Jan 3, 2011 | Doctrine & Covenants, Forgiveness, Holy Ghost, Satan
Gramps, Is outer darkness reserved for apostate LDS? The discussion here is the definition of “knowing the Holy Ghost.” Graham, from British Columbia Dear Graham, The term “outer darkness” refers to the place to where Satan will be banished....
Dec 25, 2010 | Book of Mormon, Current issues, Doctrine & Covenants, Holy Ghost, Pearl of Great Price
Dear Gramps, I have just prepared and taught lesson eight, “The Holy Ghost”. I found it to both instructive and inspiring. Particularly, gaining an understanding how Peter could have denied the knowing of the Saviour and the apostles losing heart following...
Nov 11, 2010 | Forgiveness, Holy Ghost, Repentance
Question Gramps, I have a question that you may or may not want to answer through your column. What is the status (for lack of a better word) of the Spirit abiding or not abiding with excommunicated persons? I realize that those who are in this situation are worse...
Nov 6, 2010 | God, Holy Ghost, Jesus Christ, Mormon Policy
Dear Gramps — I’ve wondered for a time why is it that when we baptize we do it in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, as is also the case in the temple marriage. Why then are the other ordinances, such as confirmation, priesthood ordination,...
Oct 5, 2010 | Current issues, Holy Ghost
Dear Gramps, During Moses’ time, the Israelites were misled constantly. It was explained to me that they held the Aaronic Priesthood (which gives the authority to baptize) but only Moses held the Melchizedek (as did Jethro). So when Moses died (or translated)...
Sep 7, 2010 | Current issues, Holy Ghost, Personal Revelation
Gramps, Why do I cry when I feel the spirit? BJ, from Utah Dear BJ, To be in the presence of the Holy Spirit is a highly emotional experience. His spirit speaks to our spirit. When we get in touch with our spiritual selves so that the spirit rather than the desires of...
Jul 4, 2010 | Bible, Current issues, Holy Ghost, Obedience
[emailaddress] Hey Gramps, When the scriptures talk about the “natural man” are they referring to our human nature, as opposed to the divine nature that Peter talks about in 2 Peter 1:4? Thanks, Noah, from Utah Dear Noah, I guess it depends on what you...
Jul 4, 2010 | Current issues, Forgiveness, Holy Ghost
Question Gramps, The only sins we can’t be forgiven for are murder and denying the Holy Ghost. Is that correct? I’m a convert so I’m just curious? Thanks. Josh Answer Dear Josh, Not exactly. When you say “murder,” I...
Mar 3, 2009 | Holy Ghost, Jesus Christ, Mormon Doctrine
Dear Gramps, Did Peter deny the Christ three times? If so, what was his accountability for denying christ, after seeing and knowing him? For that matter what about Judas Iscariot? How does the Holy Ghost fit into this equation? Jim Dear Jim, Peter, fearing for his...
Feb 9, 2009 | Baptism, Book of Mormon, Holy Ghost
Dear Gramps, I’ve been re-reading the Book of Mormon and I noticed for the first time that in Helaman it says that Nephi and others were preaching the Gospel and performing baptisms. Later, in III Nephi, the Lord appears to Nephi and calls him and 11 other men to be...