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.
Additional Information
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 D&C 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; D&C 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; D&C 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.
See also Baptism; Godhead; Laying On of Hands; Revelation; Spiritual Gifts
—See True to the Faith (2004), 81-84
Scripture References
Church Magazine Articles
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Testimony brings to us a knowledge that the gospel is true, but conversion by the Spirit brings something more.
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If [we] would open [our] hearts to the refining influence of this unspeakable gift of the Holy Ghost, a glorious new spiritual dimension would come to light.
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“A Comforter, a Guide, a Testifier”
By the gift and power of the Holy Ghost, you can be guided in your trip through life.
““Always Have His Spirit””
“The Unspeakable Gift”
Additional Study Materials
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"Holy Ghost"
Bible Dictionary, 704 -
"The Influence of the Holy Ghost"
Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, Chapter 10 -
"Seeking the Companionship of the Holy Ghost"
Young Women Manual 1, Lesson 4 -
"The First Principles and Ordinances of the Gospel"
Doctrine and Covenants and Church History Teacher's Manual, Lesson 7 -
"The Gift of the Holy Ghost"
Gospel Fundamentals, Chapter 16 -
"Holy Ghost"
Guide to the Scriptures -
"The Gift of the Holy Ghost"
Duties and Blessings of the Priesthood: Part A, Lesson 30 -
"The First Principles and Ordinances of the Gospel"
Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Harold B. Lee, Chapter 4 -
"The Holy Ghost"
Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith, Chapter 8 -
"The First Principles and Ordinances of the Gospel"
Teachings of Presidents of the Church: David O. McKay, Chapter 21 -
"Companionship of the Holy Ghost"
Aaronic Priesthood Manual 2, Lesson 4 -
"The Holy Ghost"
Aaronic Priesthood Manual 3, Lesson 17 -
"Holy Ghost"
Encyclopedia of Mormonism -
"The Gift of the Holy Ghost"
The Latter-day Saint Woman: Part A, Lesson 4 -
"The Gift of the Holy Ghost"
Gospel Principles, Chapter 21
