06) HOLY GHOST AS EARNEST MONEY: Is the gift of the Holy Ghost given to us as “earnest money” (2 Cor. 5:5) a sort of guarantee and down payment on the wonderful blessings we will inherit?

Prophetic Statements

Spencer W. Kimball

“The gift of the Holy Ghost grows with worthiness. If you arebaptized when you are eight years old, of course you are a child, andthere is much you would not be expected to know. But the Holy Ghostcomes to you as you grow and learn and make yourselves worthy. It comesa little at a time as you merit it. And as your life is in harmony, yougradually receive the Holy Ghost in a great measure. (75-40)”¹

Supporting Statements

Heber C. Kimball

And do you suppose that angels will pay friendly visits to those who do not live up to their privileges? Would you? No, you would not like to visit with persons who lie, and steal your goods, and borrow and never pay. Would not you forsake such persons? Yes, you would. Will the Holy Ghost dwell with a man who will lie, steal, and swear? No. It is written that where the Holy Ghost takes up its abode the Father and Son will come and abide.²

1. Spencer W. Kimball, The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, edited by Edward L. Kimball, p.114. ↩︎
2. Heber C. Kimball, “Elders Called to Go on Missions, Etc.”, Journal of Discourses, vol. 3, pp. 227-232, March 2, 1856. ↩︎