A WITNESS

 

Perhaps the most known name for the Holy Ghost is The Comforter. He testifies and he comforts but did you know that he has another name that is perhaps the most important? This name is the Holy Spirit of Promise.

The Holy Ghost plays a more crucial part in our lives than we think. His role as the Holy Spirit of Promise means that we do not bypass him on our way to eternal glory…..Without his approval we, the covenant people, do not walk into celestial kingdom. His report to the Father of our individual obedience to the saving ordinances we have had performed for us is crucial. It makes me think of how Heavenly Father’s house is a house of order. All things are done to perfection and complete accuracy.

Here is the doctrinal role of the Holy Spirit of Promise:

“The Holy Ghost is the Holy Spirit of Promise (Acts 2:33). He confirms as acceptable to God the righteous acts, ordinances, and covenants of men. The Holy Spirit of Promise witnesses to the Father than the saving ordinances have been performed properly and that the covenants associated with  them have been kept.

“They who are sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise receive all that the Father has (D&C 76:51-60; Eph. 1:13-14). All covenants and performances must be sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise to have force after this life (D&C 132:7,18-19,26)”  (Guide to the Scriptures, Gospel Library)

And this is something that should interest us greatly:

“When Paul wrote that the Saints had been “sealed with that Holy Spirit of Promise” (Ephesians 1:13), he meant that they had been promised eternal life even though they were still living in mortality. When people are sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise, the Holy Ghost ratifies (approves) them as celestial inheritors even though they are mortal.

“This doctrine is sometimes referred to as having one’s calling and election made sure or receiving the Second Comforter (see 2 Peter 1:4-19; D&C 132:6-7). (Bruce R. McConkie, “Doctrinal New Testament Commentary” 2:493-95; “History of the Church” 3:379-80)

The Godhead works in complete harmony to ensure the success of the Plan of Salvation and exaltation of the Father’s children. No mistakes can be made and justice is carried out perfectly. How incredibly reassuring it is to have the Holy Ghost as a witness of our good deeds and our righteousness. I am amazed how valuable he is and how undervalued to some of us. We should want him for our best friend: to enlighten us, to guide us, to comfort us and to lead us to life eternal.

 

ODE TO THE HOLY GHOST:

How silently, how diligently

You work for the salvation of men.

Your witness of my life

Written in your heart as with a holy pen.

When face to face one day we meet

I will kneel at your holy feet.

- CATHRYNE ALLEN

(Art: Beloved Son by Danny Hahlbohm)