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Highlights for Moroni 7-9
One of the most stimulating descriptions ever recorded about charity, the pure love of Christ, is found in chapter 7 of Moroni. However, today's focus is the definition of the "Spirit." This topic might seem like a small thing, but let me ask: What exactly does "the Spirit" refer to in the scriptures? Sometimes, it seems to mean the Holy Ghost's influence and the feelings we get, or it could be the Holy Ghost himself; other times, it is the Spirit of Christ. Occasionally, when we see the phrase "the Spirit" used in scripture, the meaning is not completely apparent.
Moroni's writings sparked an incredible, new understanding for me, and I'm excited to share it with you. Certainly, these clarifications may not be new for some of you, but it will be something to ponder for others like me. Now, I find the Holy Ghost's distinct roles and those of the Spirit of Christ are more evident to me, including how they are different and the synergy of how they work together.
Both In the Same Verse
To open this idea up, let me borrow the very last verse of Moroni, chapter 6. Notice how both the Spirit and the Holy Ghost are used in the same verse and refer to different ideas that work together.
As I studied this verse last week, I realized Moroni referred to two different spiritual influences in play within the same verse, and not the same spiritual force named twice. This week, when I read in Moroni 7:16 about the Spirit of Christ, which is given to every man, followed by verse 19 about the invitation to seek diligently in the "light of Christ," this had me wondering about the "Spirit" topic again. Here is verse 19:
Wherefore, I beseech of you, brethren, that ye should search diligently in the light of Christ that ye may know good from evil; and if ye will lay hold upon every good thing, and condemn it not, ye certainly will be a child of Christ. (Moroni 7:19)
The Spirit of Christ
The natural question that came to me is: how is the light or Spirit of Christ different from the Holy Ghost and the Holy Ghost's influence, or are they the same thing? Are both of them described interchangeably by the word "Spirit"? The best understanding came for me when I first studied out what is meant by the "Spirit of Christ." I clicked on the footnote link in verse 19 for the phrase "light of Christ, and the most exciting verses from the Doctrine and Covenants came up.
For the word of the Lord is truth, and whatsoever is truth is light, and whatsoever is light is Spirit, even the Spirit of Jesus Christ. (D&C 84:45)
So the Spirit of Jesus Christ is defined as truth and light itself. Nephi said the "words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do." (2 Nephi 32:3) and John the apostle described Christ as "the Word," the light and the life of man. (John 1:1-4)
The next verses from Doctrine and Covenants 88:6-7 and 11 were also linked by a footnote to Moroni 7:19 and brought the idea of the Spirit and Light of Christ, full circle
6 He that ascended up on high, as also he descended below all things, in that he comprehended all things, that he might be in all and through all things, the light of truth; 7 Which truth shineth. This is the light of Christ...
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;
The Chemistry Lesson
So now we know the Spirit of Christ is the actual essence and existence of truth, light, and life itself. So how does the Holy Ghost fit into this picture? Well, imagine going to a chemistry class. Not that you love that topic, but imagine the teacher starts writing chemistry formulas on the blackboard. He brings the concepts of chemistry to your view. The teacher isn't the chemistry itself, and he didn't create it; he is the one who bears witness of the chemistry so you can learn about it and understand. Likewise, Christ is the essence of truth and light itself, and the Holy Ghost is the teacher who bears witness of Christ. We can hove both the light of Christ, which is given to every man, and the companionship of the Holy Ghost to help us understand the light and the truth originating from Christ.
When we say amen to the Sacrament prayer for either the bread or water, they end with the phrase, "that they may always have his (Christ's) Spirit to be with them." (Moroni 4:3) It means that we may always have the light, truth, and life force that enlightens and quickens our inner being. As noted in the Doctrine and Covenants, the Spirit of Christ comes directly from Christ.
As a companion and instructor, the Holy Ghost teaches us, helps us, reminds us, and bears witness to these truths through his influence.
We have both these spiritual guides working with us.
Elder Andersen and the Godhead
To complete this idea of how both the Spirit of Christ and the Holy Ghost can work with us, consider what Elder Andersen said in the General Conference of April 2020.
**Note: “God” is already established as Heavenly Father in the original paragraphs leading to this one.
“Along with the peaceful direction we receive from the Holy Ghost, from time to time, God [Heavenly Father**] powerfully and very personally assures each of us that He knows us and loves us and that He is blessing us specifically and openly…God knows and loves each of us and…He eagerly desires to reveal Himself to us…Then, in our moments of difficulty, the Savior brings these experiences back into our mind.”
Notice how Neil L. Andersen refers to all three members of the Godhead and affirms that God the Father speaks to individual people on earth. He goes on to add:
“Embrace your sacred memories. Believe them. Write them down. Share them with your family. Trust that they come to you from your Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son [both!]. Let them bring patience to your doubts and understanding to your difficulties. I promise you that as you willingly acknowledge and carefully treasure the spiritually defining events in your life, more and more will come to you. Heavenly Father knows you and loves you”!
I love that General Conference talk! Elder Andersen teaches us that, "along with the peaceful direction we receive from the Holy Ghost, from time to time," both God the Father and the Savior communicate with us.
Note: If you would like to study this topic further, please read Elder Andersen's talk from April 2020 as referenced in this article and podcast:
Takeaway
Now we understand more of what the Spirit of Christ is and how the Holy Ghost operates. Plus, the entire Godhead communicates with us, which is also a beautiful, deep gospel truth. Moroni's and Elder Andersen's teachings fill me with hope, and I feel closer to the Heavens as I learn more about the Spirit and my relationship with God.