Here and there I have wondered if there is a difference between the Holy Spirit and Holy Ghost? I finally took the time to study out this recurring question concerning the holy spirit and holy ghost.
The Holy Spirit
And he (Jesus Christ) being the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth, and having overcome, received a fulness of the glory of the Father—possessing the same mind with the Father, which mind is the Holy Spirit, that bears record of the Father and the Son. ~Lectures on Faith, Lecture #5 vs. 2
It is my belief, the Holy Spirit is the mind of the Father as stated in the above scripture. The Father’s Holy Spirit is carried through His son, Jesus Christ, a mediator for men, who is filled with the mind of the Father. The Son’s mission is to prepare us to return to the Father.
It came to my attention as I studied, sometimes the Holy Spirit is called the “Light of Christ” referred to in Mormon scripture (D&C 88:6-13)
Although the Holy Spirit and Holy Ghost work together, they have different roles.
The Holy Ghost
When each of us receives the Holy Spirit (the mind of the Father), which is received through our mediator, Jesus Christ, our spirit or our ghost becomes holy.
Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and [that] the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy for the temple of God is holy, which [temple] ye are. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17
I would like to repeat this important point…..If we connect with the Holy Spirit (the mind of the Father), our spirit becomes holy so in other words, our ghost becomes holy.
Connecting to Heaven
“No man can receive the Holy Ghost without receiving revelations. The Holy Ghost is a revelator.” (TPJS, p. 328.)
Revelations are received from God’s mind or the Holy Spirit. When we receive God’s revelations through his Holy Spirit, we are receiving the Holy Ghost. We are connecting to heaven with the hope to receive many wonderful gifts.
Heavenly Gifts Can be Received through the Gift of the Holy Ghost
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. John 14:26
- Teaches us the truth in all things
- Helps us remember all things
And he heard a voice out of heaven, saying: Thou art baptized with fire, and with the Holy Ghost. This is the record of the Father, and the Son, from henceforth and forever; Moses Chapter 6 vs. 66
- The record of the Father and the Son
61 Therefore it is given to abide in you; the record of heaven; the Comforter; the peaceable things of immortal glory; the truth of all things; that which quickeneth all things, which maketh alive all things; that which knoweth all things, and hath all power according to wisdom, mercy, truth, justice, and judgment. Moses Chapter 6 vs. 61
- Access to the record of heaven
- Comforts us
- Brings us peace
- The truth of all things (already listed above)
- Quickens us
- Brings life to things
- Has access to the knowledge of all things
P.S. The Holy Ghost is often incorrectly referred to as the Holy Spirit. So the context meaning will often need to be considered before deciding if the context meaning fits the HS or HG. I know it is confusing, but with a little study, you will be able to recognize the difference between the two. Everyone can receive the Holy Spirit and Holy Ghost as explained in a previous blog I wrote.
Top Featured Photo by Tim Easley
