Journal of Discourses 6:96; “With regard to this particular point, I will say that you shall judge the matter and be my witnesses. Have we not learned enough with regard to the character of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, to at once believe, admit, and affirm that the Holy Ghost always has and always
will operate precisely according to the suggestion of the Father? Not a desire, act, wish, or thought does the Holy Ghost indulge in contrary to that which is dictated by the Father. We all sense this in a degree, because it has always been taught to us. It is taught in the Bible, in the revelations given through Joseph, and in the preaching by the Elders of Israel…
The Holy Ghost, we believe, is one of the characters that form the Trinity, or the Godhead. Not one person in three, nor three persons in one; but the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are one in essence, as the hearts of three men who are united in all things. He is one of the three characters we believe in, whose office it is to administer to those of the human family who love the truth. I have stated that they are one, as the hearts of three men might be one. Lest you should mistake me, I will say that I do not wish you to understand that the Holy Ghost is a personage having a tabernacle, like the Father and the Son; but he is God’s messenger that diffuses his influence through all the works of the Almighty.” – Brigham Young, Salt Lake City, November 29, 1857
1 Corinthians 2:10-11; “But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.”
Actually Mr. Young, the Holy Spirit is God.
I’m not sure how Young or Smith reconciled their blasphemous teachings in their heads, but it’s quite evident throughout scripture the Holy Spirit is nothing less than God Himself.
This is one of the most common topics where new ex-Mormon Christians ask us for help. Because the HS of Mormonism plays absolutely no vital role in the life of the average Mormon, it can be confusing as to how He operates, and what purpose the Spirit of God has in a believer’s life. Little do they (Mormons) know, He’s the life force of every believer.
The Holman Bible Dictionary tells us the HS can be described as an impersonal force or He can manifest Himself in individuals as well. Although it’s a little lengthy, their description is worthy of taking a minute or so to gain a clear understanding of how God’s Spirit works in and around mankind.
“Old Testament The term “Holy Spirit” in the Old Testament is found only in Psalm 51:11; Isaiah 63:10-11. References to the spirit of God, however, are abundant. In one sense the Spirit of God is depicted as a mighty wind, Hebrew using the same word ruach for wind, breath, and spirit.
God’s Spirit can be expressed as an impersonal force, or it can manifest itself in individuals. The Old Testament has numerous examples when God inspired the prophets indirectly by the Spirit. The prime revelation of the Spirit in the Old Testament, in the personal sense, is by means of prophecy.
Joseph’s dreams are perceived to be divinely inspired (Gen. 41:38); King David, as a mouthpiece for God, proclaimed that “the Spirit of the Lord speaks” (2 Sam. 23:2); and Zechariah announced the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel, “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ saith the Lord of Hosts” (Zech. 4:6).
Much like the power of the wind, the Spirit equipped the heroes of Israel with extraordinary strength (Judg. 14:6). The judges are described as being Spirit-possessed individuals as in the case of Othniel (Judg. 3:10). Sometimes, The Spirit came upon individuals mightily, so as to alter their normal behavior (1 Sam. 10:16; 19:23-24).
The Spirit is also the ultimate origin of all mental and spiritual gifts, as it is in the underlying inspiration of the men of wisdom (Ex. 31:1-6; Isa. 11:2; Job 4:15; 32:8). Not only did the prophets benefit from the influence of the Spirit, but also the Spirit will be shed upon the people of God (Isa. 44:3) and upon all the people (Joel 2:28). Ezekiel and Isaiah express the idea of the Spirit more than any other Old Testament source. Many of Ezekiel’s allusions to the Spirit are in regard to Israel’s restoration in the future. The reception of the new Spirit, prophesied in Ezekiel and Jeremiah, is dependent upon repentance (Ezek. 18:31) and is associated with the creation of a new heart (Jer. 31:31-34). This prophetic foreshadowing, in light of the individual, sporadic, and temporary manifestation of the Spirit in the Old Testament, looked forward to a time when the Spirit of God would revitalize His chosen people, empower the Messiah, and be lavishly poured out on all humankind.”
I almost didn’t read this post, because of the title. Then actually became zelous and came in to post John 4:24
God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. The foundational scripture proving Holy Spirit as God.
Albeit, thank you for the post. Well written.