On the day of Pentecost, Peter admonished all those within ear shot to “repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 3:28)
The gift is an endowment of divine grace and goodness. An endowment is a gift donated by a benefactor for the use of others on conditions specified by the giver.
There is a difference between the Holy Ghost and the gift of the Holy Ghost (History of the Church, 4:555.) The Holy Ghost is a personage of Spirit (D&C 130:22) while the gift of the Holy Ghost is the right to receive the companionship and association of the Spirit.
The Holy Ghost is properly referred to as “he,” and the gift of the Holy Ghost is referred to as “it.”
There is also a difference between the gift of the Holy Ghost and the enjoyment of the gift. All baptized members of the church, after baptism, receive the gift to the sanctifying power of the Spirit; however, only those who keep the commandments actually enjoy the promised reward[1].
In practice, members of the church enjoy the companionship of the Spirit from time to time as they manage, by obedience, to get in tune with the Infinite.
LOVE the definition of an endowment!
I think it’s interesting how some try to redefine the terms of this sacred gift. It is wise to remember that God has set the terms, & we are subject to them.
Oh yeah baby this is my life and my passion and you nailed it. Repent and be baptized. that is the key! we need to repent and be baptized over and over again. How? By making the atonement a part of our regular lives by repenting daily and taking the sacrament with meaning and purpose. Thank you for making this profound observation my friend.