In 2 Nephi 32, Nephi wrote:Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.
Wherefore, now after I have spoken these words, if ye cannot understand them it will be because ye ask not, neither do ye knock; wherefore, ye are not brought into the light, but must perish in the dark.
For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do. (2 Nephi 32:3-5)
Using the foregoing verses, many within the Church suggest that the words of Christ will tell us all things what we should do and the Holy Ghost will show us all things what we should do. It is true that these verses teach us that the words of Christ will tell us all things what we should do, but they do not teach that the Holy Ghost will show us all things what we should do. Although the Holy Ghost may show us things from time to time, these verses cannot be used as the basis for teaching that he will show us all things what we should do. "To show" a thing denotes a visual image that is being provided to the one who is seeking to see. The duty of the Holy Ghost is to testify of truth; to testify of God, the Father, and his Son, Jesus Christ. This he most often accomplishes when Spirit speaks to spirit in a still, small voice. No visual image is given at such times.
Furthermore, the context of these verses, the absence of pronouns within, and the precise punctuation all suggest that the Holy Ghost is not that thing who shows us all things what we should do. Verse 5 uses the word "it" as a noun, rather than as a pronoun. The Spirit is a personage (see D&C 130:22) and, thus, often is referred to using a masculine, personal pronoun. Such is the case when the LORD reminded us that the "Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you" (John 14:26).
Other verses that confirm the personal nature of the Holy Ghost include:
And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. (Acts 5:32)
Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) (Acts 8:15-16)
"It" is neuter language and, although there seems to be exceptions, is most often used to refer to inanimate objects, things, or concepts. Importantly, "it" is also preceded by a comma and the phrase "and receive the Holy Ghost" that is likewise preceded by a comma. Commas are used for two purposes: to separate items in a series and to set off nonessential elements from the flow of the sentence. The two commas used in verse 5 are used to set off nonessential elements from the flow of the sentence. Thus, if the nonessential elements of the verse are eliminated, the verse would read as follows:
For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way, it will show unto you all things what ye should do. (2 Nephi 32:5)
In context with the immediately preceding chapter, "it" can only be interpreted as being a reference to "the way", or the "example of Jesus." In 2 Nephi 31, Nephi teaches that Jesus Christ is the way. Thus, it is the WORDS of Christ that will TELL us all things what we should do, and it is his EXAMPLE that will SHOW us all things what we should do. Christ is our example; not the Holy Ghost. Rather, the Holy Ghost bears witness of him. In support of this conclusion, Nephi wrote the following description from the dialogue that he had with the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, which are one God. Note the emphasis that is placed on following the example of the Son:And the Father said: Repent ye, repent ye, and be baptized in the name of my Beloved Son.
And also, the voice of the Son came unto me, saying: He that is baptized in my name, to him will the Father give the Holy Ghost, like unto me; wherefore, follow me, and do the things which ye have seen me do.
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I know that if ye shall follow the Son, with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God, but with real intent, repenting of your sins, witnessing unto the Father that ye are willing to take upon you the name of Christ, by baptism--yea, by following your Lord and your Savior down into the water, according to his word, behold, then shall ye receive the Holy Ghost; yea, then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost; and then can ye speak with the tongue of angels, and shout praises unto the Holy One of Israel.
And now, my beloved brethren, I know by this that unless a man shall endure to the end, in following the example of the Son of the living God, he cannot be saved.
Wherefore, do the things which I have told you I have seen that your Lord and your Redeemer should do; for, for this cause have they been shown unto me, that ye might know the gate by which ye should enter. For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water; and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost.
And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.
Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.
And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen. (2 Nephi 31:11-21)
It is Jesus Christ who is our example; He is the way. He was given, not only as a sacrifice for sin and an emissary to bear our burdens, but also as the example to show us all things that we must do. And those things which he did--his example--are written for us to read. Thus, we never need ask the question, "What would Jesus do?" Rather, the question that should be on our mind when a decision is placed before us is, "What did Jesus do?" Study to show thyself approved and then go and do likewise!
Thus, the word of God tells us all things that we must do, and the WORD OF GOD shows us all things that we must do!
