MormonFreeThinker Posted October 19, 2014 Posted October 19, 2014 Is the Gift of the Holy Ghost the right to have "continuing assurance" that the basic doctrines of the Church are true? "Today people who are not members of the Church learn by the power of the Holy Ghost that the Book of Mormon is true (see Moroni 10:4–5). But that initial testimony leaves them if they do not receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. They do not receive the continuing assurance that can come to those who have the gift of the Holy Ghost"https://www.lds.org/manual/gospel-principles/chapter-21-the-gift-of-the-holy-ghost?lang=eng Does "the right to His constant companionship" mean the right to His constant guidance to follow the basic doctrines of the Church? "After receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, a person has the right to His constant companionship if he or she keeps the commandments." https://www.lds.org/manual/basic-doctrines/basic-doctrines?lang=eng
janderich Posted October 19, 2014 Posted October 19, 2014 Is the Gift of the Holy Ghost the right to have "continuing assurance" that the basic doctrines of the Church are true? I would say the Holy Ghost is this and much more. It is the right to revelation, to miracles, to power, and to enlightenment. It expands the mind, increases understanding, and purifies the feelings of the heart. Does "the right to His constant companionship" mean the right to His constant guidance to follow the basic doctrines of the Church?Once we have received the baptism of fire we have accepted in some measure the Holy Ghost. But this is only the first step. We must continue to receive the Holy Ghost in greater measure. I have been struck by these words from Lorenzo Snow. Toward the latter part of his life Joseph Smith became a master of strength and influence over his fellows. This fact was brought very vividly to my attention on my return from a mission to Europe. I noticed and even remarked to him that he had changed very much since I last saw him; that he had become stronger and more powerful. He admitted this and said that the Lord had endowed him with additional portions of His Spirit. (Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Lorenzo Snow, Chapter 23 The Prophet Joseph Smith) Note how Joseph was still increasing in the power of the spirit even near the end of his life. I believe that there is a close relationship between obtaining greater portions of the spirit and obeying the commandments. As we humble ourselves and commit to greater obedience we are blessed with a greater portion of the spirit. Having a greater portion of the spirit allows us to keep the commandments more fully. Through this endowment of power we find ourselves on a continual upward path. We commit to obedience and the spirit more fully enters our life. Of course, this can go both ways. As we disobey the commandments we block the spirit's influence. As we continue to harden our hearts the spirit withdraws until we know nothing of the ways of the Lord and are cut off from his presence.
WysteriaBlue Posted October 19, 2014 Posted October 19, 2014 Dear Morman Free Thinker.. I had seen this some time ago and put it in my study guide....it kind of answered the first part of your OP..about how people before being baptized can have partial revelation of the truth of God..I don't fully understand it, but just put if forward as a place to begin to define and study...and describes some of the different types of gifts and access to them....It is only a section from the study guide: https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrines-of-the-gospel-student-manual/chapter-16-the-gift-of-the-holy-ghost?lang=eng A.Before individuals receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, they first receive the Spirit or Light of Christ, which is given to every person who is born into the world.See John 1:9; Moroni 7:16; Doctrine and Covenants 84:45–46; 93:2. B.The gift of the Holy Ghost is bestowed on all who have covenanted with Jesus Christ in baptism.1. The gift of the Holy Ghost is given by the laying on of hands by those who have the proper authority (see Acts 8:12–25; Moroni 2:1–3; Articles of Faith 1:4). 2. The Holy Ghost can lead us to all truth (see John 14:15–17; Moroni 10:5). 3. The gift of the Holy Ghost is the right to His companionship when the individual is worthy (see D&C 121:45–46). 4. The Holy Ghost cleanses us from sin and is likened unto fire (see Matthew 3:11; 2 Nephi 31:17; D&C 19:31). C.Those who have the gift of the Holy Ghost may enjoy the gifts of the Spirit.1. Every member of the Church is entitled to at least one gift of the Spirit (see D&C 46:11–12; 1 Corinthians 12:7, 11). 2. The gifts of God come from Christ through the power of the Holy Ghost (see Moroni 10:8, 17–18). 3. Many gifts can come from the Holy Ghost to Church members (see D&C 46:13–26; Moroni 10:9–16; 1 Corinthians 12:8–10). 4. There are those who are entitled to the discernment of all of the gifts because of their priesthood calling (see D&C 46:27–29; 107:91–92).
cinepro Posted October 19, 2014 Posted October 19, 2014 As far as I can tell, people with the Gift of the Holy Ghost have to do the same thing that people without the Gift of the Holy Ghost need to do to maintain their testimony (read the scriptures, pray etc.) So it's probably a distinction without a difference.
halconero Posted October 19, 2014 Posted October 19, 2014 The Gift of the Holy Ghost permits him to act as the "Testator," an old word for executor, of the Father's will of inheritance. It is not his own property, but it is he who dispenses exaltation.
CV75 Posted October 19, 2014 Posted October 19, 2014 Is the Gift of the Holy Ghost the right to have "continuing assurance" that the basic doctrines of the Church are true? "Today people who are not members of the Church learn by the power of the Holy Ghost that the Book of Mormon is true (see Moroni 10:4–5). But that initial testimony leaves them if they do not receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. They do not receive the continuing assurance that can come to those who have the gift of the Holy Ghost"https://www.lds.org/manual/gospel-principles/chapter-21-the-gift-of-the-holy-ghost?lang=eng Does "the right to His constant companionship" mean the right to His constant guidance to follow the basic doctrines of the Church? "After receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, a person has the right to His constant companionship if he or she keeps the commandments." https://www.lds.org/manual/basic-doctrines/basic-doctrines?lang=engIn the first quote, there is no “right” to continuing assurance mentioned, only that “the continuing assurance …can come to those who have the gift of the Holy Ghost," if they do their part to receive it (both the assurance and the gift). “Constant companionship” means “faithful / reliable companionship” and that the gift itself, once bestowed and received, is perpetual as long as the requirements are kept. However, this does not guarantee continual and uninterrupted spiritual manifestations to those mortals who keep the commandments, for they need to be tested.
Rob Osborn Posted October 19, 2014 Posted October 19, 2014 If one had the gift of Michael Jordan what would he have? His ability todo what he does. So, likewise, having the gift of the HG is to have he HG ability. And what is that? To speak with the tongue of angels ( to speak the words of Christ with power and authority).
Glenn101 Posted October 19, 2014 Posted October 19, 2014 As far as I can tell, people with the Gift of the Holy Ghost have to do the same thing that people without the Gift of the Holy Ghost need to do to maintain their testimony (read the scriptures, pray etc.) So it's probably a distinction without a difference. Maybe, for most practical purposes, you are correct, because I think that is one area where those who have received the Gift do not use it very well. Else wise, there would be be very few disagreements on this board concerning doctrinal matters, and in the church as a whole. (My opinion.) Glenn
Avatar4321 Posted October 19, 2014 Posted October 19, 2014 It seems that the best way to understand the gift would be to receive it for yourself. That way the Spirit could answer questions Himself. So fast and pray for it and get baptized and confirmed and yield yourself up to His enticings.
Recommended Posts