Mormonism Doctrine

What is the Gift of the Holy Ghost?
Mormons believe that the Gift of the Holy Ghost is given to an individual following a person’s Baptism [1].  John the Baptist taught this principle when he taught the Pharisees of the one who would come after him who would baptize with fire (another name for the Gift of the Holy Ghost) to the scribes and Pharisees that sought him in the wilderness near the river Jordan [2]. Worthily baptized individuals are promised that they will be able to have the Holy Ghost (a personage in the Godhead who is a Spirit, also sometimes referred to as “the Spirit”) to be with them at all times, provided that they are worthy. This blessing is accompanied by the blessing of peace, and the blessing of divine direction at all times, according to the will of God.

How does someone get the Gift of the Holy Ghost?
As with Baptism, Mormons believe that one can only receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost after the laying on of hands by one who hold authority, or the priesthood of God [3].   According to Mormonism, after receiving a blessing by one who is authorized, the person who receives the Gift of the Holy Ghost is entitled to the ministrations and guidance of the Holy Ghost as long as they live their lives worthy of his presence. It is one of the greatest blessings Heavenly Father gives His Children and is available to all people who accept His Gospel.

What does the Gift of the Holy Ghost do for someone?
Jesus teaches his apostles about the role of the Holy Ghost: “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” [4].

1. He is “The Comforter.” Mormons believe this means that He will comfort us in times of trial, when we stand alone for righteousness, or when we mourn for a lost loved one–he can comfort us and bring us the peace and reassurance we need to continue on in this life with a firm hope in the life to come.  This is a great blessing when we have trials and tests in our lives.
2. “He shall teach you all things.”  In this, the Savior is telling us from whom we will learn our most valuable lessons.  As we read the scriptures, ponder them, and pray with real intent (intent to learn God’s will for us), we will be blessed to learn by the spirit.  Learning by the spirit means that The Holy Ghost will teach you “in your mind and in your heart” [5]. According to Mormonism, learning though the teaching of Holy Ghost is how one is able to truly know the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and come to know that it is true. This is perhaps one of the most important principles underlying Mormon conceptions of revelation. Mormons truly believe that they can receive knowledge from God through the Holy Ghost.
3. “He will bring all things to your remembrance.”  Heavenly Father wants us to learn by studying His word (the scriptures) and by the Holy Ghost.  He uses the things we have learned through study and life experience to teach us lessons and principles that will bring us closer to Him through a sort of perfecting process.  When we experience hard times, or questions, God draws on the things we know and have experienced to help us learn and overcome the trials we face.

In essence the Holy Ghost is the teacher of God’s will.  If we listen/pay attention to our hearts we will often feel the truth of something that is being taught.  We can also have the same kind of experience that the disciples had on the road to Emmaus when their hearts burned within them as they talked with the Savior [6].

Can those who have not received the Gift of the Holy Ghost still feel its power?
Mormons believe that most people who have not both been baptized or received the Gift of the Holy Ghost have at some time or another felt the influence of the Spirit.  The Holy Ghost is always looking to guide us into more truth, to teach us more about God’s plan for us, and help us through this life.  These experiences are referred to by Mormons as the “influence of the Holy Ghost,” and it will happen to anyone and everyone as they try to make right choices in their lives, or hear the truth of God’s word [7].  The Holy Ghost will however, always try to get us to accept and live more of God’s commandments, because those are the things that will ultimately make us happy.  The difference between the influence of and the Gift of the Holy Ghost is the promise of constant companionship.  If we follow through with Christ’s Gospel, are repentant and Baptized, then the constant companionship of the Spirit can be ours, but without those commitments to Christ, we will not be able to receive the blessing of the Gift of the Holy Ghost as a constant companion.

[1] Acts 8: 12, 14-17.
[2] See Matt. 3: 11.
[3] See Acts 8: 17-22.
[4] John 14:26.
[5]D&C 8: 2.
[6]Luke 24: 14-33 emphasis on 33.
[7] See Acts 2, Day of Pentecost.
[8] See also, Baptism