Gospel Principles
Unit 6: The Gospel of Jesus Christ
Chapter 21: The Gift of the Holy Ghost
Comments and Resources

'President Joseph Fielding Smith said: "It is my judgment that there are many members of this Church who have been baptized for the remission of their sins, who have had hands laid upon their heads for the gift of the Holy Ghost, who have never received that gift, that is, the manifestations of it.  Why? Because they have never put themselves in order to receive these manifestations.  They have never humbled themselves.  They have never taken the steps that would prepare them for the companionship of the Holy Ghost." (In Conference Report, Oct 1958, p. 21).

During the study of this topic we will learn what the gift of the Holy Ghost is, how you receive it, and the wonderful blessings that come to those who receive that gift.


Resources:
Gospel Principles, Chapter 21
A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, chapter 11
The Articles of Faith, chapter 8

Scriptures :
3 Nephi 18:35-39
 35 And now I go unto the Father, because it is expedient that I should go unto the Father for your sakes.
 36 And it came to pass that when Jesus had made an end of these sayings, he touched with his ahand the Disciples whom he had chosen, one by one, even until he had touched them all, and spake unto them as he touched them.
 37 And the multitude heard not the words which he spake, therefore they did not bear record; but the Disciples bare record that he gave them power to give the Holy Ghost. And I will show unto you hereafter that this record is true.
 38 And it came to pass that when Jesus had touched them all, there came a cloud and overshadowed the multitude that they could not see Jesus.
 39 And while they were overshadowed he departed from them, and ascended into heaven. And the Disciples saw and did bear record that he ascended again into heaven. 

3 Nephi 19:1-4; 27:1-2, 20
      3 Nephi 19:1-4
 1 And now it came to pass that when Jesus had ascended into heaven, the multitude did disperse, and every man did take his wife and his children and did return to his own home.
 2 And it was noised abroad among the people immediately, before it was yet dark, that the multitude had seen Jesus, and that he had ministered unto them, and that he would also show himself on the amorrow unto the multitude.
 3 Yea, and even all the night it was noised abroad concerning Jesus; and insomuch did they send forth unto the people that there were many, yea, an exceedingly great number, did labor exceedingly all that night, that they might be on the morrow in the place where Jesus should show himself unto the multitude.
 4 And it came to pass that on the morrow, when the multitude was gathered together, behold, Nephi and his brother whom he had raised from the dead, whose name was Timothy, and also his son, whose name was Jonas, and also Mathoni, and Mathonihah, his brother, and Kumen, and Kumenonhi, and Jeremiah, and Shemnon, and Jonas, and Zedekiah, and Isaiahnow these were the names of the disciples whom Jesus had chosenand it came to pass that they went forth and stood in the midst of the multitude.
   
      3 Nephi 27:1-2, 20
 1 And it came to pass that as the disciples of Jesus were journeying and were preaching the things which they had both heard and seen, and were baptizing in the name of Jesus, it came to pass that the disciples were gathered together and were united in mighty prayer and cfasting.
 2 And Jesus again showed himself unto them, for they were praying unto the Father in his name; and Jesus came and stood in the midst of them, and said unto them: What will ye that I shall give unto you?
                
 20 Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day.


John 16:1-14
 1 These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.
 2 They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.
 3 And these things will they do unto you, because they have not aknown the Father, nor me.
 4 But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you.
 5 But now I ago my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou?
 6 But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart.
 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:
 9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;
 10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;
 11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
 12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.
 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.


Acts 2; 8:9-20, 19:1-7
      Acts 2
      Spirit poured out on day of PentecostPeter testifies of Jesus resurrectionHe tells how to gain salvation and speaks of the gift of the Holy GhostMany believe and are baptized.

      Acts 8:9-20
 9 But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:
 10 To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.
 11 And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.
 12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
 13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
 14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the aword of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
 15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
 16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
 17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
 18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
 19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
 20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

Acts 19:1-7
  1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
  2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
  3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto Johns baptism.
  4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
  5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
  6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
  7 And all the men were about twelve. 


Topical Guide: <http://Scriptures.lds.org/en/tg/contents> 
               Comforter
               God, Spirit of
               Hands, Laying on of
               Holy Ghost
               Holy Ghost, Baptism of
               Holy Ghost, Gift of
               Holy Ghost, Mission of
               Holy Spirit
               Lord, Spirit of
               Remission of Sins
               Sanctification, Sancitfy


Bible Dictionary:  <http://Scriptures.lds.org/en/bd/contents>
                  Confirmation
                  Dove, Sign of
                  Holy Ghost
                  Laying on of Hands



Concept 1: Introduction

'In chapter 7 we learned that the Holy Ghost is a member of the Godhead.  He is a spirit in the form of a man.  He does not have a body of flesh and bones.  He can be in only one place at a time, but his influence can be everywhere at once.  His mission is to bear witness of the Father and the Son and of all truth.  Furthermore, the Holy Ghost purifies, or sanctifies, us to prepare us to dwell in the presence of God.  The Holy Ghost purifies our hearts so we no longer have the desire to do evil.

There is a difference between the Holy Ghost and the gift of the Holy Ghost.  In this chapter we will learn what the gift from God.

Discussion

Think about what you know about the Holy Ghost. (See chapter 7, "The Holy Ghost").'



Concept 2: What is The Gift of the Holy Ghost?

'The Gift of the Holy Ghost is the privilege, given to people who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ, been baptized, and been confirmed as members of the Church, to receive guidance and inspiration from the Holy Ghost.

Joseph Smith said we believe in the gift of the Holy Ghost being enjoyed now as much as it was enjoyed in the days of first Apostles.  We believe in this gift in all its fullness, power, greatness, and Glory.  (See Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 243.)

A person may be temporarily guided by the Holy Ghost with out receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost.  However, this guidance will not be continuous unless the person is baptized and receives the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.  We read in Acts 10 that the Roman soldier Cornelius received inspiration from the Holy Ghost so that he knew the gospel of Jesus Christ was true.  But Cornelius did not receive the gift of the Holy Ghost until after he was baptized.  The prophet Joseph Smith taught that if Cornelius had not received baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost, the Holy Ghost would have left him (see Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 199).

Today many nonmembers of the Church learn by the power of the Holy Ghost that the Book of Mormon is true (see Moroni 10:4-5).  But that flash of testimony leaves them if they do not receive the continuing assurance that can come to those who have the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Discussion

What is the difference between inspiration from the Holy Ghost and the gift of the Holy Ghost?'




Concept 3: How Do We Receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

'People who have been baptized and confirmed are given the gift of the Holy Ghost through the laying on of hands by the elders of the Church.  The Lord said, "Whoso having faith you shall confirm in my church, by the laying on of hands, and I will bestow the gift of the Holy Ghost upon them"  (D&C 33:15). 

Every worthy elder of the Church, when authorized, may give the gift of the Holy Ghost to another person.  However there is no guarantee that the person will receive inspiration and guidance from the Holy Ghost just because the elders have laid their hands on his or her head.  Each person must "receive the Holy Ghost."  This means that the Holy Ghost will come to us only when we are faithful and desire help from this heavenly messenger (see Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p. 313).

To be worthy to have the help of the Holy Ghost, we must seek earnestly to obey the commandments of God.  We must keep our thoughts and actions pure.  President David O. McKay said:  "One chief purpose of life is to overcome evil tendencies, to govern our appetites, to control our passions- anger, hatred, jealousy, immorality.  We have to overcome them; we have to subject them, conquer them because God has said: '...the Spirit of the Lord doth not dwell in unholy temples-'  (Helaman 4:24), nor will it '...always strive with man'  (2 Nephi 26:11)"  ("Emotional Maturity," Instructor, Sept. 1959, p. 281).

Discussion

What must we do to receive the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost?'




Concept 4: One of God's Greatest Gifts

'The gift of the Holy Ghost is one of God's greatest gifts to us.  Through the Holy Ghost we may know that God lives, that Jesus is the Christ, and that his Church as been restored to the earth.  We my have the promptings of the Holy Ghost to tell us all the things we should do (2 Nephi 32:5 "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.").  The Holy Ghost sanctifies us to prepare us for God's presence.  We may enjoy the gifts from our Heavenly Father can also bring peace to our hearts and an understanding of the things of God.  (1 Corinthians 2:9-12 "  9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 
  10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 
  11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 
  12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.)

Discussion

In what ways has the Holy Ghost helped you?

Additional Scriptures 

1 Corinthians 3:16-17; D&C 130:22-23  (the Holy Ghost dwell with the faithful.)
1 Corinthians 3:16-17  
  16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? 
  17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. 


D&C 130:22-23
  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. 
  23 A man may receive the Holy Ghost, and it may descend upon him and not tarry with him. 

Moroni 8:25-26 (how to receive the Holy Ghost) 
  25 And the first fruits of repentance is baptism; and baptism cometh by faith unto the fulfilling the commandments; and the fulfilling the commandments bringeth remission of sins; 
  26 And the remission of sins bringeth meekness, and lowliness of heart; and because of meekness and lowliness of heart cometh the visitation of the Holy Ghost, which Comforter filleth with hope and perfect love, which love endureth by diligence unto prayer, until the end shall come, when all the saints shall dwell with God. 

Moroni 10:5 (the Holy Ghost is a witness to truth) 
  5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.  

Mosiah 5:2 (the Holy Ghost changes hearts) 
  2 And they all cried with one voice, saying: Yea, we believe all the words which thou hast spoken unto us; and also, we know of their surety and truth, because of the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent, which has wrought a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually. 

Alma 5:54 (the Holy Ghost sanctifies) 
  54 Yea, will ye persist in supposing that ye are better one than another; yea, will ye persist in the persecution of your brethren, who humble themselves and do walk after the holy order of God, wherewith they have been brought into this church, having been sanctified by the Holy Spirit, and they do bring forth works which are meet for repentance  



-----------------
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."

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