The Holy Ghost

Mormons ( a nickname for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) believe in God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. They do not use the term trinity because that term has come to be associated with some post-biblical teachings and because it is not in the Bible. Instead, they use the term Godhead, which is a biblical term.

Mormons consider the Holy Ghost to be the third member of the Godhead. Since they do not accept the idea of one god in three beings or parts, He is a separate being entirely from both God and Jesus Christ. This concept is made clear in the Bible when Jesus offers the Great Intercessory Prayer:

21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:

23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me (John 17).

In this prayer, we discover that when Jesus had previously said that He and His Father were one, He did not mean they were the same being. In this prayer, we note that Jesus asked God that the disciples might be one in the same way God and Jesus are one. Since it is obvious He was not hoping to transform them all into one being, we can see he was referring to a unity of purpose, doctrine, and love. This is how God, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost are one.

The Holy Ghost differs from God and Jesus Christ in that He does not have a physical body. Mormons teach that God and Jesus do have bodies. The book of Genesis in the Bible says we are created after God’s own image, which means we look like Him. God and Jesus, of course, have glorified and perfected bodies and we do not, but our bodies look much like God’s, in the same way parents and children always look much alike. Certainly, His love for us would not allow Him to make us different and in such a way that we could never be like Him.

55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,

56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. (Acts 7)

Stephen saw, as we learn in the above verses, God and Jesus, completely separate and clearly visible and with a recognizable form. For sharing this testimony of Jesus Christ, he was killed but we have the record to help us know without question God has the form of a man.

Jesus Christ received a human body when He was born. When he died and was resurrected, He appeared to Mary, but instructed her not to touch Him because He hadn’t yet ascended to His Father. He had not yet been reunited with His body and was only a spirit. When He returned, however, He did have a body. He ate and drank and allowed people to touch Him. When He again went back to God He took His body with Him, so it is obvious He still has one.

However, the Holy Ghost does not have a body. He is a spirit, which allowed Him to appear in the form of a dove at the baptism of Jesus Christ. It allows Him to dwell in our hearts and t be many places at one time.

Mormons believe we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost after our baptisms. Mormons may be baptized at age eight, the age of accountability. Soon after baptism, they are confirmed members of the church and at that time are commanded to receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38).

Prior to baptism, everyone who is ever born has the Spirit of Christ and periodic visits from the Holy Ghost. These allow everyone who is receptive and believing to call on the Holy Ghost for comfort, courage, and a testimony. The Holy Ghost testifies to us of what is true. Without the ability to receive this prior to receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost, no one would ever be able to know for certain what is true. The Holy Ghost whispers into the heart of sincere seekers of truth what is true.

13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come (John 16:13).

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him (James 1:5).

Once a person has received the Gift of the Holy Ghost, he or she is entitled to have Him at all times. Mormons believe the Holy Ghost will be their constant companion as long as they are worthy of His presence and listen to what He teaches them. When they wonder what is true, they can pray and the Holy Ghost will confirm truth for them. When they are frightened, the Holy Ghost can comfort them. When they are in a dangerous situation, whether physical or spiritual, the Holy Ghost can warn them of danger. If they reject what He offers them, of course, they are on their own, but if they listen, they can be safe and always know what is true.