Journal of Discourses 14:96 “Obedience to the ordinance of baptism is required that people may receive the remission of their sins. After that, hands are laid upon them for the reception of the Holy Ghost; and this Holy Ghost teaches you and me to vote exactly alike; it teaches us to believe alike and to receive the ordinances of the house of God.” — Discourse by President Brigham Young, delivered in the New Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, April 8, 1871. [emp. added]
1 Corinthians 2:10–14 “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. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”
John 16:8–11 “And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 Of sin, because they believe not on me; 10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; 11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.”
1 Corinthians 12:11 “But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.”
Also see 1 Corinthians 12:12-27.
After reading Mr. Young’s comment I searched online for references about the job of the Holy Spirit. To be sure there are numerous Bible verses that speak about the work of His Spirit but for the sake of brevity I’ve limited the list to just a few. For more info on how the Lord’s Holy Spirit works see Moody Bible Institute. One thing on their site that struck me was a comment stating ‘Absence of the Holy Spirit is the mark of the unsaved’. It’s a haunting reminder of what the future will be like for many.
Mr. Young’s comment is heartbreaking. We can list a lot of quotes by famous people who’ve stated we should question authority but again the best advice we have is in His word –
1 Thessalonians 5:21 “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.”
1 John 4:1 “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.”
Romans 8:9 “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.”
Jude 1:19 “These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.”
Unfortunately, this same thought pattern is strong in the Church even today so pray for members to stand up and walk to the loving arms of the Lord. He’s the only way to find true freedom – John 8:32. This is reminiscent of a much later talk in the mid 20th century when they told members the thinking had been done.
As an FYI you’ll be able to find today’s LDS reference in our next Worst of the Worst list.
With Love in Christ —
Michelle
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