‍Chapter 6a

The Holy Ghost

Joseph Smith taught that the Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead, God the Father and His son Jesus Christ being the other two members. 

The Holy Ghost is a separate personage from the Father and Jesus Christ but does not have a glorified body of flesh and bone.  The purpose of the Holy Ghost not having a body of flesh and bone is so that He can dwell in our hearts. 

So that He can testify of the truthfulness of the Father and Son. 

So that He can guide those who have chosen to take Jesus Christ into their lives.

All Christian churches believe in the Holy Ghost, but they differ in concept on how to believe in the Holy Ghost.  Joseph Smith was quite explicit in his teachings of the Holy Ghost.  The main points that Joseph Smith taught were:

• The Holy Ghost, in some ways, is one of the most important Gods of the Godhead.

• Each person on earth needs to be”baptized by fire,” meaning baptized by the Holy Ghost.

• To enter the Kingdom of God, each person must receive the actual “Gift of the Holy Ghost” through the laying on of hands by those who have the proper authority.

• That the Holy Ghost is the source of spiritual knowledge and testimony of the divinity of Christ.

• The Holy Ghost leads to higher spiritual experiences such as the second comforter, the “Holy Spirit of Promise,” the “Second Comforter” and having ones “calling and election made sure.”

Each one of these teachings will be compared to the Bible, beginning with the importance of the Holy Ghost.

The Unpardonable Sin Against the Holy Ghost. 

Joseph Smith—and every LDS prophet since—has emphasized the extreme importance of the Holy Ghost.  The LDS prophets always impress the utmost reference that should be taken when speaking of or dealing with spiritual matters. 

This importance is highly stressed with the LDS missionaries who are taught to be free of sin and from questionable situations that would detract from very sensitive spiritual feelings. 

This emphasis is tied to the belief that the missionaries are introducing what Joseph Smith claims to be “the restoration of the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ”.  Joseph Smith would send these missionaries out to teach, not by common sense, but teach by the Spirit of the Holy Ghost. 

The critical nature of these missionaries teaching people who may be “anti-Mormon,” may place these “anti-Mormons” in a situation where they make light of the Holy Ghost or even blaspheme against the Holy Ghost. 

The definition of blasphemy is important in order to understand the importance of the reference that the Holy Ghost is due.  Although there are various degrees and types of blasphemy, the basic dictionary defines blasphemy as:

1. a. The act of insulting or showing contempt or lack of reverence for God. b. the act of claiming the attributes of deity. 

2. Irreverence toward something considered sacred or inviolable.[1]

Jesus gave a sobering warning regarding this sin:

Matthew 12:31

Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.

Mark 3:29

But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation:

Luke 12:10

And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven.

Knowing that one can commit some minor blaspheme against the Father and the Son—and be forgiven, but blaspheme against the Holy Ghost—and not be forgiven, is a serious doctrine.  This chapter in itself is a serious and critical subject that neither the author nor the readers can take lightly. 

Warning:  This subject should not be taken lighly. Those who approach it casually may be better off skipping this chapter.

The Baptism By Fire. 

Most Christian religions believe that a person must be spiritually reborn.  That is where a particular emotional or spiritual feeling overcomes a person and that person basically changes his/her life to follow the teachings and commandments of Jesus Christ.  This spiritual experience is also describe as the “baptism by fire.”

Matthew 3:11

I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

John 1:33

And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.

Acts 1:5

For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

The apostle Peter referred to it as being “born again.”

1 Peter 1:22,23

22. Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: 

23. Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

The apostle Paul described it as a person being “filled with the Holy Ghost.”

Acts 2:4

And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

The important factor here that is taught by most Christian churches and Joseph Smith, is that this feeling overcomes a person and changes his/her life for the good. 

This good includes following and getting to know the divinity of the Lord Jesus Christ and what He did for us by atoning for our sins. 

The Holy Ghost as a Gift.

While many Christians believe in spiritual rebirth, Joseph Smith takes this basic principle a step further and taught that this “baptism by fire” is another physical ordinance that man must receive in addition to the ordinance of baptism by water. 

The apostle John talked about it as something that must be given at a certain time.

John 7:39

(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

John described it as a particular action that Christ did after He resurrected from the tomb.  Christ gave the Holy Ghost to the disciples by breathing on them.

John 20:22

And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

One reason Christ did not lay His hands on the apostles heads to give the Gift of the Holy Ghost may be because in verse 17, He told Mary not to touch Him because “He had not yet ascended unto His Father.”

Matthew 20:17

Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.

Peter taught that the Holy Ghost was a “gift.”

Acts 2:38

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 10:45

And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.

The Gift of the Holy Ghost by the Laying on of Hands.  

Joseph Smith taught that this “gift of the Holy Ghost” is an ordinance that comes after baptism.  The ordinance entails one who has the priesthood authority to place his hands on the new members head, and addressing the person by name, he actually says similar words like “receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” 

After the gift is transferred to the member, a prayer is given to the person. This is done by the authority of the Holy Melchisedek priesthood.  Paul taught that this gift was given by the laying on of the hands of the priesthood.

1 Timothy 4:14

Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

2 Timothy 1:6

Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

Paul taught that this ordinance was actually a doctrine of the church and that the ordinance of baptism was different than that of the laying on of hands to give the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Hebrews 6:2

Of the doctrines of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

The Mission of the Holy Ghost. 

Joseph Smith taught that the primary mission of the Holy Ghost is to reveal to man the divinity of Jesus Christ.  This is also taught by the apostle Paul.

1 Cor 12:3,4

Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. 4. Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

Many people in the Christian religion believe that the wisdom and common sense of man is important in establishing religious beliefs and doctrines.  On the contrary, Joseph Smith taught, and most of the current members of the church base their belief on the spiritual. 

Many times the teachings of Joseph Smith do not make sense and seem ridiculous to most people.  But Joseph Smith always told one to pray about the things that were being taught.  This practice continues today.

It is the Holy Ghost that will overcome all common sense and earthly wisdom that is taught by man.

1 Cor 2:4, 5

And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:  5. That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

2 Cor 1:12

For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.

1 Cor 2:10-16

10. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 

11. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? Even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 

12. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 

13. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 

14. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 

15. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.  16. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him?  But we have the mind of Christ.

It is in this spirit, catering to “the wisdom of man,” that this book contains the “Biblical Support Chart.”  This chart, when completed with all the many doctrines and teachings of Joseph Smith, will reveal how close Joseph Smith came to the Bible in organizing the LDS Church and establishing it’s doctrine. 

The men who are inclined to require the wisdom and common sense approach to religion will be able to count the number of doctrines and teachings of Joseph Smith that have Biblical support. Those findings will reveal what is logical within the LDS prophet’s teachings.

Question:  Is it considered ‘blasphemy against the Holy Ghost” when a Christian prefers to rely on the wisdom and common sense of man to justify spiritual things?

In addition to revealing the divinity of Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost performs several other purposes.  Among these are to teach people of all things, guide people to truth, show people of things to come, and witnesses to people.  Biblical support for these purposes are:

• Teach us of all things.

Luke 12:12

For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.

John 14:26

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.

1 Corinthians 2:13

Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

• Guides us into truth.

John 16:13

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.

• Bears witness to us

Hebrews 10:15

Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,

The Promise and Testimony

One of the basic teachings of Joseph Smith is how one may know the Book of Mormon is true.  Joseph Smith and his missionary effort does not try to beat the Book of Mormon into people’s heads through brain washing.

What Joseph Smith does is to refer a person to a certain promise in the Book of Mormon.  This promise follows the actual mission “to teach” through the Holy Ghost. 

This promise is given by what Joseph Smith describes as an ancient prophet of the Americas named Moroni.  It is the same angel who Joseph Smith claims appeared to him and gave him the golden plates.  Moroni writes:

Moroni 10:3-5

3. Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts. 

4. And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.  

5. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.

Joseph Smith taught that once a person knows, through the Holy Ghost, that the Book of Mormon is true, this person now has a “testimony.”  Joseph Smith always taught that a member of the LDS Church, who has received the Gift of the Holy Ghost, has the companionship of the Holy Ghost on a daily basis to teach and to reveal truth to that member. 

In essence, Joseph Smith taught that once a person receives the Gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands by someone who has authority, this person would continue to grow in testimony of all things spiritual.  This is what the Bible has to say about the Holy Ghost and testimonies.

John 15:26

But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

1 John 5:6

This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood.  And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.

John 8:32

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

John 21:24 – This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true.

Joseph never laid claim to being the only church that has the right to the Holy Ghost.  Joseph Smith taught that man may know, through the Holy Ghost, that Jesus Christ is Lord. 

Many people not affiliated with the church that Joseph Smith founded has received the witness of the divinity of Jesus Christ.  This witness is from the Holy Ghost as the apostle Paul taught.

1 Corinthians 12:3

Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.

Paul gave examples of where people received a testimony of Jesus Christ, through the Holy Ghost, but these people did not automatically have the Gift of the Holy Ghost.  That was a separate ordinance.  This example is in Acts.

Acts 2:37, 38

37. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, men and brethren, what shall we do? 

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.

Conclusion

Joseph Smith’s teachings are clear:

1. Read the Book of Mormon

2. Follow the promise

3. If your heart is pricked by the Holy Ghost that these things are true, then you should:

   1. Repent

   2. Be baptized

   3. Receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

The Biblical Support Chart

Is the following topic supported in the Bible? Yes or No

1. Does the Bible support Joseph Smith’s teaching that one must be spiritually reborn—or baptized by fire?  Yes

(Matt 3:11; John 1:33; Acts 1:5; 1 Peter 1:22,23; Acts 2:4)

2. Does the Bible support Joseph Smith’s teaching that receiving the Holy Ghost is a gift, after baptism? Yes

(John 7:39; John 20:22; Acts 2:38; Acts 10:45)

3. Does the Bible support Joseph Smith’s teaching that the gift of the Holy Ghost is given by the “laying on of hands?”  Yes

(1 Tim 4:14; 2 Tim 1:6; Hebrews 6:2)

4. Does the Bible support Joseph Smith’s teaching that the gift of the Holy Ghost overcomes all common sense and earthly wisdom?  Yes

(1 Cor 2:4,5; 2 Cor 1:12; 1 Cor 2:10-16)

5. Does the Bible support Joseph Smith’s teaching that the members receive testimony through the Holy Ghost? Yes

(John 15:26; 1 John 5:6; John 5:34; John 8:32; John 21:24; 1 Cor 1:6; 2 Tim 1:8)

“Are you trusting the Spirit—or your own understanding?”
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[1] Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., Publishers, Springfield, Mass, USA, 1990, page 158.