The gift of the Holy Ghost is an essential ordinance and as such is part of the true Church in all times and places from the days of Adam, Moses 6:51-52, to the after life, D&C 138:32-33. In Moses 6:64 we learn that Adam was baptized by the Spirit and given the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost fell upon Adam and let him know that he and all mankind could be redeemed, Moses 5:9. Noah also taught the people they needed to repent and be baptized, Moses 8:24. Jesus told Nicodemus that a man must be born of water and the spirit to enter into the kingdom of God, John 3:5. See also D&C 5:16 and Moses 6:59. We are told to "following your Lord and your Savior down into the water" and be baptized and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, 2 Nephi 31:13. Baptism and the Gift of the Holy Ghost brings washing, regeneration and renewing, Titus 3:5. Parents are to teach their children "baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands, when eight years old," D&C 68:25.
The Holy Ghost is a member of the Godhead and as such is one of the names for which we are baptized: Matthew 28:19, 3 Nephi 11:35, and D&C 20:73. The Gift of the Holy Ghost is the second ordinance of the gospel as stated in the fourth article of faith. If we are baptized in the Lord's name, we can then receive the Holy Ghost, 2 Nephi 31:12. The gift of the Holy Ghost is given by the laying on of hands, D&C 35:6, D&C 39:23, D&C 46:14, D&C 76:52, and D&C 33:15. This scripture tells us that it is the Lord that gives the gift of the Holy Ghost, not the person who is laying on the hands. This scripture is probably referring to the gift of the Holy Ghost since it refers to the laying on of hands, 2 Timothy 1:6.
After Jesus was baptized the Holy Ghost fell upon Him in the form of a dove, Matthew 3:16, Mark 1:10, Luke 3:22, John 1:32-34, D&C 93:15, 1 Nephi 11:27, and 2 Nephi 31:8. The Holy Ghost as a dove is also illustrated in facsimile number 2 from the Book of Abraham.
Philip taught and baptized the people in Samaria, but the gift of the Holy Ghost didn't fall upon any of them until Peter and John come with proper authority and laid their hands on them, Acts 8:12-20. It is interesting that it talks about Philip performing miracles, but still didn't have the power to give the Holy Ghost. Simon the sorcerer was so impressed to see the gift of the Holy Ghost given that he offered the apostles money for that power. Jesus gave the power to give the gift of the Holy Ghost to the 12 Nephite disciples, Moroni 2:1-3. Certain disciples were baptized unto John's baptism only. Paul taught them the true doctrine and baptized them in the name of Jesus Christ and gave them the Holy Ghost, Acts 19:1-7.
During Christ's ministry the gift the Holy Ghost was not given, John 7:37-39, Acts 1:5, and John 16:7-8. However the Holy Ghost was present or people wouldn't have been able to gain a testimony of Jesus, John 16:16-17 and 1 Corinthians 12:3. After Jesus appeared to His apostles after His resurrection He commanded them to receive the Holy Ghost, John 20:22. However it didn't actually happen until the day of Pentecost, Acts 2:1-4. The apostles "having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost," Acts 2:33. The pouring out of the Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost was referred to as fulfilling the prophecy of Joel, Acts 2:16-18 and Joel 2:28-9. Those that believed the apostles were baptized and given the gift of the Holy Ghost, Acts 2:38. The same is also true today, D&C 84:64.
God gives us gifts of the Spirit, Hebrews 2:4. These gifts of the Spirit are an important part of the Lord's Church in all ages, 1 Corinthians 12:4, 1 Corinthians 12:31, 1 Corinthians 14:1, Moroni 10:8-19, and D&C 46:11-32. The phophet has all the gifts of God, D&C 107:92. When Alma is listing how the Nephites have been blessed he tells them about the gifts of the Spirit and the gift of the Holy Ghost, Alma 9:21.
Jesus Baptized with fire and the Holy Ghost Matthew 3:11, Mark 1:8 and JST Mark 1:6.
The Holy Ghost is the baptism of fire: 2 Nephi 31:14, 2 Nephi 31:17, 3 Nephi 9:20, 3 Nephi 12:1, 3 Nephi 19:13, D&C 19:31, and D&C 33:11.
On the day of Pentecost when the Holy Ghost came upon the apostles they heard a great wind and the Holy Ghost was manifest upon them as "cloven tongues like as of fire," Acts 2:1-4. When Nephi and Lehi (sons of Helaman) and the others in the prison were surrounded with fire the Holy Ghost "did enter into their hearts, and they were filled as if with fire," Helaman 5:43-45. A similar thing happened at the dedication of the Kirtland temple, D&C 109:36.
The following other scriptures associate the Holy Ghost with fire: 2 Nephi 31:13, 3 Nephi 11:35-36, D&C 39:6, D&C 45:57, Moses 6:64-66.
The Holy Ghost is the comforter, D&C 39:6, John 14:26, and D&C 42:16-17. "By the Spirit ye are justified" and the Holy Ghost is the Comforter, Moses 6:60-61 The "Comforter filleth with hope and perfect love," Moroni 8:26. The Holy Ghost is associated with feelings of joy, Acts 13:52, Romans 14:17, and Thessalonians 1:6. Alma tells his son Helaman how he has labored to bring souls unto God that they might taste of the joys of God and be filled with the Holy Ghost, Alma 36:24. In addition to bringing joy the Holy Ghost gives peace and hope, Romans 15:1314:17. "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith," etc, Galatians 5:22-26.
The early Church members were comforted of the Holy Ghost, Acts 9:31. The Holy Ghost brought joy to the people of King Benjamin as they received a remission of their sins, Mosiah 4:3. The Spirit will be in the hearts of the missionaries, D&C 84:87-88 and the Lord will help them. The Holy Ghost can be our constant companion, D&C 121:46.
There are a large number of other scriptures that call the Holy Ghost the comforter, but aren't necessarily talking about His role as the comforter: John 14:26, John 15:26, John 16:7, D&C 21:9, D&C 24:5, D&C 28:1, D&C 31:11, D&C 35:19, D&C 36:2-3, D&C 50:13-14, D&C 50:17, D&C 52:9, D&C 75:10, D&C 75:27, D&C 79:2, D&C 90:11, D&C 90:14, and D&C 124:97.
The Holy Ghost is the Spirit of truth, John 16:13-14, Alma 30:46, 1 John 4:6, 1 John 5:6, and D&C 50:17, and is sent forth to teach the truth, D&C 50:13-14. He speaketh "things as they really are, and of things as they really will be," Jacob 4:13. Truth "that has not been revealed since the world was until now," will be revealed by the Holy Ghost, D&C 121:26-27. The Holy Ghost will "show unto you all things what ye should do," 2 Nephi 32:5 including letting us know what we should pray for, Romans 8:26-27. If we are righteous the Holy Ghost will be with us in our prayers, Jude 1:18-19. He teaches us the things of God, 1 Corinthians 2:10-14 and D&C 11:12-14 and let's us know God's will, D&C 124:4-5. The mysteries of God will be unfolded by the power of the Holy Ghost, 1 Nephi 10:19, in fact the greater mysteries of God are only understandable by the Spirit, D&C 76:114-116. The Holy Ghost will teach all things that are expedient to know, D&C 75:10. The Lord answers out prayer through the Holy Ghost, D&C 8:2. He enlighten our mind, D&C 6:14-15 and is the spirit of inspiration, Moses 6:5. At times we are also inspired by the Holy Ghost to reprove people at times, D&C 121:43.
The Holy Ghost speaks with a still small voice that we have to be prepared to feel, 1 Nephi 17:45. When Elijah was on the Mount the Lord passed by in a great strong wind, an earthquake and a fire, but when the Lord talked with Elijah it was with a still small voice 1 Kings 19:11-13.
The scriptures were written by holy prophets as they were moved upon by the Holy Ghost, 2 Peter 1:21 and D&C 20:26. The revelations to the prophet Joseph come through the Comforter, D&C 90:14. The prophets testify by the Lord's spirit, Nehemiah 9:30. David was inspired to prophesy about Judas, Acts 1:16. Paul sees in the the behavior of the people of his day the fulfillment of the prophecies of Isaiah, Acts 28:25-27 (See Isaiah 6:9-10). The words we speak when moved on by the Holy Ghost are scripture, D&C 68:3.
The Spirit guides the Churches, Revelation 2:7. The Holy Ghost made the apostles overseers of the Lord's flock, Acts 20:28. The prophet will be guided and instructed by the Lord through the Comforter, D&C 21:9 and D&C 24:5. The Lord's leaders are chosen by the voice of the Spirit, D&C 105:35-36. A bishop is guided in his calling through the Holy Ghost, D&C 107:69. After His Crucifixion Jesus directed His apostles through the Holy Ghost, Acts 1:2. The Apostles were told not to worry about what they should say when they were brought before the council because the Holy Ghost would tell them what they should speak, Mark 13:11 and Luke 12:11-12. They are also told the Holy Ghost "shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance." John 14:26. The missionaries are to teach what the "the prophets and apostles have written, and that which is taught them by the Comforter", D&C 52:9. Missionaries will be guided by the Comforter if they will ask, D&C 75:27 and D&C 79:2. Missionaries are to teach by the Comforter, D&C 90:11.
The Holy Ghost has guided righteous men throughout the ages: Adam being filled with the Holy Ghost prophesied of what would happen to his descendants, D&C 107:56. Moses is shown the earth and it's inhabitants by the Spirit of God, Moses 1:27-28. It was upon the seventy elders that Moses chose to lead the people of Israel, Numbers 11:25 to strengthen and guide them. Also upon Saul when he was chosen to be king of Israel, 1 Samuel 10:6. And the Spirit of the LORD will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man. The Lord promises His Spirit to artisans in the construction of the temple, Exodus 31:3. After David was anointed to be king the Holy Ghost was upon him to guide him, 1 Samuel 16:13. The Holy Ghost told Ezekiel what he should prophesy to the Children of Israel, Ezekiel 11:5. Simeon was led to the temple so that he could see the infant Jesus, Luke 2:25. When the apostles needed help to provide food for the widows they chose seven that were filled with the Holy Ghost, Acts 6:3. Barnabas and Saul were chosen by and guided by the Holy Ghost, Acts 13:2-4. Other scriptures that show that Paul was guided by the Holy Ghost are: Acts 16:6-7.
There are many examples of righteous people in the the Book of Mormon being guided by the Spirit. Nephi was shown the things that his father saw by the power of the Holy Ghost, 1 Nephi 10:17. Also in this scripture Nephi tells us that the Holy Ghost has revealed truth since times of old. The Holy Ghost inspired Columbus to come to America, 1 Nephi 13:12. Other gentiles were also inspired by the Holy Ghost, When Nephi went to get the brass plates from Laban he was lead by the Spirit, 1 Nephi 4:6 and commanded that he should slay Laban, 1 Nephi 4:10-12. Zeezrom thoughts were made known to Alma and Amulek by the Holy Ghost, Alma 12:3. The Nephites conducted their meeting according to the workings of the Spirit, Moroni 6:9.
Examples of being lead by the Spirit are also in the Doctrine and Covenants: After Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery were baptized they were filled with the Holy Ghost and prophesied about the coming forth of the Church, Joseph Smith History 1:73. Sidney Rigdon was to help Joseph SmithD&C 35:19 as guided by the Holy Ghost who knows all things. John Whitmer is to keep a record of the Church. The things that he is to write are to be given him by the Comforter if he is faithful, D&C 47:4. Oliver Cowdery was told he should teach the people of the church by the Comforter D&C 28:1. Thomas B. Marsh was told the Comforter will guide him where he should go, D&C 31:11. Edward Partridge was told the Comforter would teach him "the peaceable things of the kingdom," D&C 36:2-3. Members of the Church were called to go to Zion by the Holy Ghost, D&C 72:24-25
The Lord instructs Oliver Cowdery that to translate he must first study it out in his mind then the burning of the Holy Ghost will tell him that what he is writing is true. D&C 9:7-9.
The gospel is not a gospel of words only, but a gospel of power and the Holy Ghost, Thessalonians 1:5. "When a man speaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men," 2 Nephi 33:1-2. "Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost," 2 Nephi 32:2-3. Peter preached unto the gentiles and they were filled with the Holy Ghost, Acts 10:44-47 and Acts 11:15-18. The Holy Ghost gives power to declare repentance unto this generation, D&C 14:8. In the Old Testiment, Micah tells us that the Holy Ghost gives power, Micah 3:8.
Jesus had the power of the Holy Ghost with him, Acts 10:38. The Holy Spirit gave Jacob power and wisdom so that he could confound the anti-Christ Sherem in all his word, Jacob 7:8. The apostles are told they will be baptized with the Holy Ghost and power will come upon them, Acts 1:8. When Peter and John were arrested and brought before the council they were able to speak with boldness and power because they were filled with the Holy Ghost, Acts 4:8 and Acts 4:31.
When Laman and Lemuel didn't want to help Nephi build the ship, the power of God (I am sure the Holy Ghost) protects Nephi and shocked his brothers, 1 Nephi 17:48 and 1 Nephi 17:53-54.
When the Kirtland temple was dedicated the Spirit was manifest as the sound of mighty wind and with the gift of tongues and as cloven tongues of fire, D&C 109:36.
The gentiles in the last days that "seek to bring forth my Zion ... shall have the gift and the power of the Holy Ghost," 1 Nephi 13:37. The Holy Ghost will give the Gentiles power in the last days, 3 Nephi 20:27. We shouldn't teach if we don't have the Spirit, D&C 42:13-14.
The Holy Ghost is the spirit of revelation, D&C 8:3. The way we know God exists is through the power of the Holy Ghost, Moroni 10:7. The Holy Ghost is a witness to us, Hebrews 10:15. The Holy Ghost teaches us of Christ, 1 Peter 1:11-12. The way that we can gain a testimony of Christ is through the Holy Ghost, D&C 46:13 and Moroni 7:44.
Jesus will make Himself manifest to the gentiles and all those who believe by the Holy Ghost, 1 Nephi 10:11, 2 Nephi 26:12-13 and 3 Nephi 15:23. The Holy Ghost is a witness that Jesus is the savior, John 15:26, Acts 5:31-32, D&C 42:16-17, and D&C 46:13. The Holy Ghost is a witness of both the Father and the Son, 2 Nephi 31:18, 3 Nephi 28:11, Ether 12:41, and D&C 20:27.
The Lord speaks by the voice of his Spirit, D&C 97:1. When David prophesied of the Savior it was by the Holy Ghost, Mark 12:36. The Holy Ghost witness to Jacob in the Book of Mormon of the need for an atonement, Jacob 7:12. Alma received his testimony through the Holy Spirit of God, Alma 5:45-47.
The Holy Ghost causes men to be pricked in their heart, Acts 2:37.
The way we know of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon is through the Holy Ghost, Moroni 10:3-5. This scripture also teaches us that through the "power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things." See also: D&C 124:97.
Those who believe in Christ will be visited by fire and the Holy Ghost which will bear record of the Father and Christ, 3 Nephi 11:35-36. This scripture also tells us that the Father, Jesus and the Holy Ghost are all one God. See also D&C 20:28.
The Holy Ghost gives us the Love of God, Romans 5:5.
We are "sanctified by the Holy Ghost," Alma 13:12 and 3 Nephi 27:20. The Holy Ghost sanctifies our offerings, Romans 15:16.
If a person denies the Holy Ghost knowingly it is the unpardonable sin, Alma 39:6. These are people who deny the Holy Ghost and know that they deny it, Alma 39:5-6. For these people it would have been better if they would never have received it, 2 Nephi 31:14, and Alma 24:30. If we sin against a testimony of the truth it can't be made up by offering sacrifices, Hebrews 10:26. In Matthew 12:31-32, Mark 3:28-29, and Luke 12:10, we are told that "blasphemy against the Holy Ghost" will not be forgiven in this world or the world to come. Those people who received a testimony of the Holy Ghost and then turned away "crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh," Hebrews 6:4-6 and D&C 76:34-35. They become enemies to God, Mosiah 2:36-37.
Unfortunately in scripture there are many examples of people who denied the Spirit. The apostate Sherem feared that he had committed the unpardonable sin because he had lied unto God, Jacob 7:19. When Ananias sold a piece of land and kept part of the money from it he was lying not only to Peter and the other apostles but also to the Holy Ghost, Acts 5:3. The jews would not accept the teachings of Stephen because they resisted the Holy Ghost, Acts 7:51. When King Saul was disobedient the Spirit of the Lord was taken from him, 1 Samuel 16:14. The Lord turned against the Children of Israel because they rebelled against Him, Isaiah 63:10-11. The Nephites were destroyed because they rejected God and denied the Holy Ghost, Moroni 8:28. In Mormon's day there were no gifts of the Spirit because of the wickedness of the people, Mormon 1:14.
Wo to those that deny the gifts of God, 3 Nephi 29:6. The Lord withholds his Spirit from the wicked, D&C 63:32. If a person exalt himself the Spirit is grieved, D&C 63:55 and that is the end of the Priesthood for that man, D&C 121:36-37. If we keep not the commandments the Lord will withdraw his Spirit, D&C 64:15-16. We can't even keep the Lord's commandments grudgingly if we want the Lord's Spirit to be with us, D&C 70:12-14. "Quench not the Spirit," Thessalonians 5:19. If we deny the Christ we are also denying the "gift of the Holy Ghost, and quench the Holy Spirit," Jacob 6:8. We need to "contend no more against the Holy Ghost, but that ye receive it, and take upon you the name of Christ," Alma 34:38. Ungodly and sensual people separate themselves from the Spirit, Jude 1:18-19. "he that looketh upon a woman to lust after her... shall not have the Spirit," D&C 42:23 and D&C 63:16.
When David plead to be forgiven he asked that the Lord would "take not thy holy spirit from me," Psalms 51:11. Joseph Smith suffered tremendously when the Lord temporarily withdrew His Spirit as a result of his not following the Lord's instruction regarding the lost 116 pages, D&C 19:20
We are the temple of God 1 Corinthians 6:19, but only if we are righteous 1 Corinthians 3:16-17. The Lord will put His Spirit within us, Ezekiel 36:27, but we must be righteous for the Spirit of God to dwells in us, Romans 8:8-9. The Lord can't dwell in an unholy temple, Helaman 4:24.
Just because we receive the Holy Ghost does not mean that it will tarry with us, D&C 130:23. My spirit shall not always strive with man, Genesis 6:3, 1 Nephi 7:14, 2 Nephi 26:11, Ether 15:19, Moroni 8:28 and D&C 1:33.
The Lord gave his good spirit, Nehemiah 9:20.
All obligations that are not sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise which in other words would be the Holy Ghost are of no validity after men are dead, D&C 132:7. We need to be sealed up by the Holy Spirit of promise, D&C 76:53.
When Stephen sees the vision of Jesus on the right hand of God he is filled with the Holy Ghost, Acts 7:55.
Matthew says Mary was "with child of the Holy Ghost," Matthew 1:18. In Luke it says "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee," Luke 1:35.
Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost when she heard Mary's voice, Luke 1:41.
As Paul closed his epistle to the Corinthians he left a blessing and part of that blessing was "the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all," 2 Corinthians 13:14.
When Nephi saw the vision of the tree he talked with the Spirit "as a man speaketh with another," 1 Nephi 11:9.
John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb, Luke 1:15. At the time when he was circumcised and named the Holy Ghost fell upon his father Zacharias his mouth was opened and he prophesied.
The Saints in Kirtland are to finish the temple so the Lord can "pour out my Spirit upon all flesh," D&C 95:3-4.
Saul was given his sight by Ananias and baptized and received the Holy Ghost, Acts 9:17-18. This scripture makes it seem like he received the Holy Ghost before he was baptized. Cornelius and his family also received the Holy Ghost before he was baptized Acts 10:44-47. I assume that they received the Holy Ghost and quickly acted on it and received the proper ordinances so that the Gift of the Holy Ghost could remain with them.