Question
Gramps,
I don’t understand the omnipresence of Christ, Heavenly Father, and the Holy Ghost. How can this be if they have bodies of flesh and bones. Excluding the Holy Ghost of course. The Holy Ghost can only be one place at one time, so I’ve heard. But in scriptures it says God is in and through all things. Please explain.
Tanya
Answer
Dear Tanya,
President Joseph F. Smith distinguished between the person and the influence of the Holy Ghost:
“The Holy Ghost as a personage of Spirit can no more be omnipresent in person than can the Father or the Son, but by his intelligence, his knowledge, his power and influence, over and through the laws of nature, he is and can be omnipresent throughout all the works of God” (Gospel Doctrine, 5th ed. [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1939], p. 61).
The following statement was given in a Priesthood lesson. “Point out that the person of the Holy Ghost can be in only one place at a time, but his power and influence can be omnipresent—present everywhere at the same time.’
The beginning of section 88 of the Doctrine and Covenants is talking about the light of Christ. The following gives us some understanding of the omnipresence of Christ.
7 Which truth shineth. This is the light of Christ. As also he is in the sun, and the light of the sun, and the power thereof by which it was made.
8 As also he is in the moon, and is the light of the moon, and the power thereof by which it was made;
9 As also the light of the stars, and the power thereof by which they were made;
10 And the earth also, and the power thereof, even the earth upon which you stand.
11 And the light which shineth, which giveth you light, is through him who enlighteneth your eyes, which is the same light that quickeneth your understandings;
12 Which light proceedeth forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space—
13 The light which is in all things, which giveth life to all things, which is the law by which all things are governed, even the power of God who sitteth upon his throne, who is in the bosom of eternity, who is in the midst of all things.
I realize that with our finite minds it is difficult for us to comprehend this principal. Hopefully this will help you to understand it better.
Gramps
