The Holy Ghost
The Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit with no physical body. As such, he can dwell in the hearts of those who are worthy and pure (Acts 13:2; 15:28).
Many of the names associated with the Holy Ghost incorporate the names of God the Father and Jesus Christ. This naming reflects the divine unity of the individual members of the Godhead. Here are some Bible passages where different names and titles are used for the Holy Ghost:
The Comforter (John 14:26)
The Eternal Spirit (Hebrews 9:14)
The Holy Spirit (Luke 11:13)
The Holy Spirit of Promise (Ephesians 1:13 )
The Spirit (Romans 8:16)
The Spirit of Christ (Romans 8:9)
The Spirit of Glory and of God (1 Peter 4:14)
The Spirit of God (Genesis 1:2)
The Spirit of Grace (Hebrews 10:29)
The Spirit of His Son (Galatians 4:6)
The Spirit of Holiness (Romans 1:4)
The Spirit of Judgment and the Spirit of Burning (Isaiah 4:4)
The Spirit of Life (Romans 8:2)
The Spirit of the Lord (Acts 5:9)
The Spirit of the Lord God (Isaiah 61:1)
The Spirit of the Oil of Gladness (Hebrews 1:9)
The Spirit of Truth (John 14:17)
The Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding, the Spirit of Counsel
and Might, and the Spirit of Knowledge and of the Fear of the Lord (Isaiah 11:2)
The Spirit of Your Father (Matthew 10:20)
The Holy Ghost testifies that Jesus is the Christ (John 15:26; Matthew
16:16–17). When a person testifies of Christ, it is the Holy Ghost who carries that testimony into the heart of another person (1 Corinthians 12:3, 11).
The Holy Ghost is the primary channel from which divine communication flows. The Holy Ghost is the great teacher (John 14:16, 26, Luke 12:12); he reminds men and women of spiritual truths they have been given (John 14:16); he is the revealer of God’s most sacred truths (1 Corinthians 2:9–14; Luke 2:25–26); he is the provider of spiritual power (1 Thessalonians 1:5–6); he witnesses on behalf of the Father (Hebrews 10:15); he is the provider of the law (Acts 1:2); and he is the guide and director of the disciples of Christ (Acts 13:4; 16:6).
The Gift of the Holy Ghost
Although the Holy Ghost will inspire and prompt any person to come unto Christ and to recognize God’s truth, He does not abide permanently with a person, unless the “gift of the Holy Ghost” is conferred by the laying on hands by one who has priesthood authority. Once the Holy Ghost then abides with a person, he is only able to stay if the person continues to be worthy of his presence. The Holy Ghost cannot dwell in an unclean tabernacle. (See Acts 8:18–20; Acts 8:15–17; Acts 2:38; Acts 10:45; 1 Corinthians 6:19–20; 2 Timothy 1:14.)
With the Holy Ghost as a constant companion, a man or woman
can develop unique gifts of the Spirit. There are spiritual gifts without number which include wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, the working of miracles, prophecy, discernment, and the speaking in and interpretation of tongues (1 Corinthians 12:4–10). Because Satan is the great deceiver, he offers counterfeit gifts of the spirit that may seem divine
in nature but arise from the powers of darkness to fool and entrap the children of God to their destruction (Exodus 7:11–12, 20–22).
The Sin Against the Holy Ghost
The “sin against the Holy Ghost” is the only unforgivable and unpardonable sin. It is to have the Savior manifest Himself to a person in a personal visit with the witness of the Holy Ghost that He, the Lord Jesus Christ, is the Creator of Heaven and Earth and the Savior of all mankind. With this witness comes a sure knowledge that replaces faith. If a person receives this witness and then denies it, he has committed the unpardonable sin, and the only sin that will condemn him or her to hell. (See Matthew 12:31–32; Hebrews 6:4–6.)
Mormon Doctrines of the Holy Ghost
The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead. Though a spirit, he has the form and likeness of a man. His influence can be everywhere at the same time. When Christians say God can fill the universe, but can dwell in your heart, it is the Holy Ghost who is the one who fills this role. The Holy Ghost is a comforter, a testator of truth, the conveyor of revelation and spiritual gifts, a guide through one’s life, one who warns of danger and encourages good works. He was sent by Christ after Christ ascended into heaven to accompany good Christians in their daily walk.
*Article was adapted from The Biblical Roots of Mormonism, by Eric Shuster and Charles Sale, and published by Cedar Fort, Inc.