#19 Symbols of the Holy Ghost

#19 Symbols of the Holy Ghost

Jesus will soon begin his formal ministry and teachings. He will use much symbolism including those which help in understanding the Holy Ghost. Societies, both ancient and modern day have used, and now use, symbols to greatly facilitate communicating and understanding. Obviously mental pictures and images show and explain much more to our minds than any lengthy description of words can accomplish. This was a common teaching and learning technique among the Jews at Jesus' time on the earth and He was, of course, a master in its use.

A few examples of Jesus’ great use of symbolism to teach:  

Spiritual Reception to the Gospel:

Sowers and Soils – Matthew 13; Mark 4; Luke 8

Humility, Prayer, and Forgiveness:

Leaven of Pharisees – Matthew 16; Mark 8; Luke 12

Duty, Obedience, Resourcefulness:

Unprofitable Servants – Luke 17

Worldly Riches and Sacrifice:

Foolish Rich Man – Luke 12

Prepare for Final Judgment;

Ten Virgins – Matthew 25

Rebuke for Self-Righteousness:

Lost Sheep, Coin, Prodigal Son – Luke15

Fit or Unfit for Kingdom of God:

Royal Marriage Feast – Matthew 22

Kingdom of God on Earth:

Wheat and Tares – Matthew 13

Specific Symbols of the Holy Ghost:  

Fire; Oil; Wind

Fire

Fire has been used as a symbol of the Holy Ghost from the earliest days of scripture.   Beginning with Adam fire represented God's holiness and glory. It was a symbol of God's presence and power as shown to ancient people in both the Old and New Testaments. Fire served then as a purifier, a refiner, a cleansing force and thus was a natural symbol for the Holy Ghost who is God's sanctifier. And so it is for us today.

Both the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants repeatedly refer to those who have received the companionship of the Spirit as those who have received “the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost.” (2 Nephi 31; 3 Nephi 9; D&C 19:31; D&C 20:41) That is, they have been purged of sin ... the spiritual dross has been burned from their souls ... they have been purified and are worthy to receive the companionship of the Holy Ghost. They are now eligible for priceless gifts of the Spirit. Receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost is as a burning light within our souls giving us feelings of warmth and righteousness. It is a power with which we can turn any unclean thing away from us.

Scripturally God's ancient people (as we do today) viewed fire as a symbol of spiritual power, illuminating, inspiring, and enlightening; but also in association with being tested. We are tested and “tried by fire” while on this earth, but with the gift of the Holy Ghost, one might say we have fire with which to fight fire.

Pure Olive Oil

Parable of the Ten Virgins

“And then at that day, before the Son of Man comes, the kingdom of heaven shall be likened unto ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.  And five of them were wise, and five of them were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them; but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.”  (JST Matthew 25:1-6)

That we might more fully understand the teaching that Jesus was giving with this parable, He has given us an interpretation of it for our time.

“At that day, when I shall come in my glory, shall the parable be fulfilled which I spake concerning the ten Virgins. For they that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived ... verily I say unto you, they shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire, but shall abide the day.” (D&C 45: 56-57) The oil that will guide the pure to the royal marriage feast will be the sacred covenants that have been made with the Savior and sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise.

Pure olive oil is an excellent simile or metaphor for the Holy Ghost. Anciently it was a source of light, food, warmth, and healing. It was used medically as an antidote for poisons, and various sicknesses (internally), and as a poultice or ointment for infections, bruises,

wounds, and open sores (externally).

In Old Testament times anointing was a principle part of the ceremony in the inaugurating of kings, priests and prophets. This anointing was a ritual, a consecrating or setting apart of the individual for sacred purposes. Pure olive oil was poured upon the head of the person in a symbolic representation of the Spirit of the Lord that was to be poured out, through him, upon the nation of Israel. Each king, priest, or prophet was standing in place of the Christ who would come as THE great Prophet, Priest and King. Israel would then walk in paths of righteousness. The anointing of the head with pure olive oil represents the spiritual blessings to come from God.

Today, the ritual of washing and anointing with oil consecrates the person's mind, body, and desires to the Lord's service. Pure olive oil is used by the Elders in administering to the sick, and symbolizes the need for an outpouring of healing from the Holy Ghost.

Continuing his instruction on the Holy Ghost, the Prophet Joseph Smith then said: “We believe in the gift of the Holy Ghost being enjoyed now as much as it was in the (early) apostle’s days; we believe that it is necessary to make and to organize the priesthood, that no man can be called to fill any office in the ministry without it; we also believe in  prophecy, in tongues, in visions, and in revelations, in gifts, and in healings; and that these things cannot be enjoyed without the gift of the Holy Ghost. We believe that the holy men of old spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost, and that holy men in these days speak by the same principle; we believe in its’ being a comforter and a witness bearer, that it brings things past to our remembrance, leads us into all truth, and shows us of things to come; we believe that no man can know Jesus is the Christ, but by the Holy Ghost.”

Wind

We cannot see the wind, but we see its effects, and so with the Holy Ghost. In Hebrew the words for spirit and wind are identical.

On the day of Pentecost the Spirit was there in the “rushing mighty wind and filled all the house.”

In the dedicatory prayer of the Kirtland Temple, the prophet Joseph prayed, “Let thy house be filled, as with a rushing mighty wind, with thy glory,” and so it was.

I know these things are true and bear witness to the reality of the Holy Ghost, the third member of the Godhead. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Glenn R. McGettigan

June 2012; Revised March 2015

References:

“Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith”

“Parables of Jesus Christ.” Matthews

Bible, Doctrine & Covenants, Pearl of Great Price, Book of Mormon

“Journals of Discourse”

“Discourses of the Holy Ghost.” Lundall

“The Holy Ghost.” 1989. Fielding, McConkie, Millet