a test of the emergency note system


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Hymn 143 Let the Holy Spirit Guide

1. Let the Holy Spirit guide;

Let him teach us what is true.

He will testify of Christ,Light our minds with heaven's view.

2. Let the Holy Spirit guard;

Let his whisper govern choice.

He will lead us safely homeIf we listen to his voice.

3. Let the Spirit heal our hearts

Thru his quiet, gentle pow'r.

May we purify our livesTo receive him hour by hour.

Moroni 10:57

5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know

the truth of all things.

6 And whatsoever thing is good is just and true;

wherefore, nothing that is good denieth the Christ, but

acknowledgeth that he is.

7 And ye may know that he is, by the power of theHoly Ghost; wherefore I would exhort you that ye

deny not the power of God; for he worketh by power,

according to the faith of the children of men, the sametoday and tomorrow, and forever.

D&C 11:12-14

12 And now, verily, verily, I say unto thee, put your

trust in that Spirit which leadeth to do goodyea, todo justly, to walk humbly, to judge righteously; and

this is my Spirit.

13 Verily, verily, I say unto you, I will impart unto

you of my Spirit, which shall enlighten your mind,

which shall fill your soul with joy;14 And then shall ye know, or by this shall you know,

all things whatsoever you desire of me, which are

pertaining unto things of righteousness, in faithbelieving in me that you shall receive.

Notes:


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The Holy Ghost is a son of God

Heber C. Kimball (First Presidency)

Well, let me tell you, the Holy Ghost is a

man; he is one of the sons of our Father

and our God; and he is that man that stoodnext to Jesus Christ, just as I stand by

brother Brigham. (Journal of Discourses,

5:179)

The Holy Ghost will eventually receive a body

Joseph Smith (President)

But the Holy Ghost is yet a spiritual body

and waiting to take to himself a body, as

the Savior did or as God did or the gods

before them took bodies; for the Savior

says the work that my Father did do Ialso. . . . He took himself a body and then

laid down his life that he might take it upagain. (The Words of Joseph Smith, p. 382;

standardized)

Franklin D. Richards (First Presidency)

Joseph also said that the Holy Ghost is

now in a state of probation which if heshould perform in righteousness he may

pass through the same or a similar course

of things that the Son has. (The Words ofJoseph Smith, p. 245; standardized)

The Holy Ghost Operates through the Light

of Christ

Joseph Fielding Smith

The Holy Ghost as a personage of Spirit can no more

be omnipresent in person than can the Father or the

Son, but by his intelligence, his knowledge, his powerand influence, over and through the laws of nature, he

is and can be omnipresent throughout all the works of

God. Thus when it becomes necessary to speak to us,he is able to do so by acting through the other Spirit,

that is, through the Light of Christ. (Doctrines of

Salvation, vol. 1, p. 40)

Bruce R. McConkie

The Holy Ghost, a personage of Spirit, is a Revelator.

Revelation comes by his power. He is broadcasting all

truth out into all immensity all the time. And the Spiritof Christthe light of Christ, the light that proceedeth

forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of

spaceis the means and agency used for carrying the

revealed word to men, for disseminating eternal truth

to mortal hearts. (Doctrinal New Testament

Commentary, 3: 287, emphasis added)

The Difference Between the Holy Ghost

and the Spirit of the Lord

Joseph F. Smith (President)

But the gift of the Holy Ghost, which

bears record of the Father and the Son,which takes of the things of the Father and

shows them unto men, which testifies of

Jesus Christ, and of the ever-living God,the Father of Jesus Christ, and which bears

witness of the truth-this Spirit, this

intelligence is not given unto all men untilthey repent of their sins and come into a

state of worthiness before the Lord. Then

they receive it by the laying on of thehands of those who are authorized of God

to bestow his blessings upon the heads of

the children of men. The Spirit spoken of

in that which I have read is that Spiritwhich will not cease to strive with the

children of men until they are brought to

the possession of the greater light and

intelligence. Though a man may commitall manner of sin and blasphemy, if he has

not received the testimony of the HolyGhost he may be forgiven by repenting of

his sins, humbling himself before the

Lord, and obeying in sincerity the

commandments of God. As it is statedhere, "Every soul who forsaketh his sins

and cometh unto me, and calleth on my

name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepethmy commandments, shall see my face and

know that I am." He shall be forgiven, andreceive of the greater light; he will enterinto a solemn covenant with God, into a

compact with the Almighty, through the

Only Begotten Son, whereby he becomesa son of God, an heir of God, and a joint

heir with Jesus Christ. Then, if he shall sin

against the light and knowledge he has

received, the light that was within himshall become darkness, and oh, how great


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will be that darkness! Then, and not till

then, will this Spirit of Christ that lighteth

every man that cometh into the worldcease to strive with him, and he shall be

left to his own destruction.

This is in accordance with the doctrine ofChrist, as it is revealed in the NewTestament; it is in accordance with the

word of God as it has been revealed in the

latter-day through the Prophet Joseph

Smith. God will not condemn any man toutter destruction, neither shall any man be

thrust down to hell irredeemably, until he

has been brought to the possession of thegreater light that comes through

repentance and obedience to the laws and

commandments of God; but if, after he hasreceived light and knowledge, he shall sin

against the light and will not repent, then,

indeed, he becomes a lost soul, a son of

perdition.

The question is often asked, is there any

difference between the Spirit of the Lord

and the Holy Ghost? The terms are

frequently used synonymously. We oftensay the Spirit of God when we mean the

Holy Ghost; we likewise say the Holy

Ghost when we mean the Spirit of God.The Holy Ghost is a personage in the

Godhead, and is not that which lighteth

every man that comes into the world. It isthe Spirit of God which proceeds through

Christ to the world, that enlightens every

man that comes into the world, and thatstrives with the children of men, and will

continue to strive with them, until it brings

them to a knowledge of the truth and the

possession of the greater light and

testimony of the Holy Ghost. If, however,he receive that greater light, and then sin

against it, the Spirit of God will cease tostrive with him, and the Holy Ghost will

wholly depart from him. Then will he

persecute the truth; then will he seek theblood of the innocent; then will he not

scruple at the commission of any crime,

except so far as he may fear the penalties

of the law, in consequence of the crime,

upon himself. (Improvment Era, vol.

11:380-382)

The Operations of the Holy

Ghost Upon the Unbaptized

James E. Talmage (Quorum of the Twelve)

In another sense the Holy Ghost hasfrequently operated for good through

persons that were unbaptized; indeed,

some measure of His power is given to all

mankind; for, as seen already, the HolySpirit is the medium of intelligence, of

wise direction, of development, of life.

Manifestation of the power of God, asmade 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 hasever 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 yetthe actual companionship of the Holy

Ghost, the divinely-bestowed right to His

ministrations, the sanctifying baptism withfire, are given as a permanent and personal

possession only to the faithful, repentant,

baptized candidate for salvation; and withall such this gift shall abide unless it be

forfeited through transgression. (Articles

of Faith, p.149)

The Fulness of the Holy Ghost

D. Todd Christofferson (Quorum of the Twelve)

In the Kirtland Temple dedicatory

prayer ... the Prophet petitioned, Anddo thou grant, Holy Father, that all those

who shall worship in this house may


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grow up in thee, and receive a fulness of

the Holy Ghost (D&C 109:1415). The

fulness of the Holy Ghost includes

what Jesus described as the promisewhich I give unto you of eternal life,

even the glory of the celestial kingdom;which glory is that of the church of theFirstborn, even of God, the holiest of

all, through Jesus Christ his Son (D&C

88:45). (The Power of Covenants,Ensign, May 2009, 1923, footnote #5)

The Holy Ghost is a Sanctifier

Bruce R. McConkie (Quorum of the Twelve)

To be sanctified is to be saved; to fallshort of sanctification Is to fail to gain full

salvation. Only the sanctified gain eternal

life. To be sanctified is to be clean; it is astate of purity and spotlessness in which

no taint of sin is found. Only those who

die as to sin and are born again torighteousness, becoming thus new

creatures of the Holy Ghost, are numbered

with the sanctified.

It is the work and mission and ministry ofthe Holy Spirit of God to sanctify the

souls of men. This is his assigned labor in

the Eternal Godhead. How he does it we

do not know, except that it is a work thatcan only be performed by a spirit being,

and hence the need for one of his

personality, status, and standing in theSupreme Presidency of the universe.

Baptism of the Spirit is the way and the

means whereby sanctification is made

available. Thus, Jesus commands all the"ends of the earth" to be baptized in water

"that ye may be sanctified by the reception

of the Holy Ghost, that ye may standspotless before me at the last day." (3

Nephi 27:20.) Truly, the Holy Ghost is a

sanctifier, and the extent to which men

receive and enjoy the gift of the HolyGhost is the extent to which they are

sanctified. In the lives of most of us,

sanctification is an ongoing process, and

we obtain that glorious status by degrees

as we overcome the world and become

saints in deed as well as in name. (A New

Witness for the Articles of Faith, pp.265-

267)

David A. Bednar (Quorum of the Twelve)

The purpose of our mortal journey is not

merely to see the sights on earth or toexpend our allotment of time on self-

centered pursuits; rather, we are to walk

in newness of life (Romans 6:4), tobecome sanctified by yielding our hearts

unto God (see Helaman 3:35), and to

obtain the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians

2:16).

We are commanded and instructed to solive that our fallen nature is changed

through the sanctifying power of the Holy

Ghost. President Marion G. Romneytaught that the baptism of fire by the Holy

Ghost converts [us] from carnality to

spirituality. It cleanses, heals, and purifiesthe soul. Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ,

repentance, and water baptism are all

preliminary and prerequisite to it, but [thebaptism of fire] is the consummation. To

receive [this baptism of fire] is to haveones garments washed in the atoning

blood of Jesus Christ (Learning for theEternities, comp. George J. Romney

[1977], 133; see also3 Nephi 27:1920).

Hence, as we are born again and strive to

always have His Spirit to be with us, theHoly Ghost sanctifies and refines our

souls as if by fire (see2 Nephi 31:1314,

17). Ultimately, we are to stand spotlessbefore God. (Ensign, Nov 2007, 8083)

The Holy Ghost is a Revelator


Light and truth and knowledge may be gained inmany ways. They come through the senses, from
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experience, and by reason. When so received, man, of

course, may be deceived. In their pure and perfect

form they are manifest by revelation, through aprocess of Spirit speaking to spirit, of the Holy Spirit

whispering to the properly attuned spirit within us.

This also is his work, mission, and assigned ministry.He is a revelator. According to the eternal laws thatgovern all things, he has power to convey and reveal

truth to a human soul with absolute finality. There is

never any deception or uncertainty when the Spiritspeaks. And where the truths about God and faith and

salvation are concerned, there is no way to gain them

except by revelation from the Spirit.

Those who have received the gift of the Holy Ghosthave this glorious promise: "God shall give unto you

knowledge by his Holy Spirit, yea, by the unspeakable

gift of the Holy Ghost, [knowledge] that has not beenrevealed since the world was until now." (D&C

121:26.) As Paul said: "The Spirit searcheth all things,

yea, the deep things of God." (1 Corinthians 2:10.)

How do these hidden and unknown things come fromthe Holy Ghost to us? As to this we know only that it

is by obedience to those laws upon which the receipt

of such heavenly truths is predicated. These are thelaws of righteousness. "I will tell you in your mind

and in your heart," the Lord says, "by the [power of

the] Holy Ghost, which shall . . . dwell in your heart.

Now, behold, this is the spirit of revelation." (D&C8:2-3.) And the presence of the spirit of revelation

identifies the true church and kingdom of God onearth; where this is, there is the true church; and

where there is no spirit of revelation there the true

church is not. (A New Witness for the Articles of Faith,

pp.265-267)

The Holy Ghost:

Cleansing Agent of the Atonement

Click here for Scriptures on this Topic

D. Todd Christofferson (Quorum of the Twelve)

The gift of the Holy Ghost ... is the

messenger of grace by which the blood ofChrist is applied to take away our sins and

sanctify us (see 2 Nephi 31:17). (Ensign,

May 2009)

Henry B. Eyring (Quorum of the Twelve)

The Savior is the one who has been given

the right to grant that forgiveness and to

give that assurance. I have learned that theLord gives that assurance at the time He

chooses, and He does it in His own way.And I have learned to ask for it in prayer.One way He grants that assurance is

through the Holy Ghost. If you have

difficulty in feeling the Holy Ghost, you

might wisely ponder whether there isanything for which you need to repent and

receive forgiveness.

If you have felt the influence of the Holy

Ghost during this day, or even thisevening, you may take it as evidence that

the Atonement is working in your life. For

that reason and many others, you woulddo well to put yourself in places and in

tasks that invite the promptings of the

Holy Ghost. Feeling the influence of theHoly Ghost works both ways: the Holy

Ghost only dwells in a clean temple, and

the reception of the Holy Ghost cleanses

us through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.You can pray with faith to know what to

do to be cleansed and thus qualified for

the companionship of the Holy Ghost andthe service of the Lord. And with that

companionship you will be strengthened

against temptation and empowered todetect deception. (CES Fireside for Young

Adults, September 10, 2006, Brigham

Young University)

Henry B. Eyring (Quorum of the Twelve)

Reception of the Holy Ghost is thecleansing agent as the Atonement purifies

you. That is a fact you can act on withconfidence. You can invite the HolyGhost's companionship into your life. And

you can know when he is there, and when

he withdraws. And when he is yourcompanion, you can have confidence that

the Atonement is working in your life.

Not only is your feeling the influence of

the Holy Ghost a sign that the Atonement,the cure for sin, is working in your life,
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but you will also know that a preventative

against sin is working. (To Draw Closer to

God, 49-50)

Spiritual Rebirth Comes bythe Spirit Through Ordinances

Joseph Smith

Being born again, comes by the Spirit of

God through ordinances. (Teachings of the

Prophet Joseph Smith, p.162)

Marion G. Romney (First Presidency)

One is born again by actually receiving

and experiencing the light and powerinherent in the gift of the Holy Ghost.

("The Light of Christ,"Ensign, May 1977,p. 44.)

Harold B. Lee (Quorum of the Twelve)

The Master's admonition to Nicodemus,

who came confessing Jesus as a teachercome of God, and undoubtedly seeking to

know, like so many others who are true

seekers after truth, just what he must do to

be saved. He was told that he must be bornagain if he would see the kingdom of God.

This statement, the Master clarified, when

he explained, "Except a man be born ofwater and of the Spirit, he cannot enter

into the kingdom of God." (John 3:5.)

This new birth, then, was to be

accomplished through the medium ofbaptism by immersion and by the laying

on of hands for the conferring of the Holy

Ghost, as the disciples, thereafter as they

went out among the people, administeredthese sacred ordinances. (Conference

Report, April 1961, p.32)

Moses 6:64-65

64 And it came to pass, when the Lord hadspoken with Adam, our father, that Adam

cried unto the Lord, and he was caught

away by the Spirit of the Lord, and wascarried 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 becamequickened in the inner man.


The first death, in point of time, was

spiritual. Spiritual death is to die as

pertaining to the things of the Spirit; it isto die as pertaining to the things of

righteousness; it is to be cast out of the

presence of the Lord, in which presencespirituality and righteousness abound.

Adam died this death when he left Eden,

and he remained dead until he was born

again by the power of the Spirit followinghis baptism. (The Promised Messiah,

p.224)

Joseph Fielding Smith (President)

We must receive the gift of the HolyGhost; we must be born again; we must

have sin and iniquity burned out of our

souls as though by fire; we must gain anew creation by the power of the Holy

Ghost. ("The Plan of Salvation,"Ensign,

Nov. 1971, p. 5)Those who have suffered the first spiritualdeath or departure, which is a shutting out

from the presence of God, have the

privilege of being redeemed from this

death through obedience to the principlesof the gospel. Through baptism and

confirmation they are born again and thus

come back into spiritual life, and throughtheir continued obedience to the end, they

shall be made partakers of the blessings of

eternal life in the celestial kingdom ofGod. (Doctrines of Salvation, 2:222)

Mark E. Petersen (Quorum of the Twelve)

We receive confirmation by the laying on

of hands and are given the gift of the Holy

Ghost. But we must remember that in thatordinance we also receive a newness of

life. If we are sincere, we are literally born

again. In a very real sense we becomedifferent and better persons. We receive a


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new heart. We put away the man of sin, as

Paul describes it, and take upon ourselves

the name and the image of Christ (see Col.3:9-10). ("The Image of a Church Leader,"

Ensign, Aug. 1980, p. 5)


If a man "yields to the enticings of the

Holy Spirit, and putteth off the naturalman and becometh a saint through the

atonement of Christ the Lord" (Mosiah

3:19), then he is born again. His spiritualdeath ceases. He becomes alive to the

things of the Spirit; he returns to the

presence of God because he receives the

gift of the Holy Ghost; and he is alive tothe things of righteousness. He crucifies

the old man of sin, becomes a new

creature of the Holy Ghost, and walks in anewness of life. This is what is meant by

being born again. (The Promised Messiah,

p.350)

The Holy Ghost Dispenses the Gifts of the

Spirit

D&C 46:10-26

10 And again, verily I say unto you, I would that ye

should always remember, and always retain in your

minds what those gifts are, that are given unto thechurch.

11 For all have not every gift given unto them; forthere are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift

by the Spirit of God.

12 To some is given one, and to some is given another,that all may be profited thereby.

13 To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know thatJesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was

crucified for the sins of the world.

14 To others it is given to believe on their words, that

they also might have eternal life if they continue

faithful.

15 And again, to some it is given by the Holy Ghost to

know the differences of administration, as it will be

pleasing unto the same Lord, according as the Lordwill, suiting his mercies according to the conditions of

the children of men.

16 And again, it is given by the Holy Ghost to some toknow the diversities of operations, whether they be of

God, that the manifestations of the Spirit may be

given to every man to profit withal.

17 And again, verily I say unto you, to some is given,

by the Spirit of God, the word of wisdom.

18 To another is given the word of knowledge, that all

may be taught to be wise and to have knowledge.

19 And again, to some it is given to have faith to be

healed;

20 And to others it is given to have faith to heal.

21 And again, to some is given the working ofmiracles;

22 And to others it is given to prophesy;

23 And to others the discerning of spirits.

24 And again, it is given to some to speak withtongues;

25 And to another is given the interpretation oftongues.

26 And all these gifts come from God, for the benefitof the children of God.

The Holy Spirit of Promise

Joseph Fielding Smith (Quorum of the Twelve)

I will make an explanation of the

expression, "Sealed by the Holy Spirit of

Promise." This does not have reference tomarriage for time and all eternity only, but

to every ordinance and blessing of the

gospel. Baptism into the Church is sealed


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by this Spirit, likewise confirmation,

ordination, and all ordinances as well as

marriage for time and all eternity.

The meaning of this expression is this:

Every covenant, contract, bond,obligation, oath, vow, and performance,that man receives through the covenants

and blessings of the gospel, is sealed by

the Holy Spirit with a promise. The

promise is that the blessing will beobtained, if those who seek it are true and

faithful to the end. If they are not faithful,

then the Holy Spirit will withdraw theblessing, and the promise comes to an end.

(Doctrines of Salvation, 2:94-95)


The Holy Spirit of Promise is the ratifying

power of the Holy Ghost. When sealed bythe Holy Spirit of Promise, an ordinance,

vow, or covenant is binding on earth and

in heaven. (See D&C 132:7.) Receivingthis stamp of approval from the Holy

Ghost is the result of faithfulness,

integrity, and steadfastness in honoringgospel covenants in [the] process of

time (Moses 7:21). However, this sealing

can be forfeited through unrighteousnessand transgression. (Ensign, May 2007, 22)

Richard G. Scott (Quorum of the Twelve)

Realize that a sealing ordinance is not

enduring until after it is sealed by the Holy

Spirit of Promise. Both individuals mustbe worthy and want the sealing to be

eternal. ("Temple Worship: the Source of

Strength in Times of Need,"Ensign, May

2009)

James E. Faust (First Presidency)

I wish to say a word about the Holy Spirit

of Promise, which is the sealing and

ratifying power of the Holy Ghost. Tohave a covenant or ordinance sealed by

the Holy Spirit of Promise is a compact

through which the inherent blessings will

be obtained, provided those seeking theblessing are true and faithful (see D&C

76:50-54).

For example, when the covenant of

marriage for time and eternity, the

culminating gospel ordinance, is sealed bythe Holy Spirit of Promise, it can literally

open the windows of heaven for great

blessings to flow to a married couple whoseek for those blessings. Such marriagesbecome rich, whole, and sacred. Though

each party to the marriage can maintain

his or her separate identity, yet together intheir covenants they can be like two vines

wound inseparably around each other.

Each thinks of his or her companionbefore thinking of self.

One of the great blessings available

through the Holy Spirit of Promise is that

all of our covenants, vows, oaths, andperformances, which we receive through

the ordinances and blessings of the gospel,

are not only confirmed but may be sealed

by that Holy Spirit of Promise. However,that sealing may be broken by

unrighteousness. It is also important to

remember that if a person undertakes toreceive the sealing blessing by deceit,

"then the blessing is not sealed,

notwithstanding the integrity and authority

of the person officiating" (Joseph FieldingSmith, Doctrines of Salvation, comp.

Bruce R. McConkie, 3 vols., Salt LakeCity: Bookcraft, 1954-56, 2:98-99).

To have a covenant or ordinance sealed by

the Holy Spirit of Promise means that the

compact is binding on earth and in heaven.["The Gift of the Holy Ghost--A Sure

Compass,"Ensign, Apr. 1996, pp. 5-6]

Melvin J. Ballard (Quorum of the Twelve)

We may deceive men but we cannotdeceive the Holy Ghost, and our blessingswill not be eternal until they are also

sealed by the holy spirit of promise, the

Holy Ghost, one who reads the thoughtsand hearts of men and gives his sealing

approval to the blessings pronounced upon

their heads. Then it is binding, and of full

force, (Sermons and Missionary Service ofMelvin J. Ballard, Deseret Book Co.,
http://scriptures.lds.org/dc/132/7#7http://scriptures.lds.org/moses/7/21#21http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2009/04/temple-worship-the-source-of-strength-and-power-in-times-of-need?lang=enghttp://www.lds.org/general-conference/2009/04/temple-worship-the-source-of-strength-and-power-in-times-of-need?lang=enghttp://scriptures.lds.org/dc/132/7#7http://scriptures.lds.org/moses/7/21#21http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2009/04/temple-worship-the-source-of-strength-and-power-in-times-of-need?lang=eng


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1949, p. 237.)

Harold B. Lee (Quorum of the Twelve)

I shall inject here another phrase that is oft

discussed (and I think is misunderstood)

and to which we try to attach somemysteries. This phrase, where the Lord

directs that all of these things are to be

eternal, is: "must be sealed by the HolySpirit of promise." Let me refer first to the

76th section of the Doctrine and

Covenants. Speaking of those who arecandidates for celestial glory, the Lord

says:

"They are they who received

the testimony of Jesus, and

believed on his name and werebaptized after the manner of

his burial That by keeping the

commandments they might bewashed and cleansed from all

their sins and receive the Holy

Spirit by the laying on of thehands . . . And who overcome

by faith, and are sealed by the

Holy Spirit of Promise, whichthe Father sheds forth upon all

those who are just and true"(D&C 76:51-53.)

In other words, baptism is onlyefficacious, and the initiary ordinance is

applicable, when it is sealed by the Holy

Spirit of Promise. We have that same

phrase repeated in section 132, verse 19,for the Lord is speaking now of celestial

marriage.

". . . if a man marry a wife by

my word and it is sealed untothem by the Holy Spirit of

Promise, they shall pass by the

angels, and the gods, whichare set there, to their exaltation

and glory in all things. . . ."

And with reference to the priesthood,

when the Lord discusses in the 84thsection the oath and covenant, exactly the

same principle is implied. By the laying

on of hands we get the promise of power

and authority, but it will not be ours --

worlds without end--unless we keep our

part of the covenant. (Stand Ye In Holy

Places, p.53)


One of the functions assigned and

delegated to the Holy spirit is to seal, and

the following expressions are identical inthought content:

To be sealed by the Holy Spirit

of Promise;To be justified by the Spirit;

To be approved by the Lord;

andTo be ratified by the Holy

Ghost.

Accordingly, any act which is sealed bythe Holy Spirit of Promise is one which is

justified by the Spirit, one which is

approved by the Lord, one which isratified by the Holy Ghost....

As revealed to Joseph Smith, the Lord's

law in this respect is: "All covenants,contracts, bonds, obligations, oaths, vows,

performances, connections, associations,

or expectations, that are not made andentered into and sealed by the Holy Spirit

of promise, of him who is anointed, both

as well for time and for all eternity, andthat too most holy, by revelation and

commandment through the medium of

mine anointed, whom I have appointed on

the earth to hold this power (and I haveappointed unto my servant Joseph to hold

this power in the last days, and there is

never but one on the earth at a time onwhom this power and the keys of this

priesthood are conferred), are of no

efficacy, virtue, or force in and after theresurrection from the dead; for all

contracts that are not made unto this end

have an end when men are dead." (D. &

C. 132:7.)

By way of illustration, this means that


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baptism, partaking of the sacrament,

administering to the sick, marriage, and

every covenant that man ever makes withthe Lordplus all other "contracts, bonds,

obligations, oaths, vows, performances,

associations, or expectations"must beperformed in righteousness by and forpeople who are worthy to receive

whatever blessing is involved, otherwise

whatever is done has no binding andsealing effect in eternity.

Since "the Comforter knoweth all things"

(D. & C. 42:17), it follows that it is notpossible "to lie to the Holy Ghost" and

thereby gain an unearned or undeserved

blessing, as Ananias and Sapphira foundout to their sorrow. (Acts 5:1-11.) And so

this provision that all things must be

sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise, if

they are to have "efficacy, virtue, or forcein and after the resurrection from the

dead" (D. & C. 132:7), is the Lord's

system for dealing with absoluteimpartiality with all men, and for giving

all men exactly what they merit, neither

adding to nor diminishing from.

When the Holy Spirit of Promise places

his ratifying seal upon a baptism, or amarriage, or any covenant, except that of

having one's calling and election made

sure, the seal is a conditional approval or

ratification; it is binding in eternity only inthe event of subsequent obedience to the

terms and conditions of whatever

covenant is involved.

But when the ratifying seal of approval is

placed upon someone whose calling and

election is thereby made surebecausethere are no more conditions to be met by

the obedient personthis act of being

sealed up unto eternal life is of suchtranscendent import that of itself it is

called being sealed by the Holy Spirit of

Promise, which means that in thiscrowning sense, being so sealed is the

same as having one's calling and election

made sure. Thus, to be sealed by the Holy

Spirit of Promise is to be sealed up unto

eternal life; and to be sealed up untoeternal life is to be sealed by the Holy

Spirit of Promise. And of this usage of

terms, a usage which is whollymisunderstood unless the whole conceptof the sealing power of the Spirit is

understood, the scriptures and other

prophetic utterances bear repeatedwitness. (Doctrinal New Testament

Commentary, 3:335-336)

One of our revelations speaks of "the Holy

Spirit of promise, which the Father sheds

forth upon all those who are just and true"(D&C 76:53), meaning that every person

who walks uprightly, does the best that he

can, overcomes the world, rises abovecarnality, and walks in paths of

righteousness will have his acts and his

deeds sealed and approved by the Holy

Spirit. He will be, as Paul would haveexpressed it, "justified by the Spirit"

(See 1 Cor. 6:11)....

In order to get a proper marriage one must

do this: first, search for and seek outcelestial marriagefind the right

ordinance; second, look for a legal

administrator, someone who holds thesealing powerand that power is

exercised only in the temples that the Lord

has had built by the tithing and sacrifice ofhis people in our day; and third, so live in

righteousness, uprightness, integrity,

virtue, and morality that he is entitled tohave the Holy Spirit of God ratify and seal

and justify and approve, and in that event

his marriage is sealed by the Holy Spirit of

promise and is binding in time and ineternity. ("Celestial Marriage,"New Era,

June 1978, pp.16-17)

To seal is to ratify, to justify, or toapprove. Thus an act which is sealed by

the Holy Spirit of Promise is one which is


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ratified by the Holy Ghost; it is one which

is approved by the Lord; and the person

who has taken the obligation upon himselfis justified by the Spirit in the thing he has

done. The ratifying seal of approval is put

upon an act only if those entering thecontract are worthy as a result of personalrighteousness to receive the divine

approbation. They "are sealed by the Holy

Spirit of promise, which the Father shedsforth upon all those who are just and true."

(D. & C. 76:53.) If they are not just and

true and worthy the ratifying seal iswithheld.

When any ordinance or contract is sealed

by the Spirit, it is approved with a promise

of reward, provided unrighteousness doesnot thereafter break the seal, remove the

ratifying approval, and cause loss of the

promised blessing. (Doctrines of

Salvation, vol. 1, p. 55; vol. 2, pp. 94-99)Seals are placed on contracts through

righteousness.

The operation and power of the Holy

Spirit of Promise is best illustrated by theordinance and contract of baptism. An

unworthy candidate for baptism might

deceive the elders and get the ordinanceperformed, but no one can lie to the Holy

Ghost and get by undetected. Accordingly,

the baptism of an unworthy andunrepentant person would not be sealed by

the Spirit; it would not be ratified by the

Holy Ghost; the unworthy person wouldnot be justified by the Spirit in his actions.

If thereafter he became worthy through

repentance and obedience, the seal would

then be put in force. Similarly, if a worthy

person is baptized with the ratifyingapproval of the Holy Ghost attending the

performance, yet the seal may be brokenby subsequent sin.

These principles also apply to every other

ordinance and performance in the Church.

Thus if both parties are "just and true," ifthey are worthy, a ratifying seal is placed

on their temple marriage; if they are

unworthy, they are not justified by the

Spirit and the ratification of the Holy

Ghost is withheld. Subsequent worthiness

will put the seal in force, andunrighteousness will break any seal.

(Mormon Doctrine, p.362)

Cree-L Kofford (Quorum of the Seventy)

The covenants, commitments, and

promises that each of you make (D&C132:7 calls them "covenants, contracts,

bonds, obligations, oaths, vows,

performances, connections, associations,or expectations") must be sealed by the

Holy Spirit of Promise.

The Holy Spirit of Promise is another way

of saying the Holy Ghost. What the

scriptures mean when they say thatsomething must be sealed by the Holy

Spirit of Promise is that it must receive the

approval of the Holy Ghost. The HolyGhost can see into the heart of each of us

and can consequently discern deceit, half-

truths, or misrepresentations. Thus, whena sealing ordinance is "sealed by the Holy

Spirit," the Holy Ghost is satisfied that the

parties to the sealing ordinance have beenobedient in order to enter into the sealing

ordinance and afterward obedient to thecovenants they have made. ("Marriage in

the Lord's Way, Part One,"Ensign, June1998, p. 12)

The Holy Ghost: Most Important Gift in

Mortality

Joseph Smith

After his death, the Prophet Joseph Smith came toBrigham Young in a vision and Brigham asked him if

he had a message for the Saints. His message was,

Tell the people to be humble and faithful, and be sureto keep the spirit of the Lord and it will lead them

right. Be careful and not turn away the small still

voice; it will teach you what to do and where to go; it

will yield the fruits of the kingdom (ManuscriptHistory of Brigham Young, 1846-1847, 529).

Brigham Young


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Brigham Young appeared to Wilford Woodruff two

years after his death and President Woodruff asked

Brother Brigham if he had a message for the Saints inArizona [and] he replied, Tell the people to get the

Spirit of the Lord and keep it with them (Ensign,

Aug. 1981, 13).Ezra Taft Benson

The most important thing in our lives is the Spirit. I

have always felt that. Spiritualitybeing in tune

with the Spirit of the Lordis the greatest need we all

have. We should strive for the constant companionshipof the Holy Ghost all the days of our lives. (Ensign,

Apr. 1988, 3)

Dallin H. Oaks

To have the continuous companionship of the HolyGhost is the most precious possession we can have in

mortality. (Ensign, November 1998, 37)

Bruce R. McConkie

There is no price too high, no struggle too severe,no sacrifice too great, if out of it all we receive and

enjoy the gift of the Holy Ghost. (A New Witness for

the Articles of Faith, 253)

The Blessings of the Holy Ghost

Parley P. Pratt

The gift of the Holy Spirit... quickens all the

intellectual faculties, increases, enlarges, expands and

purifies all the natural passions and affections; andadapts 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 socialfeeling. It develops and invigorates all the faculties of

the physical and intellectual man. It strengthens,

invigorates, 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, 101-102)

Our Responsibility to

"Receive the Holy Ghost"


Baptism by water leads to the authorized

opportunity for the constant

companionship of the third member of theGodhead.

Following our baptism, each of us was

confirmed a member of The Church of

Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and theHoly Ghost was conferred upon us (see

D&C 49:14). The statement receive the

Holy Ghost in our confirmation was adirective to strive for the baptism of the

Spirit. (Ensign, May 2006)

How to Maintain the Companionship of the Holy

Ghost

M. Russell Ballard (Quorum of the Twelve)

It is not possible, at any age, to listen to vulgar

lyrics, watch movies filled with sexual innuendo,tamper with pornography on the Internet (or

anywhere else), take the name of the Lord in vain,

wear revealing clothing, compromise in any way thelaw of chastity, or disregard the values of truemanhood and womanhood, and expect the Holy

Ghost to remain with you. Whenever anyone

participates in those kinds of activities, it should notbe a surprise if feelings of loneliness,

discouragement, and unworthiness follow. Do not

make the choice to go it alone rather than have theSpirit of the Lord to guide, to protect, to prompt, to

warn, and to fill you with peace. Repent if you need

to so that your life reflects your love for our

Heavenly Father and the Savior. (When Thou ArtConverted)


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Difference Between Light of Christ, aManifestation of the Holy Ghost, and the Giftof the Holy Ghost

Dallin H. Oaks

In highlighting the gift of the Holy Ghostas a distinguishing characteristic of ourfaith, we need to understand theimportant differences between (1) theLight of Christ, (2) a manifestation ofthe Holy Ghost, and (3) the gift of theHoly Ghost.

The Light of Christ, which is sometimescalled the Spirit of Christ or the Spirit of

God, "giveth light to every man thatcometh into the world" (D&C 84:46).This is the light "which is in all things,which giveth life to all things" (D&C88:13). The prophet Mormon taughtthat "the Spirit of Christ is given toevery man, that he may know goodfrom evil" (Moro. 7:16; see also Moro.7:19; 2 Ne. 2:5; Hel. 14:31). ElderLorenzo Snow spoke of this light whenhe said, "Everybody has the Spirit of

God" (in Journal of Discourses,14:304). The Light of Christ enlightensand gives understanding to all men(see D&C 88:11).

In contrast, a manifestation of the HolyGhost is more focused. Thismanifestation is given to acquaintsincere seekers with the truth about theLord and his gospel. For example, theprophet Moroni promises that when westudy the Book of Mormon and seek to

know whether it is true, sincerely andwith real intent, God will "manifest" thetruth of it unto us, "by the power of theHoly Ghost" (Moro. 10:4). Moroni alsorecords this promise from the RisenLord: "He that believeth these thingswhich I have spoken, him will I visitwith the manifestations of my Spirit,and he shall know and bear record. Forbecause of my Spirit he shall know that

these things are true" (Ether 4:11).

These manifestations are available toeveryone. The Book of Mormondeclares that the Savior "manifestethhimself unto all those who believe in

him, by the power of the Holy Ghost;yea, unto every nation, kindred,tongue, and people" (2 Ne. 26:13).

To repeat, the Light of Christ is given toall men and women that they mayknow good from evil; manifestations ofthe Holy Ghost are given to leadsincere seekers to gospel truths thatwill persuade them to repentance andbaptism.

The gift of the Holy Ghost is morecomprehensive. ... The gift of the HolyGhost includes the right to the constantcompanionship, that we may "alwayshave his Spirit to be with [us]" (D&C20:77). ["Always Have His Spirit,"Ensign, Nov. 1996, p. 60]


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What is the difference between the Holy Ghost, the

Spirit of Christ, and the Light of Christ?

Brent Bulloch, instructor at the Tempe Institute of

Religion adjacent to Arizona State University. In the

scriptures, the Holy Ghost is called by several names,such as: the Spirit, the Spirit of God, the Spirit ofthe Lord, the Spirit of Truth, the Holy Spirit, and

the Comforter. Some of these same terms are also

used to refer to the Light of Christ, which may also becalled the Spirit of Christ, and the light of truth.

Although the names given them are sometimes the

same, the Light of Christ and the Holy Ghost aredifferent and distinct.

The Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit and a member

of the Godhead. Elder Joseph Fielding Smith taught

that the Holy Ghost should not be confused with theSpirit [the Light of Christ] which fills the immensity

of space and which is everywhere present. This other

Spirit is impersonal and has no size, nor dimensions; itproceeds forth from the presence of the Father and the

Son and is in all things. We should speak of the Holy

Ghost as a personage as he and this other Spirit as

it, although when we speak of the power or gift ofthe Holy Ghost we may properly say it. 1

The terms Spirit of Christ and the Light of Christ

are most often used in the scriptures synonymously.Elder Bruce R. McConkie gave this explanation aboutwhat the Light of Christ is: There is a spiritthe

Spirit of the Lord, the Spirit of Christ, the light of

truth, the light of Christthat defies description andis beyond mortal comprehension. It is in us and in all

things; it is around us and around all things; it fills the

earth and the heavens and the universe. It iseverywhere, in all immensity, without exception; it is

an indwelling, immanent, ever-present, never-absent

spirit. It has neither shape nor form nor personality. It

is not an entity nor a person nor a personage. It has noagency, does not act independently, and exists not to

act but to be acted upon. 2

The scriptures tell us that the Light of Christ, which

proceedeth forth from the presence of God to fill theimmensity of space, is the light which is in all

things, which giveth life to all things, which is the law

by which all things are governed, even the power ofGod. 3 It is manifested in the light of the sun, moon,

and stars and is the power by which they and the earth

were made. It is also the light that quickens our

understanding. 4

Elder Bruce R. McConkie taught that the Light of

Christ is the agency of Gods power; it is the means

and way whereby he comprehendeth all things, sothat all things are before him, and all things are round

about him. It is the way whereby he is above allthings, and in all things, and is through all things, andis round about all things. 5

The Holy Ghost makes use of the Light of Christ to

perform his work. The Spirit of Christ (or Light of

Christ) is the agency through which the Holy Ghostoperates, Elder McConkie explained. 6 Moroni wrote

that all spiritual gifts come through the Spirit of

Christ,7 meaning that when the Holy Ghost works

with us, he transmits his gifts by the agency of thelight of Christ.

After we are baptized and confirmed and we receive

the gift of the Holy Ghost, we may enjoy the gifts of

the Holy Ghost through the Holy Ghosts ministrationSince the Holy Ghost uses the Spirit of Christ or Light

of Christ to minister to the Saints of God, the term

Spirit of Christ is sometimes used to refer to theHoly Ghosts ministration through that Spirit. 8

In a general conference address, President Marion G.

Romney helped clarify the nature of the connection

between the Light of Christ and the Holy Ghost.

There are three phases of the light of Christ that Iwant to mention, said President Romney.

The first one is the light which enlighteneth every

man that cometh into the world;

The second phase is the gift of the Holy Ghost;

And the third is the more sure word of prophecy. 9

The first phase of the Light of Christ is referred to in

the Doctrine and Covenants: Whatsoever is truth is

light, and whatsoever is light is Spirit, even the Spirit

ofJesus Christ.And the spirit giveth light to every man that cometh

into the world. 10 Mormon taught that the Spirit of

Christ is given to every man, that he may know goodfrom evil. 11 In this respect, the Light of Christ is

associated with what we often call conscience.

Everyone who is born into mortality receives the

Light of Christ.

What is the effect of the Light of Christ on an

individual? Elder Joseph Fielding Smith wrote that if
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a man who has never heard the gospel will hearken to

the teachings and manifestations of the Spirit of

Christ, or the Light of Truth, which come to him,often spoken of as conscience it will lead him

eventually to the fulness of the gospel. 12

Similarly, President Harold B. Lee said, Every one ofyou born into this world enjoys the blessing of thisLight that shall never cease to strive with you until

you are led to that further light from the gift of the

Holy Ghost that may be received only upon condition

of repentance andbaptisminto the Kingdom of God.13

The second phase of the Light of Christ spoken of by

President Romney is received afterbaptism. President

John Taylor taught that the world has a portion of theSpirit of God, but that we have something more

than that portion of the Spirit of God which is given to

every man, and it is called the gift of the Holy Ghost,which is received through obedience to the first

principles of the Gospel of Christ, by the laying on of

hands of the servants of God. 14

President Brigham Young spoke of the Holy Ghostsinfluence as the increased rays of that light which

lighteth every man that cometh into the world. 15

Elder Charles W. Penrose taught that a person whoreceives the gift of the Holy Ghost receives a greater

and higher endowment of the same spirit whichenlightens every man that comes into the world. 16

Through this greater endowment of the Light of Christthe Holy Ghost conveys to the Saints such gifts of the

Spirit as testimony, revelation, healing, prophecy, and

many others. 17 President Romney also explained thatone is born again by actually receiving and

experiencing the light and power inherent in the gift

of the Holy Ghost. 18

The third phase of the Light of Christ spoken of byPresident Romney is the more sure word of

prophecy (D&C 131:5), which is obtained by makingones calling and election sure (2 Pet. 1:10).19 TheProphet Joseph Smith taught that after a person has

faith in Christ, repents of his sins, and is baptized for

the remission of his sins and receives the Holy Ghost, then let him continue to humble himself before

God, hungering and thirsting after righteousness, and

living by every word of God, and the Lord will soon

say unto him, Son, thou shalt be exalted. When theLord has thoroughly proved him, and finds that the

man is determined to serve Him at all hazards, then

the man will find his calling and election made sure,

then it will be his privilege to receive the otherComforter, which the Lord hath promised the Saints,

as is recorded in the testimony of St. John. 20

The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that a person whoreceives the more sure word of prophecy is sealed inthe heavens and [has] the promise of eternal life in the

kingdom of God. 21 Such persons may then, by

making [their] calling and election sure, enjoy the full

light of Christ. 22

The Holy Ghost and the gift of the Holy Ghost are not

the same. The Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit in

the form of a man. He is separate and distinct from the

Father and the Son, yet they all work together inperfect unity. The Father and the Son have resurrected

bodies of flesh and bone, which the Holy Ghost does

not have. 23

The body of the Holy Ghost is like the spirit body ofthe Lord, which the Lord showed unto the brother of

Jared before His mortal birth. Such a body resembles

that of a man, but consists of spirit matter, a substancefiner and purer than temporal matter. 24 The Holy

Ghost has size and dimensions. He does not transform

himself into any other form or manifest himself in anyother image than that of a spirit man.

Unlike the Spirit of Christ, the Holy Ghost does notfill the universe and cannot be personally present

everywhere at the same time; however, his power andinfluence, through the Light of Christ, can be manifest

at the same time throughout all the immensity of

space. 25

The gift of the Holy Ghost is the right or blessingextended to those who are baptized whereby they may

enjoy the companionship and ministration of the Holy

Ghost as long as they are faithful. Often in the

scriptures, the term Holy Ghost is used to refer not tothe personage of the Holy Ghost, but to the gifts of the

Holy Ghost, or his power, influence, or ministrations.

26

There is still much that we do not know about thenature and power of the Holy Ghost and the Light of

Christ. However, we can have unshaken confidence

that every good gift and every perfect gift is fromabove, and cometh down from the Father. 27 The

Doctrine and Covenants tells us, That which is of

God is light; and he that receiveth light, and
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continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light

groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.

28 It also says that he that keepeth [the Lords]commandments receiveth truth and light, until he is

glorified in truth and knoweth all things. 29

Greater understanding about the Light of Christ, theHoly Ghost, and other things of God will come to usas we obey the Lord and seek knowledge with pure

intent. 30 While we are growing in such knowledge,

our greatest concern and effort should be to listen to

and follow the voice of the Spirit that we might do thewill of our Father in Heaven, to accomplish what he

would have us do.

Notes

1. Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Bruce R.McConkie, 3 vols., Salt Lay: Bookcraft, 195456,

1:4950.

2. A New Witness for the Articles of Faith, Salt Lake

City: Deseret Book Co., 1985, p. 257; see also D&C

88:41.

3. D&C 88:1213.

4. See D&C 88:611.

5. McConkie, A New Witness for the Articles ofFaith, p. 258; see D&C 88:41.

6. Mormon Doctrine, 2d ed., Salt Lake City:

Bookcraft, 1966, p. 314.

7. See Moro. 10:17.

8. See Rom. 8:9; 1 Pet. 1:11 for examples; see alsoBruce R. McConkie, Doctrinal New Testament

Commentary, 3 vols., Salt Lake City: Bookcraft,

196573, 3:28687.

9. Ensign, May 1977, p. 43.

10. D&C 84:4546.11. Moro. 7:16.

12. Doctrines of Salvation, 1:51; see also D&C

84:4548.

13. Decisions for Successful Living, Salt Lake City:

Deseret Book Co., 1973, p. 144.

14. Journal of Discourses, 23:32021; see also23:37071.

15

Journal of Discourses, 6:315.

16. Journal of Discourses, 23:350.

17. See 1 Cor. 12:411; Moro. 10:818; D&C 46:8

26.

18. See Ensign, May 1977, p. 44.19. Ibid.

20. Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel.Joseph Fielding Smith, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book

Co., 1938, p. 150.

21. History of the Church, 5:388.

22. Romney, Ensign, May 1977, p. 45.

23. See D&C 130:2223; see also McConkie, A NewWitness for the Articles of Faith, pp. 25354.

24. See D&C 131:78.

25. See Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, 1:38;

McConkie, Doctrinal New Testament Commentary,

2:105.

26. See John 20:22; Acts 7:5556; Acts 8:1419;Acts 10:4448; Acts 19:16; see also McConkie,

Mormon Doctrine, p. 35859; McConkie, Doctrinal

New Testament Commentary, 2:78.

27. James 1:17.

28. D&C 50:24.

29. D&C 93:28.

30. See D&C 130:19.
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