Watch the video above and talk about it with a friend or mentor.

The Holy Spirit is an important part of the Christian life, working in ways far beyond what we expected of him as Latter-day Saints.

In Mormonism, the Holy Spirit (or Holy Ghost) plays a prominent role. In biblical Christianity, there are similarities, but also a whole new way to experience what God wants to do in our lives through the Holy Spirit. Let’s understand what the riches of the Holy Spirit are for us as we transition to a biblical faith.

My experience of the Holy Spirit in Mormonism

My first encounter with this was at age eight, when I was baptized by my father. A man holding the Melchizedek Priesthood laid his hands on me and conferred the gift of the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost was supposed to give us feelings of confidence in Joseph Smith and the LDS Church.

[Related: Who Is the Holy Spirit?]

What the Bible says about the Holy Spirit

No man can give the gift of God. Jesus is our only high priest. As such, he is the one who gives the Holy Spirit. Human beings cannot confer the gift of the Spirit.

John 16:7 (NKJV) “Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.”

Luke 24:49 (NKJV) “Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.”

Acts 1:5 (NKJV) “For John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.

John 1:33 (NKJV) “I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’”

[Related: What Is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit?]

Benefits of the Holy Spirit

We are enabled to truly love others through power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5). The Spirit teaches us truth (John 16:13). He gifts and equips us for serving others (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). The Spirit refines our personality and character, producing in us the fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, and more (Galatians 5:22-23). The Holy Spirit assures us of our salvation and relationship with God (Ephesians 1:13-14). The Spirit initiates us into the family of God (1 Corinthians 12:12-13).

[Related: All About Walking by the Spirit]

How to receive the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is given as a gift of God’s grace at the moment a person trusts Jesus for salvation (Ephesians 1:13). At that moment, the Holy Spirit immediately begins a process of transformation, changing our character and renewing our relationships.

[Related: Attributes of the Holy Spirit]

The Holy Spirit is God. His work is so vast that there are many others aspects beyond what has been mentioned here. Ask God to reveal the Holy Spirit to you. Do some study about all the amazing things the Holy Spirit is available for: his gifts, his fruit, and his power.

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Key Points:

  • My Experience of the Holy Spirit in Mormonism
  • What the Bible Says About the Holy Spirit
  • Benefits of the Holy Spirit
  • How to Receive the Holy Spirit

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Talk About It
  1. Watch the video together or invite someone to summarize the topic.
  2. What is your initial reaction to this video? Do you disagree with any of it? What jumped out at you?
  3. How did you understand the Holy Spirit (Holy Ghost) as a Latter-day Saint?
  4. Did you have experiences that you attributed to the Holy Ghost? Explain.
  5. Read John 16:7. Who sends the Holy Spirit? Why do you think he is called “the Helper”?
  6. How is the biblical portrayal of the Holy Spirit similar to and different from the LDS portrayal?
  7. Read Ephesians 1:13-14. What is the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of a Christ-follower?
  8. Read Galatians 5:22-23. What fruit of the Spirit do you need most? Explain.
  9. As you consider the benefits of the Holy Spirit, what encourages the most, and why?
  10. Write a personal action step based on this conversation.