The Holy Ghost
Chapter 7

31110, Gospel Principles, Unit Three: Communication between God and Man, 7: The Holy Ghost, 36

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 (see Moses 5:1-3). 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.

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. (See Moses 5:4-5.) 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 (see Moses 5:9).

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.

Who Is the Holy Ghost?

The Holy Ghost is a member of the Godhead (see 1 John 5:7; D&C 20:28). He is a spirit that has the form and likeness of a man (see D&C 130:22). 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 D&C 130:22. Discuss how the Holy Ghost differs from the Father and the Son.

*     How are the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost one? To answer, use the example of 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? To answer, compare the Holy Ghost to the sun. There is just one sun, but its light and warmth are felt by everyone on earth.

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 (see 3 Nephi 28:11; D&C 20:27; Hebrews 10:15). 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. (See Romans 8:16-17.) 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 fibre 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.

*     Encourage the members to tell how they felt when the Holy Ghost bore witness to them of the truthfulness of the gospel.

Additional Scriptures

*     Moses 5 (story of Adam's family)

*     2 Nephi 31:21 (Holy Ghost identified)

*     Moroni 10:6-7 (Holy Ghost will witness of Jesus Christ)

*     John 14:26; John 15:26; John 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)



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