The Savior’s Instructions about the Holy Ghost (John 14-16)

First, I studied the following:

John 14:15–17, 26–27; 15:26–27; 16:7–8, 13–14
Commentary for John 14-16 in the old and new Institute student manual
Bible Dictionary, “Holy Ghost” (pg. 704)

Then, I made a list of what the Savior taught about what the Holy Ghost does and what we as disciples must do to receive the Holy Ghost.

What the Holy Ghost does

• Comforter (John 14:16)
• Truth (John 14:17)
• Dwell with you (John 14:17)
• Teach you all things (John 14:26)
• Bring all things to your remembrance (John 14:26)
• Peace (John 14:27)
• Testify of Christ (John 15:26)
• Reprove the world of sin (John 16:8)
• Guide you into all truth (John 16:13)
• Show you things to come (John 16:14)
• Glorify Christ (John 16:14)

In the old Institute Manual Pratt sums it up perfectly when he says:

"The gift of the Holy Ghost adapts itself to all these organs or attributes. It quickens all the intellectual faculties, increases, enlarges, expands and purifies all the natural passions and affections; and adapts them, by the gift of wisdom, to their lawful use. It inspires, develops, cultivates and matures all the fine-toned sympathies, joys, tastes, kindred feelings and affections of our nature. It inspires virtue, kindness, goodness, tenderness, gentleness and charity. It develops beauty of person, form and features. It tends to health, vigor, animation and social feeling. It invigorates all the faculties of the physical and intellectual man. It strengthens, and gives tone to the nerves. In short, it is, as it were, marrow to the bones, joy to the heart, light to the eyes, music to the ears, and life to the whole being."

WOW, I don't know about you but I want to be worthy to receive the Holy Ghost to help me become that kind of person and live that kind of life.

What disciples must do to receive the Holy Ghost

• Know him (John 14:17)
• Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid (John 14:27)
• Bear witness of Christ (John 15:27)

Again in the old Institute Manual Gordon B. Hinckley's father summed up what we must do to be worthy to receive the Holy Ghost. He told Gordon B. Hinckley:

"You can have that peace and reassurance that you speak about, but only if you pay the price. You must be patient, for the companionship and peace of the Spirit does not come easily. You must live the commandments and keep the covenants that you have made...Beyond these things, you must pray earnestly and study diligently about Jesus and his church, for the Holy Ghost will not come simply to amuse you or to appease curiosity; but he will help you develop a relationship with your Redeemer if your efforts are tireless and your desires are sincere."

WOW, I have a lot of work to do to be worthy to receive the Holy Ghost but what better gift then to "develop a relationship with your Redeemer." That is worth any price to me.