In Mormonism, the Holy Ghost is the third person of the Godhead, also known as the Spirit, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God, the Spirit of the Lord, or the Comforter. He is the being mentioned by these names in the New Testament and Mormon scriptures.
Nature of the Holy Ghost
The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead, with the Father and the Son. He is perfectly united in purpose with the Father and the Son, but is a separate being.
The Holy Ghost is pure spirit and has no body, unlike heavenly father and Jesus. This enables the Holy Ghost to dwell within believers.
Roles of the Holy Ghost
In the life of a believer, the Holy Ghost:
- reveals the Father and Son
- teaches the truth
- comforts
- protects from spiritual and physical danger
- sanctifies
- gives gifts of the Spirit
Receiving the Holy Ghost
Any person who honestly seeks the truth can feel the influence of the Holy Ghost, who teaches and leads them to the truth. But only baptized Mormons can enjoy the constant compansionship of the Spirit.
After a person is baptized into the LDS church, a member (or members) of the Melchizedek Priesthood lays hands on their head, at which point the person is given the gift of the Holy Ghost.
A person must continue to remain worthy and obey the commandments in order to keep the constant companionship and blessings of the Holy Ghost. He will withdraw if offended by sin, for "the Spirit of the Lord doth not dwell in unholy temples" (Helaman 4:24).