General Conference, ‘Always Have His Spirit’, November 1996 “The blessings available through the gift of the Holy Ghost are conditioned upon worthiness. “The Spirit of the Lord doth not dwell in unholy temples” (Hel. 4:24; see also Mosiah 2:36-37; 1 Cor. 3:16-17). Even though we have a right to his constant companionship, the Spirit of the Lord will dwell only with us when we keep the commandments. He will withdraw when we offend him by profanity, uncleanliness, disobedience, rebellion, or other serious sins.” — Dallin Oaks
John 14:17-18 “Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.”
2 Corinthians 4:3-4 “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”
The lies that Mr. Oaks chose to tell are absolutely disturbing for several reasons.
1.He twisted the bible passage he used.
2.God’s Holy Spirit isn’t fickle and won’t leave at the slightest of circumstances as Mr. Oaks has insinuated.
3.God’s Spirit isn’t available based on our worthiness. Jesus told us that when He left, He’d send His Spirit. There’s nothing we could ever do in life to be worthy enough to earn His forgiveness and hence, His Spirit to be inside of us!
4.Believers receive His Spirit by accepting Jesus as our Savior. When we do this, He comes and takes up residence inside of us. This is the only ‘qualification’ needed!
While Mr. Oaks gave this talk 26 years ago, their mandates are still intact today. Be sure to share the truth with the Mormon you know and ask if they understand how the Lord’s Spirit operates in the lives of true believers.
With Love in Christ —
Michelle
[…] Mandatory Worthiness for Holy Ghost […]
Romans 3:10-12 makes it quite clear that no one is good…..we are all sinners, saved by grace through Jesus’ blood, period. The nerve of Oaks suggesting that he and others are good (enough) is garbage. I rest my case.