Who is the Holy Ghost, really?
I was preparing my talk on revelation (thank you all for your comments) and got thinking about the Holy Ghost. Who is he?
He’s a spirit, we know that. Is he one of God the Father’s spirit children….our brother? If so how does that work? Does he have special powers given to him that the rest of us didn’t have so he can carry out his mission? Did he volunteer in the premortal council like the Savior did? How did he know that a Holy Ghost was needed on this earth life, was that part of the plan that was presented?
If he’s not a spirit child of God, then where did he come from. Was he something on “God’s earth”? Was he assigned to this earth by some other means? Is he assigned to this earth only, or does he cover all the worlds that Christ created? If to this earth only, then are there other Holy Ghosts on other earths, or are they righteous enough that they don’t need one?
If he is a spirit child of God, then does he get a body then be “twinkled” so he can be Celestialized? When does that happen?
Does he continue on as the Holy Ghost after this earth is Celestialized, either here (which I don’t see the need) or continue on other or another earth?
I could go on with lots more questions. Not that we can answer any, some or all of these questions. To me they are interesting jumping off spots…but it just shows me how little we really know.
I can hear it now - we shouldn’t be speculating on things like this…we should be consentrating on the basics of the gospel. I find the basics difficult to understand, especially as we delve into them. How does faith work anyway? And how does mercy work…and repentenace? And how do I go about resurrecting myself? Just asking!
You know, I hadn’t really thought about all that before. Now my head’s a-spinnin’!
T
Sister T | Email | Homepage | 08.27.04 - 8:41 pm | #
all we know is that the HG is male. See ‘his’ discussion with Nephi in the BoM.
lyle | Email | Homepage | 08.29.04 - 11:40 pm | #
I would have to side with Alma the Younger, specifically in what he tells his son in Alma 37:11.
Amy | Email | Homepage | 08.30.04 - 9:30 am | #
What great questions to have for when you actually meet him!!
Angela | Email | Homepage | 09.04.04 - 6:58 pm | #
I always wondered if when Satan was bound for 1000 years the Holy Ghost wouldn’t get a chance to have a body. And therefore we have a final opportunity to “prove” ourselves — no influence from either side…
I know it’s far fetched, and probably pretty far from the truth, but the thought has popped into my mind before.
Bullfrog | Email | Homepage | 10.01.04 - 8:11 pm | #
Is it possible that the HG is really a “calling” in the Godhead?
After some thought, it seems to me that several of God’s spirit children may have held this “calling” before coming to earth. Could it be that these individuals were unusually unique spirits; perhaps Joseph Smith, Abraham, Moses or others who were called for a specific time, at the end of which they were sent to earth to fulfill their earthly mission. After all, wasn’t Adam, as Michael, previously a member of the Godhead during the creation? Could it be that another spirit took Adam’s place in the Godhead until it was time for that member to be replaced by yet another unique spirit?
Alan Jacobsen | Email | Homepage | 10.04.04 - 3:11 pm | #
Some say that Joseph Smith would be a fitting choice. Journals of the the prophet Joseph Smith hint at this, yet he could not say. I am wanting to put more time into studying his journals and may have more information later.
ginie | Email | Homepage | 10.17.04 - 9:01 am | #
Comment by Comment Restore — November 28, 2005 @ 12:34 am
I just caught this web and loved Alan Jacobsen’s answer. I have often thought that the Holy Ghost was probably more than one being! It’s something that I’ve never said to people at church because of the shock.
Here’s something for you to chew on. The virgin Mary and her relationship with God and Joseph. Just a thought. Remember that God is the Law.
Comment by karen — May 27, 2007 @ 10:53 am
President Young taught this:
“It is true that the earth was organized by three distinct characters, namely, Eloheim, Yahovah, and Michael, these three forming a quorum, as in all heavenly bodies, and in organizing element, perfectly represented in the Deity, as Father, Son, and Holy Ghost! JD 1:50″
This would lead one to believe that:
Eloheim is the Father
Yahovah is the Son
Michael (Adam) is the Holy Ghost
The Second Book of Commandments also confirms that Adam became the Holy Ghost.
Comment by Richard — July 15, 2007 @ 12:15 pm