Apr09
1
While preparing a presentation for an upcoming conference, I had an experience that led me to study the Topical Guide entry for “Holy Ghost, Missions of” and I wanted to share it because it really surprised me. I had no real comprehension for how broad a mission the Holy Ghost has in this world and eternity, and I’d guess this only scratches the surface of what the Holy Ghost does and how it operates.
Here is a copy of my notes. As mentioned in the video, there are different ways people may organize these things, but this was how I did it.
“I have an old edition of the New Testament in the Latin, Hebrew, German and Greek languages… I thank God that I have got this old book; but I thank him more for the gift of the Holy Ghost. I have got the oldest book in the world; but I have got the oldest book in my heart, even the gift of the Holy Ghost. … The Holy Ghost…is within me, and comprehends more than all the world; and I will associate myself with him.” (Joseph Smith, History of the Church, 6:307-8)
What is the mission of the Holy Ghost? 17 broad categories
- Is a witness and testator
- Is a witness of God’s covenant promises (Heb. 10:15; 2 Nep. 31:18)
- Is a witness of the entire atonement (Acts 5:32)
- Brings Testimony
- Testifies of Christ (John 15:26; 1 John 5:6)
- Testifies of the Father (Moses 7:11) and the Son (3 Nep. 28:11)
- Bring knowledge and fear of the Lord (Isa. 11:3)
- Changes Us
- Sanctifies individuals who come unto Christ (3 Nep. 27:20)
- When we seek Jesus, the grace of the Godhead abides in us (Ether 12:41)
- Quickens us (Moses 6:65)
- Provides the baptism the Holy Ghost (John 3:5; 2 Nep. 31:17; Moses 6:65; D&C 39:6)
- Reproves (convicts) us of our sins (John 16:8)
- Pricks our conscience to take action (Acts 2:37)
- Renews us (Titus 3:5)
- Receives of Christ’s glory and imparts it to us (sacred knowledge and light) (John 16:14)
- Comforter
- The Holy Ghost is the Comforter (John 14:26)
- Dwells in our heart as our companion (D&C 8:2)
- Sheds forth the love of God in its role as comforter (Rom. 5:5)
- Can be our constant companion (D&C 121:46)
- Direction
- Directs our words and gives us knowledge of others’ thoughts (Eze. 11:5)
- Helps us walk in the statutes of the Lord (Eze. 36:27)
- Leads us where we need to go (Luke 4:1)
- Guides us to all truth from the Father (John 16:13; Jacob 4:13; Moroni 10:4-7)
- Gives commandments (Acts 1:2)
- Is our guide. Leads us to do good, walk humbly, judge righteously (D&C 11:12; D&C 45:57)
- Moves us to correct others in clear and loving ways (D&C 121:43)
- Fills with Power
- Bring counsel and might (Isa. 11:3)
- Fills with power (Mic. 3:8)
- Gifts of the Spirit (all these things are truly gifts of the Spirit)
- Incredibly enhanced discernment. The mind experiences Godlike awareness. (Moses 1:27)
- Brings “fruits” into our lives of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance (Gal. 5:22-23; Mosiah 4:3). IE. Evidence of constant companionship.
- Gives prophecy (Acts 1:16; Acts 28:25)
- Teleports people and can act with physical power (1 Nep. 11:1; Moses 6:64)
- Brings gifts of the spirit to individuals (D&C 20:27)
- Brings forth scripture
- The ability to write by the spirit of inspiration. (Moses 6:5)
- When moved upon by the Holy Ghost, what we speak is scripture and the will, mind, word, and voice of the Lord, and power of God unto salvation (D&C 68:4)
- Holy Spirit of Promise
- Special role to seal up the faithful to eternal life (D&C 76:53; D&C 132:7)
- Ministry Work
- Bring proper judgment directed by the spirit, not with our mortal eyes and ears (Isa. 11:4; Matt. 12:18)
- In the absence of a literal descendant of Aaron, the Holy Ghost brings the ministry of temporal things to Melchizedek High Priests (D&C 107:71)
- Mission, Gentiles
- The Holy Ghost is the manifestation of the Godhead to Gentiles until it changes them and prepares them for a manifestation of Christ. (3 Nep. 15:23)
- The mission of the Holy Ghost to the Gentiles brought about the scattering of the house of Israel (3 Nep. 20:27)
- Mission, Individuals
- Appoints individuals to missions (D&C 72:24)
- Directs us on personal missions (1 Nep. 13:12; 2 Nep. 32:5) (we are “wrought upon” and motivated to certain action)
- Mission, National/Global
- Works upon leaders of nations to accomplish the Lord’s will upon that nation (1 Sam. 16:13)
- Inspire prophets to warn the people (Neh. 9:30)
- Communicates God’s commandments to his servants (Acts 1:2)
- Mission, Telestial Kingdom
- Directs the work of ministry to inheritors of the Telestial kingdom (D&C 76:86)
- Prayer
- If we ask in the Spirit, we HAVE the petitions we desired (1 John 5:14-15)
- Assists us in prayer to get the words out of our hearts that we cannot otherwise speak (Rom. 8:27; D&C 46:30)
- Preaching
- Carries the spoken word into the hearts of people (2 Nephi 33:1)
- Confounds enemies of truth (Jacob 7:8; Alma 12:3)
- Assists us when we preach (1 Pet. 1:12; 2 Peter 1:21; D&C 14:8)
- Makes plain (manifests) to people the mission of the Messiah (1 Nep. 10:11; 2 Nep. 26:13; Jacob 7:12)
- Moves prophets to testify to the people (Neh. 9:30)
- Inform you with what to say in the moment (Mark 13:11; Luke 12:12)
- Only preaching by the Spirit is of God (D&C 50:17-18) Why? 2 Nephi 33:1
- Is the teacher when we teach (D&C 42:14)
- Revelator and teacher
- Is a revelator of the deep things of God (1 Cor. 2:10)
- The Spirit is a revelator (1 Cor. 2:10; Alma 5:46 “fasted and prayed many days that I might know”)
- Manifests and reveals all things (D&C 39:6; Moses 8:24)
- Brings all things to our remembrance (John 14:26)
- Bring quick understanding (Isa. 11:4; D&C 6:15)
- Bring wisdom and understanding (Isa. 11:3)
- Show us things to come (John 16:13)
- Shows us all things (D&C 39:6)
- Instruct us (Neh. 9:20)
- Teaches us all things (John 14:26; 1 Cor. 2:13)
How do we obtain the Spirit? By the prayer of faith (D&C 42:14) (and obedience).
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About the Author
Oak Norton - Just trying to share a love of the scriptures with others.
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April 10, 2023 at 9:18 am
Bro. Oaks,
Thank you for taking the time to search deeply for that which is put into your heart and mind by the spirit of God.
I miss pondering and searching the things and mysteries of God. I have in many instances, received great understanding, beyond my own, while in the moment of study.
However, in this season in my life, I don’t have the extra time to do so, therefore I extend my utmost sincere appreciation for these discoveries of truth and light and for your vulnerable willingness to share.
God bless,
Jorgina
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