the Gift

What is so special about the gift of the Holy Ghost?? 

The Light of Christ “is given to every man, that he may know good from evil,” and everyone has access to the power or influence of the Holy Ghost. Anyone can be led, guided, warned, taught, blessed, and comforted by Him already. So why would anyone need or want to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost? In my studies, I have boiled it down to 3 main reasons:

First, the right to have the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost as we are worthy. After one who holds proper priesthood authority baptizes us, the gift is conferred by the laying on of hands, and we are promised that a member of the Godhead will ALWAYS be with us if we are worthy. This is a very significant distinction.

Second, it is by the gift of the Holy Ghost that we are sanctified —made more holy, more complete, more whole, more like God. This does not mean those who have received the gift are morally superior. Many outside our faith live far more Christlike lives than I or others with the gift. We simply have access to a sanctifying power that goes beyond comfort or inspiration. It is a covenantal promise that as we repent, God will forgive and forget our sins, and through His Spirit can literally change our hearts, transform our very nature, and prepare us “that [we] may stand spotless before [Him] at the last day.” The gift of the Holy Ghost makes this possible.

Third, the Holy Ghost is also referred to as the Holy Spirit of Promise. In this capacity, the Holy Ghost confirms that the priesthood ordinances we receive and the covenants we make are acceptable to God. All ordinances and covenants must be sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise to be valid after this life. That sealing depends on our continued faithfulness, and is given only to those who have received the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands after baptism, administered by those holding Melchizedek Priesthood authority. This gift is the foundation for all subsequent covenants and ordinances.