The Godhead

The concept of God has been a primary thought for mankind since the beginning of its existence. As we have separately examined the nature of God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost, I intend to explore their combined natures. These three Beings compose what is known as the Godhead or, as known by some religions, the Holy Trinity. 

Paul, one of Christ’s followers, taught the nature of the Godhead while preaching on Mars’ Hill. His words are recorded in Acts chapter 17. In verse 29 he recorded, “Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by the art and man’s device.” In previous entries we have discussed man’s relationship with God, and again we see that we are indeed children of a Heavenly Father. We are His offspring. It only would make sense, then, if we have physical bodies, that God, our Heavenly Father, would also have a body. Paul also makes the point that the Godhead consists of actual beings. They are not imagined, created, nor changed by philosophies of mankind.  As we have taught in previous posts, God and Jesus Christ have bodies, the Holy Ghost is a being of spirit (Doctrine and Covenants 130:22). 

Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are three separate and distinct beings. On several occasions Christ speaks with God, His Father (see Matthew 26:39, John 17:31, John 11:41, 3 Nephi 17:15). We also see in the book of Matthew, chapter three, verses 16 and 17, that as Jesus was baptized, the Spirit in the form of a dove came upon Him, and God spoke from Heaven. In Acts chapter seven, verses 55 and 56 Stephen’s account is recorded: “But [Stephen], being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, and said, Behold, I see the heavens open, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.” Again, we see that God and Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost are separate beings.  Joseph Smith recorded his vision of God the Father and Jesus Christ, which again shows that they are separate beings. “When the light rested upon me I saw two personages…One of them spake unto me…and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him” (Joseph Smith History 1:17).

The Holy Trinity Column in Olomouc, Czech Republic. Wikipedia.

 What then, did Jesus Christ intend to explain when He stated “I and my Father are one” (John 10:30)? ( See also John 17:21 and John 10:38.)  In the Book of Mormon Jesus Christ tells the people, “I bear record of the Father, and the Father beareth record of me, and the Holy Ghost beareth record of the Father and me” (3 Nephi 11: 32).  We can glean a little more from John chapter 17, verse 11 as Jesus Christ again speaks to God. “Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou has given me, that they may be one, as we are.”  We might re-phrase this verse to say “that they may be united, as we are.”  Gordon B. Hinckley explained further: “They are distinct beings, but they are one in purpose and effort. They are united as one in bringing to pass the grand, divine plan for the salvation and exaltation of the children of God” (“In These Three I Believe,” Liahona and Ensign, July 2006, 8). 

Indeed, they are united in bringing about the exaltation of God’s children, each with His distinct role. God wishes all of us to return to live in His presence. That is one of His greatest desires. He has created a plan which allows us to learn, gain experience, and receive all that He has. (See 2 Nephi 9:10 and Romans 8:16-17.)  Jesus Christ also wishes us to return to live with God the Father, therefore He came to earth to do His Father’s will and allow an opportunity to repent and stand clean before God through the Christ's Atonement. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is central to God’s plan, for without it, we could not overcome sin or death, and God’s plan would be frustrated (Alma 34:9). Jesus Christ lived a perfect life and was perfectly obedient to Heavenly Father, giving us the perfect example. The Holy Ghost’s role is to testify of truth and lead us in the right way which leads us to God.  He prompts us to do right and keep the commandments, following the example of Jesus Christ. He also warns us of danger and sin. These promptings come as impressions to the mind and feelings to the heart. But we must earnestly seek to discern His quiet promptings, and then we must follow those promptings.  

I know that as we study to better understand the nature of each of these Beings, we will better understand what we must do to follow them.  I know that God, Christ, and the Holy Ghost are perfectly united in effort and purpose. I invite all who read this to study and pray to better understand the roles and natures of each member of the Godhead. Of this I testify in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

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