31110, Gospel Principles, Unit Six: The Gospel of Jesus Christ, 21: The Gift of the Holy Ghost, 137
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 of the Holy Ghost is and how we can receive this great gift from God.
* Have class members tell what they know about the Holy Ghost (see chapter 7, "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 the 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 without 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 gift of the Holy Ghost. They do not receive the continuing assurance that can come to those who have the gift of the Holy Ghost.
* Discuss the difference between inspiration from the Holy Ghost and 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 the 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).
* What must we do to receive the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost?
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 has been restored to the earth. We may have the promptings of the Holy Ghost to tell us all the things we should do (see 2 Nephi 32:5). The Holy Ghost sanctifies us to prepare us for God's presence. We may enjoy the gifts of the Spirit (see chapter 22, "The Gifts of the Spirit"). This great gift from our Heavenly Father can also bring peace to our hearts and an understanding of the things of God (see 1 Corinthians 2:9-12).
* In what ways has the Holy Ghost helped you?
* 1 Corinthians 3:16-17; D&C 130:22-23 (the Holy Ghost dwells with the faithful)
* Moroni 8:25-26 (how to receive the Holy Ghost)
* Moroni 10:5 (the Holy Ghost is a witness to truth)
* Mosiah 5:2 (the Holy Ghost changes hearts)
* Alma 5:54 (the Holy Ghost sanctifies)
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We must receive the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands.