“Putteth Off the Natural Man and Becometh a Saint Through the Atonement of Christ”

Ed J. Pinegar, Richard J. Allen

To become a Saint we must yield to the enticings of the Holy Spirit. There is a price to pay if we are to be worthy of these blessings. Elder Marion G. Romney recommended four things for obtaining and keeping the guidance of the Spirit:

Mighty Prayer—Pray and fast for the blessing of the Holy Ghost (see 3 Nephi 19:9).

Search the Scriptures (see 2 Nephi 32:3)—Faith comes by hearing the word (see Romans 10:17). The Holy Ghost is a blessing that comes through faith (see 1 Nephi 10:17). We live by the word of God (see D&C 84:44–46) and the word is given by the power of the Holy Ghost (see D&C 68:4).

Live Righteously—When we keep the commandments, we are blessed always to have the Spirit (see D&C 20:77, 79). Through purity and by showing love we are blessed by the Spirit (see D&C 76:116). The fruits of the Spirit are in goodness, righteousness, and truth (see Ephesians 5:9).

Church Service—We can teach only by the Spirit (see D&C 42:14). Our meetings must be directed by the Spirit (see Moroni 6:9). In all of our Church service we rely on the Spirit in every facet of the work, whether it is to testify (see 3 Nephi 28:11) or do the work of the ministry (see Acts 13:2–4; 16:6). As disciples we have the joy of the Spirit (see Acts 13:52). (Adapted from Marion G. Romney, “Guidance of the Holy Spirit,” Ensign, Jan. 1980, 5.) (Ed J. Pinegar)

Commentaries and Insights on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 1

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