Saturday, June 18, 2011

Joseph B. Wirthlin

The testimony of the Holy Ghost is the strongest testimony that a man can receive.

Smith, Answers to Gospel Questions, 4:92 as quoted in the Seminary and Institute Handbook The Life and Teachings of Jesus and His Apostles, Ch. 9 "Whosever Shall Do the Will of the Father"

Joseph B. Wirthlin

He [the Holy Ghost] is a revelator and teacher who conveys information to our spirits with far more certainty than is possible by our natural senses. He can guide us in every choice and decision and never will deceive or mislead us. He is a comforter who brings peace to our souls in times of need.

Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Deep Roots,” Ensign, Nov 1994, 75

Joseph Smith

You might as well baptize a bag of sand as a man, if not done in view of the remission of sins and getting of the Holy Ghost. Baptism by water is but half a baptism, and is good for nothing without the other half—that is, the baptism of the Holy Ghost. The Savior says, ‘Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.’ [John 3:5.]”

Joseph Smith, History of the Church, 5:499

Henry B. Eyring

Reception of the Holy Ghost is the cleansing agent as the atonement purifies you... That is a fact you can act on with confidence.  You can invite the Holy Ghost's companionship into your life.  And you can know when he is there, and when he withdraws.  And when he is your companion, you can have confidence that the Atonement is working in your life.

Henry B. Eyring, Come Unto Christ, BYU Fireside, 29 October 1989

Joseph Fielding Smith

When a man has the manifestation from the Holy Ghost, it leaves an indelible impression on his soul, one that is not easily erased. It is Spirit speaking to spirit, and it comes with convincing force. A manifestation of an angel, or even the Son of God himself, would impress the eye and mind, and eventually become dimmed, but the impressions of the Holy Ghost sink deeper into the soul and are more difficult to erase.

Joseph Fielding Smith, Answers to Gospel Questions, 2:151

Bruce R. McConkie

Sins are remitted not in the waters of baptism, as we say in speaking figuratively, but when we receive the Holy Ghost.  It is the Holy Spirit of God that erases carnality and brings us into a state of righteousness.  We become clean when we actually receive the fellowship and companionship of the Holy Ghost.  ... The actual cleansing of the soul comes when the Holy Ghost is received.  The Holy Ghost is a sanctifier whose divine commission is to burn dross and evil out of a human soul as though by fire.

Elder Bruce R. McConkie, New Witness for the Articles of Faith, p. 290, 239.

Robert D. Hales

The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead, a personage of spirit.  He is the Comforter, the Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit of Promise. He testifies of Jesus Christ, His work, and the work of His servants upon the earth. He acts as a cleansing agent to purify and sanctify us from sin.  He comforts us and brings peace to our soul. The right to His constant companionship is among the greatest gifts we can receive in mortality, for by the light of His promptings and His cleansing power, we can be led back into the presence of God.

Robert D. Hales, Out of Darkness into His Marvelous Light, April 2002 General Conference