Gift of the Holy Ghost

“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” Those who receive the gift of the Holy Ghost and remain worthy can enjoy His companionship throughout their lives. The Holy Ghost provides direction and comfort and testifies of truth.

We all experience times of loneliness, fear, and sorrow—times when we need comfort. Jesus Christ promised, “I will not leave you comfortless” (John 14:18). He taught that God would send the Comforter, “which is the Holy Ghost” ( John 14:26). The Holy Ghost is a member of the Godhead, along with God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Though one in purpose with the Father and the Son, the Holy Ghost is a separate being. Through Joseph Smith, the Lord revealed: “The Holy Ghost has not a body of flesh and bones, but is a personage of Spirit. Were it not so, the Holy Ghost could not dwell in us” ( Doctrine and Covenants 130:22).

All good people can feel the influence of the Holy Ghost, but only those who are baptized and who receive the gift of the Holy Ghost by priesthood authority have the right to His constant companionship throughout life. While baptism washes you of your sins, the Holy Ghost cleanses, sanctifies, or purifies, you. If you remain faithful to your baptismal covenants, you can have the Holy Ghost with you always to help you recognize and understand truth, provide spiritual strength and inspiration, comfort you in difficult times, and guide you in making decisions. Your ability to enjoy this divine gift depends on your obedience to God’s commandments, as the Holy Ghost cannot remain with those who do not live according to God’s teachings.

The special mission of the Holy Ghost is to testify of the Father and the Son, to reveal the truth, to comfort you, and to sanctify you. He is a divine guide and teacher—a testifier—bearing witness of all truth. Jesus Christ said that the Holy Ghost “will guide you into all truth” ( John 16:13). By the power of the Holy Ghost, we “may know the truth of all things” ( Moroni 10:5).

The Holy Ghost is also called the Comforter, as He brings feelings of warmth, reassurance, and peace and can fill your soul with joy. The Holy Ghost often speaks with a voice you feel. It is described as a still, small voice. He can enlighten your mind, telling you in your heart what is right.

Jesus taught that baptism by water must be followed by baptism of the Spirit or it is incomplete. Only when you receive baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost can you receive a remission of your sins and become completely spiritually reborn. You then begin a new spiritual life as a disciple of Christ. The gift of the Holy Ghost is given by someone who has priesthood authority from God. It is conferred after baptism in an ordinance called confirmation—where one or more authorized priesthood holders lay their hands on your head, confirm you a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and bless you to receive the Holy Ghost.

The gift of the Holy Ghost is one of Heavenly Father’s most precious gifts. The Holy Ghost can have a sanctifying, cleansing effect upon you and will provide peace of conscience and assurance that your sins have been forgiven when you truly repent. Through the power of the Holy Ghost you can feel God’s love and direction for you.