The third member of the Godhead and, as the name implies, a personage of Spirit, not possessing a body of flesh and bones...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 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. Thus it is often spoken
of as “fire”...When a person speaks by the power of the Holy Ghost that same power
carries a conviction of the truth into the heart of the hearer. The Holy Ghost knows all things and can lead one to know of future events.
John 14
14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
15 ¶If ye love me, keep my commandments.
26 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.
27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
John 15
26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
27 And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.
John 16
7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
~What the Savior taught that the Holy Ghost would testify of Him and bear witness.
~The Holy Ghost came when the Savior departed. He is a guide of all truth.
The Holy Ghost Brings Man to His Fullest Potential
“The gift of the Holy Ghost adapts itself
to all these organs or attributes. It quickens all the intellectual
faculties, increases, enlarges, expands and purifies all the natural
passions and affections; and adapts 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 social feeling. It invigorates
all the faculties of the physical and intellectual man. It strengthens,
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.
“In the presence of such persons, one
feels to enjoy the light of their countenances, as the genial rays of a
sunbeam. Their very atmosphere diffuses a thrill, a warm glow of pure
gladness and sympathy, to the heart and nerves of others who have
kindred feelings, or sympathy of spirit.”
As a Messenger of the Godhead, the Holy Ghost Teaches Faithful Members
“The Holy Ghost is a Personage of Spirit, in the likeness of God the
Father, in other words a likeness of the Father and the Son. His mission
is to instruct and enlighten the minds of those who, through their
faithfulness have obeyed the commandments of the Father and the Son. He
bears witness of the truth, quickens the minds of those who have made
covenant and reveals to them the mysteries of the kingdom of God. He is a
special messenger from the Father and the Son and carries out their
will. . .”
How did the Holy Ghost help the apostles fulfill their mission after the Savior's death and resurrection?
The Holy Ghost helped the apostles fulfill their mission because he was a witness and testament of Christ. He confirmed in the hearts of the unbelievers of the truthfulness of their message. He confirmed truth and was an aid as they taught those who did not yet know of Christ. The Holy Ghost brought peace to the troubled and calmed sad hearts. He was their guide.
How the Holy Ghost has blessed me
I love that the
Holy Ghost helps us to be our best self. I used to wonder whether on
not I even could feel the spirit when I was in high school. I was a very
obedient kid and never felt much of a difference because I was always
happy and always making good choices (well, for the most part. I certainly was not perfect). I did not enter into unclean
places and so I never really felt the spirit leave me--at least, not in
many memorable instances. It was not until I went to Rexburg for college
that spiritual promptings became more discernible. It was like a message to me,
reminding me that my parents were not with me to rely upon--I would have
to use my own judgement and follow the promptings I received without the guidance of my parents.
It came much more naturally to me than I had thought it would. My mom, who is so good at
discerning the spirit, was always great at giving advice and letting me
know when she had a bad feeling about something. I thought she had a
gift for it. But at college I realized that I too could recognize such
promptings and I took care to obey them.
How the Holy Ghost has inspired me
When it came time
for me to decide whether to date my future husband seriously--that was a
big decision for me because I had never had a steady boyfriend
previously--I knew that my answer was a resounding YES. When I accepted his offer to continue dating, I felt a
confirmation that it was right. Through multiple nights of sincere and earnest prayers, as well as numerous temple visits, I also learned that I should marry him. This message came surprisingly clear and fast to my heart. I was so grateful for this confirming feeling, but
also very shocked. I had never imagined that I would receive an answer so
plainly before me. I am thankful for the example of my mother in her
obedience to the whisperings of the Spirit. I am glad to have been
raised in a church where we are always given a source of help and
comfort. Never are we left alone to fend for ourselves.
