THE HOLY GHOST.
1. The Nature of the Holy Ghost
DOC. AND COV. 130:22.—The Holy Ghost is a personage of Spirit, and
I JOHN 5:7; DOC. & COV. 20:28.—Is a member of the Godhead.
"The Holy Spirit, or Spirit of God," both of which terms are sometimes used interchangeably with the Holy Ghost, "is the influence of Deity, the light of Christ, or of Truth which proceeds forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space and to quicken the understanding of men." (Doc. and Cov. 88:6-13.)—Prest. Jos. F. Smith. Care should therefore be taken to discriminate between the Holy Ghost and the Spirit of the Lord.
2. As Essential as Water Baptism
MATT. 3:11; ACTS 1:5; DOC. AND COV. 39:6.—The baptism of the Holy Ghost completes the baptism of water.
JOHN 3:5.—A man must be "born of the Spirit."
3. Preparations for His Reception
ACTS 2:38; II NEPHI 31:12.—Faith, repentance, and baptism of water are required.
ACTS 19:1-6.—The baptism of water must be authorized.
ACTS 10:44-48.—The Holy Ghost falls on Cornelius and his company before they were baptized. This, the only exception to the general rule, was to show to Peter that the gospel was for the Gentiles, as well as for the Jews.
4. Manner of Bestowing
ACTS 8:17.—The apostles bestow the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands.
ACTS 19:6; II TIMOTHY 1:6.—Paul bestows the Holy Ghost by laying on of hands. Undoubtedly, Jesus did not depart from the general law governing the bestowal of the Holy Ghost, for
LUKE 24:50.—Prior to His final departure He "lifted up his hands and blessed" the twelve; also
JOHN 20:22.—He breathed on them and said, "Receive ye the Holy Ghost."
ACTS 2:2.—After the space of a few days, the Holy Ghost came. This interval is explained by the fact that it was necessary that Jesus should depart before the Holy Ghost could come. (John 16:7.)
DOC. AND COV. 33:11, 15.—Holy Ghost to be bestowed by laying on of hands.
5. Gifts and Operations of
JOHN 14:26.—He was to teach all things, and to bring to remembrance the teachings of Christ.
GAL. 5:22, 23.—The fruits of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, etc.
I COR. CHAP. 12.—The divers gifts of the Spirit are wisdom, knowledge, healing, etc. DOC. AND COV. 20:35.—Revelations may be given by the Holy Ghost.