What is meant by the Second Comforter?

Dear Gramps,

I’ve been told the Holy Spirit of Promise mentioned in D&C 88:3-4 is the Holy ghost as mentioned and referred to in John 14:16, while the second comforter is Jesus Christ. However, some of the references that are given under these two verses seem to refer to the second comforter. For example 2 Peter 1:19 talks about the more sure word of prophecy associated with the second comforter and D&C 132:49 which talks about Joseph Smith’s calling and election made sure. Even vs. 4 of D&C 88 seems to refer to exaltation or calling and election made sure. Can you clear this up for me? By the way, thanks for responding to all of my other questions so promptly, I really appreciate it.

Steve, from Utah

Dear Steve,

The Holy Spirit of Promise is the Holy Ghost. The Second Comforter is the promise of eternal life that the Savior makes to those who have proven themselves worthy, having dedicated themselves to the service of the Lord and having proven by their obedience and sacrifice that they will serve him to the end. Perhaps the following words of Joseph Smith will be of interest:

“The other Comforter spoken of is a subject of great interest, and perhaps understood by few of this generation. After a person has faith in Christ, repents of his sins, and is baptized for the remission of his sins and receives the Holy Ghost, (by the laying on of hands), which is the first Comforter, then let him continue to humble himself before God, hungering and thirsting after righteousness, and living by every word of God, and the Lord will soon say unto him, Son, thou shalt be exalted. When the Lord has thoroughly proved him, and finds that the man is determined to serve Him at all hazards, then the man will find his calling and his election made sure, then it will be his privilege to receive the other Comforter, which the Lord hath promised the Saints, as is recorded in the testimony of St. John, in the 14th chapter, from the 12th to the 27th verses” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Section Three 1838-39, p.150).

-Gramps