The Role of the Holy Ghost in LDS Doctrine

LDS Perspective

In the doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead—a "personage of Spirit" (Doctrine and Covenants 130:22) who does not possess a body of flesh and bones, unlike the Father and the Son. His primary mission is to bear witness of the Father and the Son and to testify of all truth (see 3 Nephi 28:11; Doctrine and Covenants 20:27). As explained in the *Gospel Principles* manual, the Holy Ghost's role is to "comfort and help and guide all of His spirit children," fulfilling the promise that "by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things" (Moroni 10:5). This divine messenger works in perfect unity with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, each fulfilling distinct but harmonious roles in the plan of salvation. A

Historical Perspective

# The Role of the Holy Ghost in LDS Doctrine According to Latter-day Saint theology, the Holy Ghost is a distinct member of the Godhead—a personage of spirit without a physical body of flesh and bones, unlike the Father and the Son who possess resurrected bodies. LDS doctrine teaches that the Holy Ghost serves several specific functions: to bear witness of the Father and the Son, to reveal truth, to sanctify believers, and to provide continuous guidance. The LDS Church distinguishes between the Holy Ghost's general influence accessible to all people and the "gift of the Holy Ghost," which is defined as "the privilege—given to people who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ, been baptized, and been confirmed as members of the Church—to receive continual guidance and inspiration from the