Holy Ghost is Not Always Indwelling

It is believed, by many in the Christian world, that the Holy Ghost is always and constantly indwelling and that this indwelling begins once a person gives himself to Jesus Christ by way of belief, or that they always had it, and become aware of it once they believe in Jesus Christ. Many have misused the Bible scriptures to justify their claim. They have used John 14:17, as their rational to claim that the Holy Ghost dwells in us "always". This says that only a belief is needed to have the Holy Ghost in them.

What has happened is that many in Christendom, have taken Biblical scripture to make an confused claim about the Holy Ghost. Based on what they wanted to believe, rather than a belief based in true doctrine. This belief of theirs is self-justifying, because apparently, the constant indwelling of the Holy Ghost automatically purifies their minds and hearts from all carnal and temporal influences of mortality, absolving them from the affects of their own choices. At least this is how they think and behave.

To understand the workings of the Holy Ghost, we must first learn the scriptures properly. To learn the principles by which God operates, because the Holy Ghost abides in those same principles as well. For the Holy Ghost is not some wisp of the wind entity that can be found in every living thing. "He" is a distinct personage of the Spirit, as distinct as you and I.

Power of the Holy Ghost

( see Rom. 15:13 / 1 Ne. 10:19 / 2 Ne. 33:1 for examples of the power of the Holy Ghost.)

The Holy Ghost, by his actual presence, can only be in one place at a time, but read in Acts 2, where many people were "filled" with the Holy Ghost, all at the same time. A reasonable question would be is "How is it that the Holy Ghost can be indwelling in each of them all at the same time?" "Do pieces of him break off and enter people?"

This is where proper doctrine, by way of revelation (2 Pet. 1:20-21 ) answers these questions. The scripture of 2 Pet 1:20-21 speaks of the distinction between "men" and "holy men". Scripture is only given to holy men chosen by God to write scripture. Such is never given to any man. Therefore, we go to the words of a holy man, called a prophet, who spoke the following scripture from God.

1 Ne. 11:11
And I said unto him: To know the interpretation thereof for I spake unto him as a man speaketh; for I beheld that he was in the form of a man; yet nevertheless, I knew that it was the Spirit of the Lord; and he spake unto me as a man speaketh with another.

DC 131:7-8
7 There is no such thing as immaterial matter. All spirit is matter, but it is more fine or pure, and can only be discerned by purer eyes;
8 We cannot see it; but when our bodies are purified we shall see that it is all matter.

The Holy Ghost has a body just like a man, therefore a body causes him to be distinct. This body makes it impossible for him to be in many places at the same time. Then how can the Holy Ghost affect many people all at once, since he cannot be "indwelling" in many at the same time? The answer is by his power.¹

By his power, (see scripture list above), the Holy Ghost can affect many people at the same time, giving all of them the feeling and impression that the Holy Ghost is within them. These feelings or affects by his power are usually subtle, where the mind and heart is enlightened , piercing through all doubt and bringing that person or people to clarity, understanding and peace. By this power the Holy Ghost can affect a person here where I am and over there where you are at the same time. That is certainly a power of God, is it not?

Presence of the Holy Ghost

(See Acts 8:17 / Acts 13:2 / Rom. 9:1 / 1 Ne. 11:27 / Alma 13:12 / Moro. 8:26 for examples of the presence of the Holy Ghost)

The Holy Ghost has a spirit body, that is much finer making it invisible to our eyes, but the scriptures help us make a further distinction of the body of the Holy Ghost. The scriptures says that he has "no flesh and bones" (Luke 24:39) , else he would not be able to dwell within us, but the Holy Ghost is also a personage of the Spirit (DC 130:22) . The personage of the spirit refers to the spirit body described above. It is a distinct form. This also tells us that the spirit body held by the Holy Ghost is not the same as the body which Jesus Christ has. Yet, the spiritual matter making up the Holy Ghost still allows him to enter us. This is certainly quite a challenge in physics, isn't it?

As a side note, Jesus himself cannot dwell within us, because he has a body of flesh and bones. He showed us in Luke 24:39, that after he had risen and returned, he gained a body of flesh and bone. WE know that the body Jesus has, is not a body of flesh, bone and blood, since blood cannot be in the kingdom of God (1 Cor. 15:50), and Jesus is with the Father in his kingdom. So what dwells in us, that is of Jesus Christ? The answer is the Spirit of Christ, or "Light of Christ" that is always within us. It is this light that can be in all people at the same time, and in and around things all the time. It is this that God gave every man upon his incarnation into mortality, irrespective of beliefs (Moro. 7:16). I have given this side note because some people have confused the constant indwelling of the "Light of Christ" as being the Holy Ghost. The "Light of Christ" is not a personage as the Holy Ghost. This is the basic distinction between them.

Does this distinction of bodies diminish the nature and powers of Holy Ghost? - Not at all.

His spiritual personage is real and distinct, a real spiritual being. Just like each of us were before we came into this mortality. As I have said, it is this distinctiveness, the personage of spirit, that causes the presence of the Holy Ghost to be in one place at a time.

Constant Companionship of the Holy Ghost

What I need to do here is explain a particular spiritual gift, called the gift of the Holy Ghost, because some people seem to think that they have this gift just because the Bible speaks of it. This gift, refers to the right to have the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost and right of witness that Jesus is the Lord. (1 Cor. 12:3 )

The following excerpt from the Guide to the Scriptures, explains this gift:

The power of the Holy Ghost can come upon a person before baptism and witness that the gospel is true. But the right to have the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost, whenever one is worthy, is a gift that can be received only by the laying on of hands by a Melchizedek Priesthood holder after authorized baptism into the true Church of Jesus Christ.

Therefore, the companionship (or gift) of the Holy Ghost can only come after lawful baptism by water, by one who has lawful authority and the priesthood to baptize. (Acts 2:38 / DC 39:23 / JS-H 1:70-72.) The authority to baptize, from God, is given to his holy priesthood, and that priesthood was conferred to Joseph Smith, who organized this Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Therefore, only a baptized member of this Church can receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. No other outside this Church is given this gift, no matter the beliefs of faith they think they have. God is one of order and he does not do things that is contrary to that order. (1 Chr. 15:13 / 2 Chr. 8:14 / Heb. 5:10 / DC 132:8 ).

The word "companionship" refers to the right given to a worthy member of the Lord's Church, to have the counsel and guidance from the Holy Ghost, to assist them in their daily lives as well as with their spiritual work and studies. It does not mean that the Holy Ghost stands beside them, with his spiritual body, each moment every day. It means the Holy Ghost is available to them by his power, constantly. This is the ability of this power held by the Holy Ghost, to impart it constantly to worthy people. It is like the Holy Ghost "blankets" the worthy with his cloak of power, and it is then the right of the worthy to call upon it.

Holy Ghost does not testify against any church

In contrast, those outside the Lord's Church do not have this constant companionship, but can be affected by the power of the Holy Ghost when he deems it proper and timely. In this manner, the Holy Ghost will not do anything that is against the Lord's Church and truth, because the Lord's Church is built on his truth called the gospel. Therefore the Holy Ghost does not speak against, or testify against any Christian church, as many "other Christians" seem to claim. Other Christian churches hold some truth, because of the Bible, which is also the word of God. For the Holy Ghost to testify against any Christian church is the same as God contending against his own word and truth. This does not justify other Christian churches as God's church, it says that God cannot speak against his own word, yet this does not protect any Christian church from committing sin(s) or offending the order of God.

This principle of conduct by the Holy Ghost can also apply to speaking against people. Anything that is truly good, pleases God. The Holy Ghost will not speak against "goodness", even of that person does not believe in Jesus Christ, yet the Holy Ghost reveals and imparts divine truth and it is by that truth and understanding of it, that a worthy person can affect spiritual discernment, comparing spiritual with spiritual. (1 Cor 2:13-14) Therefore, I do not confirm other churches, I confirm truth, God's truth, and so does the Holy Ghost.

To summarize, the Holy Ghost confirms divine truth, to enlighten, and testifies of the Father, and the Son - Jesus Christ, because that is truth also. It is by this manner that the Holy Ghost imparts understanding. Then by the "free choice" of that person, he or she can rightly choose the correct Church. By this way, the Holy Ghost follows the Father's will and averts any involvement in, or promotion of contention against truth and goodness.

Not Always in Us

The Holy Ghost is never "always" in us, and this is true for several reasons.

His personage, making him distinctive, he cannot be in many places at once
Free will and choice
Worthiness (refers to level and type of faith, belief, obedience, properly baptized, humbleness, contrite spirit, to name a few)
The Spirit will not tarry with us.

Personage of the Spirit

By virtue of his personage, he cannot be in me and you at the same time. To believe he is in you at all times is contrary to the truth. For the Holy Ghost to choose one person over all people, just to reside in him or her at all times, is contrary to the purpose, work and word of salvation. What value is the Holy Ghost to the Father if he resides in one person over the many? For many people to experience the Holy Ghost at the same times, refers to the power of the Holy Ghost.

Free Will

Free will and choice is never superseded by the Holy Ghost. He cannot over ride free will. He does not make decisions for us, neither does he tell us what to do. Any person who believes or claims that the Holy Ghost chooses something for them is a false doctrine. Satan is one that forces choice, by any means available to him. The Holy Ghost inspires, guides, whispers, while the rest is up to choice, to choose that way or not.

One of the most revered gifts from God, given to all men, is the right and freedom to choose either good or evil. (John 5:29 / Alma 29: 5) IF there was no freedom to choose, then God would not have provided the many counsels of how to choose between good and evil. For us to have our choices made for us removes any chance of progressing and learning. How could we choose good if it is all chosen for us already? Our salvation can not work if our free will to choose is removed or controlled.

For the Holy Ghost to dwell in us all the time, would cause us to become subject to his will, because his influence would be constant. This constant influence does not provide for the freedom to exercise free will. IT is like someone continually whispering in your ear every moment you are choosing, and that would hamper our agency of free will and choice. It would also thwart the meaning of the seed parable by Jesus, for what value would the seed of truth be for us if we always had the Holy Ghost making our decisions, or telling us what to do?

To this extent, that becomes control and manipulation, and that is never the Holy Ghost.

Worthiness - Obedience - Faith - Humbleness

Worthiness is another crucial factor determining if the Holy Ghost enters us by his presence or by his power. Do not ever think that the Holy Ghost will be involved with a person who thinks they believe in Jesus Christ, but acts contrary to the commandments set out by God. Worthiness includes obedience, which determines faith, for a person cannot say he has faith while he disobeys the commandments and teachings of God.

The Holy Ghost does not enter a defiled body (1 Cor 3:16-17). One of the easiest things to do for men or women is to "lust" and once you have done this, it is adultery. Know ye the words of God on this? (Matt. 5:28 ) Taking this as an example, will the Holy Ghost be "indwelling" as a person lusts and commits adultery? If the Holy Ghost remains in that person, then the Holy Ghost condones sin, and that is definitely not the Spirit of God.

One of the most common traits of mortality and from the human mind, is pride. There are many forms and expressions of pride. Some will defend pride, but can anyone know when they slip unaware into the state of mind that offends the Holy Ghost, or Holy Spirit?

Humility. Individuals cannot be taught by the Spirit unless they are humble. Evidence of the need for humility as a prerequisite to being taught by the Spirit is given in Doctrine and Covenants 136:32-33: "Let him that is ignorant learn wisdom by humbling himself and calling upon the Lord his God, that his eyes may be opened that he may see, and his ears opened that he may hear; for my Spirit is sent forth into the world to enlighten the humble and contrite, and to the condemnation of the ungodly." "Ignorant" individuals are those who, regardless of how much schooling they have completed, are ignorant of the limits of their knowledge and lack of wisdom regarding spiritual matters. Before such individuals can "learn wisdom," they must humble themselves through prayer so that their spiritual blindness and deafness can be healed and they can perceive the things of the Spirit. Arrogance, conceit, and haughtiness are all forms of pride, which lessens an individual's sensitivity to promptings of the Spirit and can cause the Spirit to withdraw. For example, in Doctrine and Covenants 63:55 we read that Sidney Rigdon "grieved" the Spirit because "he exalted himself in his heart."

(Leon R. Hartshorn, Craig J. Ostler, Dennis A. Wright/ Doctrine and Covenants, a Book of Answers: The 25th Annual Sidney B. Sperry Symposium, Chapter nine, "Teaching by the Power of the Spirit - Richard R Sudweeks", pg 109.)

There are many ways to loose the Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit or Spirit, and many ways to offend him. By this alone, the Holy Ghost does not "indwell" constantly (JST 1 Sam. 16:14 / Lam. 1:9 / 1 Tim. 4:1 / Mosiah 3:19 / Morm. 1:14).

Spirit Does not Tarry Long

The Holy Ghost does not "tarry" with us or strive with us all the time. (Gen. 6:3 / Ps. 51:11 / Jude 1:17-19 /) This means that his presence, even by his power, is not constantly in us or with us, and there are factors that exist that would lead to the absence or leaving of the Holy Ghost. If holy men of the Bible suffered the loss or absence of the Holy Ghost, are we any better, being mortal as well? Even with our shortcomings, there are other reasons for the absence of the Holy Ghost, reasons that pertain to the need of allowing us to exercise our free will, to do things on pure faith and so on.

Even righteous people, however, are sometimes left without the companionship of the Spirit (as was the Lord himself during the crucifixion) so they can develop their ability to discern light from darkness. Thus, President Joseph F. Smith taught, "It does not follow that a man who has received the presentation or gift of the Holy Ghost shall always receive the recognition and witness and presence of the Holy Ghost himself, or he may receive all these, and yet the Holy Ghost [might] not tarry with him, but visit him from time to time." (See D&C 130:23)

(Victor L. Ludlow / Principles and Practices of the Restored Gospel, Chapter 19 - "The Gift and Companionship of the Holy Ghost", pg 302)

Conclusion

Prior to proper baptism by priesthood authority, the Holy Ghost does not enter anyone, but casts his power to testify of the truth and inspire those to the Lord's gospel. Since worthiness and cleanliness is a crucial factor determining any "indwelling" of the Holy Ghost, people who have not been baptized by water unto repentance, are therefore not worthy and are unclean to allow any degree of indwelling by the Spirit. In Acts, when many people experienced the Holy Ghost, was after their proper baptism by those with proper priesthood authority. The exception, are children before the age of choice, which is prior to age of eight years. In that a child has no need of repentance because he or she is pure in Jesus Christ (Moro. 8: 11-13). Little children can receive the Holy Ghost, by his presence or by his power, (Alma 32:23) for even the angels that minister to children, do work through and with the power of the Holy Ghost. (2 Ne. 32:3 )

The Holy Ghost cannot be "indwelling" all the time. His distinct form, called personage of the spirit, gives him a body of spiritual material and disallows his body to be in many places at the same time. It is by the spiritual power in the Holy Ghost that gives him the ability to affect many things or people in many different places at the same time.

We know that the worthiness determines the reception of the Holy Ghost and this applies to everyone in or out of the Lord's Church. None are exempt from this personal responsibility. Worthiness not only involves obedience to the commandments, but it also applies to obeying the call by the Lord through his appointed servants of this Church. If any person denies or rejects the restored gospel, they risk the loss of the Holy Ghost, or greatly reduces their opportunities to his help. Do not forget, the Holy Ghost does not act against the word of God, so believe that he will not be with anyone who does. It is not the responsibility of God or the Holy Ghost to prove truth, it is up to that person to humble themselves to seek, ask and accept it.

The Spirit will inspire and influence only to a point. When that person begins to reject and deny, to take on contentious beliefs and doctrines, irrespective of their claims, the Holy Ghost will depart until that person humbled themselves and calls upon the Father to lead them out of darkness.

By what I have given thus far, shows that if a person leans to the whispers of the Holy Ghost, to follow and heed his influence, without contending with him, or using his guidance to contend against others, and continues to be humble and yearns to listen, then the Holy Ghost will be there more often to help and guide. With such sincerity and worthiness of heart, do you think the Father will ignore you? - Nay he will not.

This I can say with a true witness, as this happened with me, and it is by that manner of truth that I found the truth of the Lord's Church. (You can read my testimony by clicking here)

The presence or influence of the Holy Ghost is dependent on many things, but he is not constantly "indwelling" in any person, not even with members of the Lord's Church.

References/Footnotes

McConkie, Bruce, "Mormon Doctrine", 1966, pg 359