The Holy Ghost

From MormonWikia

The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead. Mormons believe that he (the Holy Ghost) is a separate and distinct personage, like God the Father and Jesus Christ. However, unlike God and Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost is a spirit, meaning he has no body of flesh and bones. This allows the Holy Ghost, commonly referred to as “the Spirit,” to remain with many individuals at once. The Holy Ghost is like the Light of Christ, except that the presence of the Holy Ghost is given only to those who are worthy, while the Light of Christ stays with everyone as a preparation for the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

The Gift of the Holy Ghost is given to newly baptized members of the Mormon Church by members of the priesthood. These men put their hands on the person’s head and, by the authority of God, tell that person to receive the Holy Ghost. That person then has the right to have the Holy Ghost with them whenever they are worthy, while before receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost they could not claim that right.

[edit] Purposes of the Holy Ghost

The Holy Ghost is a companion who, much like a conscience, helps people make good and righteous decisions that will help them grow closer to God. The Holy Ghost is also a teacher who helps people understand scriptures, lessons in church, and answers to prayers. He helps people gain a testimony or knowledge of Jesus Christ and God by testifying of them. Mormons believe that he usually gives people messages from Heavenly Father through feelings and impressions instead of an audible voice. In this way, the Holy Ghost can help a person receive God’s answers to an individual struggle or problem even in a church meeting for 100 people.

The Holy Ghost also acts as a comforter. When Jesus Christ atoned for the sins of the world, he also atoned for and felt all of the pain in the world, emotional and physical. Christ suffered with us in each of our times of pain, and he gave us the Holy Ghost to give us his comfort and understanding when we hurt. The Holy Ghost can help us have the strength to get through a tough day, or the patience to suffer chronic illness.

The Holy Ghost also acts as the “cleansing agent” to purify men and women of their sins when they repent. He confirms the acceptability of covenants to God, and can help us understand our standing with God and how he sees us.

[edit] Worthiness of the Holy Ghost

Being worthy of the Holy Ghost is crucial to having his guidance, teaching, and comfort. He will not stay with someone who is doing things that offend God, so it is important to keep the commandments of God, stay away from profane or offensive activities or media, and keep attitudes and behaviors Christlike. As a person remains worthy of the Holy Ghost, that person can gain more strength to remain worthy and do more good things. Continued worthiness allows each person to gain more and more knowledge from the Holy Ghost, and be guided closer to Heavenly Father. Worthiness may never be easy, but it is always possible, and as we learn to listen to and obey the Holy Ghost, it is easier to do the will of the Lord.