Holy Ghost talk (unfinished)

Written 10/17/10 (unfinished)

I suppose after my expression of gratitude for the Holy Ghost last week that it is fitting that I should be asked to speak on the role and mission of the Holy Ghost this week. Actually, that very topic had been on my mind the days leading up to the night that I was given the assignment. I had been feeling the influence of the Spirit directing me and giving me the courage to stand up for what is right and good. So, with this in mind, let me proceed.

The 1st of AoF statates that "We believe in God the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost." "“… there are three,” says John the Beloved, “that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one” (1 Jn. 5:7), signifying, of course, they are one in understanding and purpose. Of them the Prophet Joseph said:

“… these three are one; or, in other words, these three constitute the great, matchless, governing and supreme power over all things; by whom all things were created and made … and these three constitute the Godhead, and are one.” (Quoted in Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, 2nd ed., Bookcraft, Inc., 1966, p. 320.)

As a member of the Godhead, and being one with the Father and the Son, the Holy Ghost is, as are the Father and the Son, omniscient. He comprehends all truth having a “knowledge of [all] things.” (D&C 93:24.)" (Marion G. Romney, “The Holy Ghost,” Ensign, May 1974, 90)

We learn in the D&C section 130:22-23 that "The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s; the Son also; but the Holy Ghost has not a body of flesh and bones, but is a personage of Spirit. Were it not so, the Holy Ghost could not dwell in us. A man may receive the Holy Ghost, and it may descend upon him and not tarry with him."

Role of the Holy Ghost

The Bible Dictionary says this about the Holy Ghost:

"The Holy Ghost is manifested to men on the earth both as the power of the Holy Ghost and as the gift of the Holy Ghost. The power can come upon one before baptism, and is the convincing witness that the gospel is true. It gives one a testimony of Jesus Christ and of his work and the work of his servants upon the earth. The gift can come only after proper and authorized baptism, and is conferred by the laying on of hands, as in Acts 8: 12-25 and Moroni 2: 1-3. The gift of the Holy Ghost is the right to have, whenever one is worthy, the companionship of the Holy Ghost. More powerful than that which is available before baptism, it acts as a cleansing agent to purify a person and sanctify him from all sin."

The Holy Ghost plays a vital part in the plan of Salvation. He is the Comforter and testifier of truth. He sanctifies and purifies our hearts. After we are baptized, we are confirmed members of the church and receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost. When I stop to comprehend what that means, I am amazed at the knowledge that I am able to have a member of the Godhead as a constant companion.

The gift of the Holy Ghost includes the right to constant companionship, that we may “always have his Spirit to be with [us]” (D&C 20:77).
The blessings available through the gift of the Holy Ghost are conditioned upon worthiness. “The Spirit of the Lord doth not dwell in unholy temples” (Hel. 4:24; see also Mosiah 2:36–37; 1 Cor. 3:16–17). Even though we have a right to his constant companionship, the Spirit of the Lord will dwell only with us when we keep the commandments. He will withdraw when we offend him by profanity, uncleanliness, disobedience, rebellion, or other serious sins.
Elder Bednar offered these warnings:
King Benjamin’s address... Mosiah 2:1-6