Gospel Principles
Unit 3: Communication between God and Man
Chapter 7: The Holy Ghost
Comments and Resources

'President Marion G. Romney has said: "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). As the light of Christ 'proceedeth forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space' (D&C 88:12), so the influence, power, and gifts of the Holy Ghost may be manifest everywhere at the same time."  ("The Holy Ghost," Ensign, May 1974, p. 90; also in Conference report, Apr. 1974 pp. 131-132.)

"[The Holy Ghost] is the Comforter, Testator, Revelator, Sanctifier, Holy Spirit of Promise, Spirit of Truth, Spirit of the Lord, and Messenger of the Father and The Son, and his Companionship is the greatest gift that mortal man can enjoy" (Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p. 359)

During the study of this topic, we will learn the nature of the Holy Ghost, what his calling is, and how he communicates to man.'

Resources
Gospel Principles, chapter 7.
The Articles of Faith, chapter 8.

Scriptures :
1 Nephi 4:6-18
  6 And I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do. 
  7 Nevertheless I went forth, and as I came near unto the house of Laban I beheld a man, and he had fallen to the earth before me, for he was drunken with wine. 
  8 And when I came to him I found that it was Laban. 
  9 And I beheld his sword, and I drew it forth from the sheath thereof; and the hilt thereof was of pure gold, and the workmanship thereof was exceedingly fine, and I saw that the blade thereof was of the most precious steel. 
  10 And it came to pass that I was constrained by the Spirit that I should kill Laban; but I said in my heart: Never at any time have I shed the blood of man. And I shrunk and would that I might not slay him. 
  11 And the Spirit said unto me again: Behold the Lord hath delivered him into thy hands. Yea, and I also knew that he had sought to take away mine own life; yea, and he would not hearken unto the commandments of the Lord; and he also had taken away our property. 
  12 And it came to pass that the Spirit said unto me again: Slay him, for the Lord hath delivered him into thy hands; 
  13 Behold the Lord slayeth the wicked to bring forth his righteous purposes. It is better that one man should perish than that a nation should dwindle and perish in unbelief. 
  14 And now, when I, Nephi, had heard these words, I remembered the words of the Lord which he spake unto me in the wilderness, saying that: Inasmuch as thy seed shall keep my commandments, they shall prosper in the land of promise. 
  15 Yea, and I also thought that they could not keep the commandments of the Lord according to the law of Moses, save they should have the law. 
  16 And I also knew that the law was engraven upon the plates of brass. 
  17 And again, I knew that the Lord had delivered Laban into my hands for this cause that I might obtain the records according to his commandments. 
  18 Therefore I did obey the voice of the Spirit, and took Laban by the hair of the head, and I smote off his head with his own sword

2 Nephi 32:1-6
  1 And now, behold, my beloved brethren, I suppose that ye ponder somewhat in your hearts concerning that which ye should do after ye have entered in by the way. But, behold, why do ye ponder these things in your hearts? 
  2 Do ye not remember that I said unto you that after ye had received the Holy Ghost ye could speak with the tongue of angels? And now, how could ye speak with the tongue of angels save it were by the Holy Ghost? 
  3 Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do. 
  4 Wherefore, now after I have spoken these words, if ye cannot understand them it will be because ye ask not, neither do ye knock; wherefore, ye are not brought into the light, but must perish in the dark. 
  5 For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do. 
  6 Behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and there will be no more doctrine given until after he shall manifest himself unto you in the flesh. And when he shall manifest himself unto you in the flesh, the things which he shall say unto you shall ye observe to do. 

D&C 8:2-3; 9:-9; 50:1-25
D&C 8:2-3
  2 Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart. 
  3 Now, behold, this is the spirit of revelation; behold, this is the spirit by which Moses brought the children of Israel through the Red Sea on dry ground. 
D&C 9:7-9
  7 Behold, you have not understood; you have supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me. 
  8 But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right. 
  9 But if it be not right you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought that shall cause you to forget the thing which is wrong; therefore, you cannot write that which is sacred save it be given you from me. 
D&C 50:1-25
  1 Hearken, O ye elders of my church, and give ear to the voice of the living God; and attend to the words of wisdom which shall be given unto you, according as ye have asked and are agreed as touching the church, and the spirits which have gone abroad in the earth. 
  2 Behold, verily I say unto you, that there are many spirits which are false spirits, which have gone forth in the earth, deceiving the world. 
  3 And also Satan hath sought to deceive you, that he might overthrow you. 
  4 Behold, I, the Lord, have looked upon you, and have seen abominations in the church that profess my name. 
  5 But blessed are they who are faithful and endure, whether in life or in death, for they shall inherit eternal life. 
  6 But wo unto them that are deceivers and hypocrites, for, thus saith the Lord, I will bring them to judgment. 
  7 Behold, verily I say unto you, there are hypocrites among you, who have deceived some, which has given the adversary power; but behold such shall be reclaimed; 
  8 But the hypocrites shall be detected and shall be cut off, either in life or in death, even as I will; and wo unto them who are cut off from my church, for the same are overcome of the world. 
  9 Wherefore, let every man beware lest he do that which is not in truth and righteousness before me. 
  10 And now come, saith the Lord, by the Spirit, unto the elders of his church, and let us reason together, that ye may understand; 
  11 Let us reason even as a man reasoneth one with another face to face. 
  12 Now, when a man reasoneth he is understood of man, because he reasoneth as a man; even so will I, the Lord, reason with you that you may understand. 
  13 Wherefore, I the Lord ask you this question unto what were ye ordained? 
  14 To preach my gospel by the Spirit, even the Comforter which was sent forth to teach the truth. 
  15 And then received ye spirits which ye could not understand, and received them to be of God; and in this are ye justified? 
  16 Behold ye shall answer this question yourselves; nevertheless, I will be merciful unto you; he that is weak among you hereafter shall be made strong. 
  17 Verily I say unto you, he that is ordained of me and sent forth to preach the word of truth by the Comforter, in the Spirit of truth, doth he preach it by the Spirit of truth or some other way? 
  18 And if it be by some other way it is not of God. 
  19 And again, he that receiveth the word of truth, doth he receive it by the Spirit of truth or some other way? 
  20 If it be some other way it is not of God. 
  21 Therefore, why is it that ye cannot understand and know, that he that receiveth the word by the Spirit of truth receiveth it as it is preached by the Spirit of truth? 
  22 Wherefore, he that preacheth and he that receiveth, understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together. 
  23 And that which doth not edify is not of God, and is darkness. 
  24 That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day. 
  25 And again, verily I say unto you, and I say it that you may know the truth, that you may chase darkness from among you; 

John 14:16-18; 14:26-31
John 14:16-18
  16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 
  17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 
  18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. 

John 14:26-31
  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. 
  28 Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I. 
  29 And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe. 
  30 Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me. 
  31 But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence. 

Acts 2; 10:44-48

Spirit poured out on day of Pentecost, Peter testifies of Jesus resurrection, He tells how to gain salvation and speaks of the gift of the Holy Ghost, Many believe and are baptized. 

Acts 10:44-48
  44  While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 
  45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 
  46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 
  47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 
  48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days. 

Articles of Faith 1:1 We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost. 

Topical Guide: <http://Scriptures.lds.org/en/tg/contents> 
               Holy Ghost
               Holy Ghost, Baptism of
               Holy Ghost, Comforter
               Holy Ghost, Gifts of
               Holy Ghost, Mission of
               Lord, Spirit of
               Spirit

Bible Dictionary: <http://Scriptures.lds.org/en/bd/contents>
                  Holy Ghost
                  Comforter
                  Light of Christ
                  Revelation
                  Spirit



Chapter 7: The Holy Ghost
Concept 1: Introduction

'After Adam and Eve left the Garden of Eden, they began to till the earth and work at other tasks for their living. They had many children, and their sons and daughters also married and had children (Moses 5:1-3
"1. AND it came to pass that after I, the Lord God, had driven them out, that Adam began to till the earth, and to have dominion over all the beasts of the field, and to eat his bread by the sweat of his brow, as I the Lord had commanded him. And Eve, also, his wife, did labor with him.
 2. And Adam knew his wife, and she bare unto him sons and daughters, and they began to multiply and to replenish the earth.
 3. And from that time forth, the sons and daughters of Adam began to divide two and two in the land, and to till the land, and to tend flocks, and they also begat sons and daughters."). Thus, spirit children of our Heavenly Father began leaving his presence to come to the earth as they had been promised. As they came to earth, the memory of their heavenly home was taken from them. But our Father did not shut them away from his influence. He sent the Holy Ghost to comfort and help and guide all of his spirit children.'


Concept 2: Why Did the Holy Ghost Come to Adam?

Adam and Eve called upon Heavenly Father in prayer.  He spoke to them and gave them commandments, which they obeyed.  (Moses 5:4-5. "4. And Adam and Eve, his wife, called upon the name of the Lord, and they heard the voice of the Lord from the way toward the Garden of Eden, speaking unto them, and they saw him not; for they were shut out from his presence.
 5. And he gave unto them commandments, that they should worship the Lord their God, and should offer the firstlings of their flocks, for an offering unto the Lord.  And Adam was obedient unto the commandments of the Lord.")  An angel of the Lord came and taught Adam and Eve the plan of salvation.  The Lord sent the Holy Ghost to testify of the Father and of the Son and to teach Adam and Eve the gospel (Moses 5:9 "And in that day the Holy Ghost fell upon Adam, which beareth record of the Father and the Son, saying: I am the Only Begotten of the Father from the beginning, henceforth and forever, that as thou hast fallen thou mayest be redeemed, and all mankind, even as many as will.").

Through the power of the Holy Ghost, Adam "began to prophesy concerning all the families of the earth, saying: Blessed be the name of God, for because of my transgression my eyes are opened, and in this life I shall have joy, and again in the flesh I shall see God" (Moses 5:10).  Because of the witness of the Holy Ghost to Eve, she said, "Were it not for our transgression we never should have had seed, and never should have known good and evil, and the joy of our redemption, and the eternal life which God giveth unto all the obedient" (Moses 5:11).

Discussion

Read the account of the Holy Ghost being sent to Adam and Eve (see Moses 5:4-11). Discuss why the Holy Ghost was sent to them.'

"4. And Adam and Eve, his wife, called upon the name of the Lord, and they heard the voice of the Lord from the way toward the Garden of Eden, speaking unto them, and they saw him not; for they were shut out from his presence.
 5. And he gave unto them commandments, that they should worship the Lord their God, and should offer the firstlings of their flocks, for an offering unto the Lord. And Adam was obedient unto the commandments of the Lord.
 6. And after many days an angel of the Lord appeared unto Adam, saying: Why dost thou offer sacrifices unto the Lord? And Adam said unto him: I know not, save the Lord commanded me.
 7. And then the angel spake, saying: This thing is a similitude of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten of the Father, which is full of grace and truth.
 8. Wherefore, thou shalt do all that thou doest in the name of the Son, and thou shalt repent and call upon God in the name of the Son forevermore.
 9. And in that day the Holy Ghost fell upon Adam, which beareth record of the Father and the Son, saying: I am the Only Begotten of the Father from the beginning, henceforth and forever, that as thou hast fallen thou mayest be redeemed, and all mankind, even as many as will.
10. And in that day Adam blessed God and was filled, and began to prophesy concerning all the families of the earth, saying: Blessed be the name of God, for because of my transgression my eyes are opened, and in this life I shall have joy, and again in the flesh I shall see God.
11. And Eve, his wife, heard all these things and was glad, saying: Were it not for our transgression we never should have had seed, and never should have known good and evil, and the joy of our redemption, and the eternal life which God giveth unto all the obedient."



"4 And Adam and Eve, his wife, called upon the name of the Lord, and they heard the voice of the Lord from the way toward the Garden of Eden, speaking unto them, and they saw him not; for they were shut out from his presence.
 5 And he gave unto them commandments, that they should worship the Lord their God, and should offer the firstlings of their flocks, for an offering unto the Lord. And Adam was obedient unto the commandments of the Lord.
 6 And after many days an angel of the Lord appeared unto Adam, saying: Why dost thou offer sacrifices unto the Lord? And Adam said unto him: I know not, save the Lord commanded me.
 7 And then the angel spake, saying: This thing is a similitude of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten of the Father, which is full of grace and truth.
 8 Wherefore, thou shalt do all that thou doest in the name of the Son, and thou shalt repent and call upon God in the name of the Son forevermore.
 9 And in that day the Holy Ghost fell upon Adam, which beareth record of the Father and the Son, saying: I am the Only Begotten of the Father from the beginning, henceforth and forever, that as thou hast fallen thou mayest be redeemed, and all mankind, even as many as will.
 10 And in that day Adam blessed God and was filled, and began to prophesy concerning all the families of the earth, saying: Blessed be the name of God, for because of my transgression my eyes are opened, and in this life I shall have joy, and again in the flesh I shall see God.
 11 And Eve, his wife, heard all these things and was glad, saying: Were it not for our transgression we never should have had seed, and never should have known good and evil, and the joy of our redemption, and the eternal life which God giveth unto all the obedient."


Concept 3: Who Is the Holy Ghost?

'The Holy Ghost is a member of the Godhead (1 John 5:7 "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one."; D&C 20:28 "Which Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are one God, infinite and eternal, without end. Amen.").  He is a spirit that has the form and likeness of a man (D&C 130:22 "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.").  He can be in only one place at a time, but his influence can be everywhere at the same time.

Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are called the Godhead.  They are unified in purpose.  Each has an important assignment in the plan of salvation.  Our Heavenly Father is our Father and ruler.  Jesus Christ is our Savior.  The Holy Ghost is the revealer and testifier of all truth.

The Holy Ghost is our Heavenly Father's messenger and is a special gift to us.  How we can receive the Holy Ghost will be discussed in chapter 21.

Discussion

Read Doctrine and Covenants 130:22. Discuss how the Holy Ghost differs from the Father and the Son.
How are the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost one?  
An example is a father, mother, and children working for one same purpose. Relate examples.

How can the influence of the Holy Ghost be in many places at one time?  
The Holy Ghost  is like the sun.  There is just one sun, but its light and warmth are felt by everyone on earth.'


Concept 4: Why Is the Holy Ghost Necessary?

'The mission of the Holy Ghost is to bear witness of the Father and the Son and of the truth of all things.

The Holy Ghost will witness to us that Jesus is our Savior and Redeemer (3 Nephi 28:11 "And the Holy Ghost beareth record of the Father and me; and the Father giveth the Holy Ghost unto the children of men, because of me.";  
D&C 20:27 "As well as those who should come after, who should believe in the gifts and callings of God by the Holy Ghost, which beareth record of the Father and of the Son;";  
Hebrews 10:15 "[Whereof] the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,").  He will reveal to us that our Heavenly Father is the Father of our spirits.  He will help us understand that we can become exalted like our Heavenly Father. (Romans 8:16-17. "16. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:  
17. And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with [him], that we may be also glorified together.")  The prophets of the Lord have promised, "By the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things" (Moroni 10:5).

Without the Holy Ghost, we could not know that Jesus is the Christ.  The Apostle Paul wrote, "No man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost" (1 Corinthians 12:3).  The Savior himself said, "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent" (John 17:3).  It is by the power of the Holy Ghost that we are led to understand and live the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The convincing power of the Holy Ghost is so great that there can be no doubt that what he reveals to us is true.  President Joseph Fielding Smith said:

"When a man has the manifestation from the Holy Ghost, it leaves an indelible impression on his soul, one that is not easily erased.  It is Spirit speaking to spirit, and it comes with convincing force.  A manifestation of an angel, or even the Son of God himself, would impress the eye and mind, and eventually become dimmed, but the impressions of the Holy Ghost sink deeper into the soul and are more difficult to erase" (Answers to Gospel Questions, 2:151).

President Smith also said, "Through the Holy Ghost the truth is woven into the very fiber and sinews of the body so that it cannot be forgotten" (Doctrines of Salvation, 1:48).

As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we should make ourselves worthy to receive this special messenger and witness of our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Discussion

Why is the Holy Ghost necessary? Read again the statement by President Joseph Fielding Smith.
How did you feel when the Holy Ghost bore witness to you of the truthfulness of the gospel?

Additional Scriptures

Moses 5 (story of Adam's family) Adam and Eve bring forth children Adam offers sacrifice, serves God Cain and Abel born Cain rebels, loves Satan more than God, and becomes Perdition Murder and wickedness spread The gospel preached from the beginning. 
<http://Scriptures.lds.org/en/moses/5>

2 Nephi 31:21 (Holy Ghost identified)
  21 And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen. 

Moroni 10:6-7 (Holy Ghost will witness of Jesus Christ)
  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 the Holy 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 same today and tomorrow, and forever. 

John 14:26; 15:26; 16:13; Luke 12:12; D&C 8:2-3; D&C 11:12-13; D&C 20:26 (Holy Ghost as comforter, teacher, testator of Christ, guide to all truth, revelator, companion, leader, guide, source of inspiration)
John 14:26
  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. 
John 15:26
  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: 
John 16:13
  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. 
Luke 12:12
  12 For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say. 
D&C 8:2
  2 Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart. 
D&C 11:12-13
  12 And now, verily, verily, I say unto thee, put your trust in that Spirit which leadeth to do good yea, to do 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; 
D&C 20:26
  26 Not only those who believed after he came in the meridian of time, in the flesh, but all those from the beginning, even as many as were before he came, who believed in the words of the holy prophets, who spake as they were inspired by the gift of the Holy Ghost, who truly testified of him in all things, should have eternal life, 
'



-----------------
Moroni 10:4-5
"4. And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. 
5. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things."

Subscribe to the Discussion list and talk about Gospel Principles and related topics: mailto:GPDiscussion-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
 URL to the page: <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/GPDiscussion>

Invite a friend to join the Gospel Principles Weekly Lessons List.
<http://scottsworld.info/gp.htm>

Read the Gospel Principles on the Web at www.lds.org
<http://www.lds.org/library/gos_pri/gos_pri.html>

The Plan of Salvation
<http://salvation.scottsworld.info/theplans.htm>

Questions Answered By The Book of Mormon
<http://salvation.scottsworld.info/qabommf.htm>

------------------------------------------------------------
You can manage your subscription to this mailing list at:

<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Gospel_Principles>

Gospel Principles List Unsubscribe: mailto:Gospel_Principles-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

Gospel Principles List Subscribe: mailto:Gospel_Principles-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

List Home Page: <http://scottsworld.info/gp.htm>
List Owner: Scott Scheibe
mailto:dsscheibe@earthlink.net
List: Gospel Principles Lesson
-------------------------------------------------------------

















