"Yea, wo be unto him that hearkeneth unto the precepts of men, and denieth the power of God, and the gift of the Holy Ghost" (2 Ne. 28:26).
Nephi ties together "hearkening to the precepts of men," and "denying" the "gift of the Holy Ghost." By "denying," he means rejecting or putting off.
Do you think it is possible to receive this "unspeakable gift" by pursuing any other course than "cleaving" unto God (Jacob 6:5, D&C 121:26)?
You cannot have it both ways. If you choose to hearken unto the precepts of men, you are choosing to put off God. You have set up for yourself an idol. You have put men in the place of God. A man or woman who does this cannot receive "the gift of the Holy Ghost." You cannot do it. You are, in essence, "denying" that gift. This has all kinds of implications.
Satan has set up a system wherein the philosophies of men are taught mingled with scripture. These teachings are very cleverly couched. They are received very well. But you should not believe what is being taught. God has promised you further light and knowledge. You should be looking for that. Look for true messengers.
Hugh Nibley seemed to understand this:
"Have faith that there is more than you know; repent of all your present shallowness and silliness; wash off everything of this world in the waters of baptism, and be reborn...to a course of action requiring perpetual, progressive repentance...until you are full of grace and truth, which is nowhere in the foreseeable future....Then 'ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost' and get the guidance you need (Acts 2:37-38)" (Nibley, Approaching Zion, p. 283).
How effective have we been at receiving this "gift of the Holy Ghost?" What was given to you when you were commanded to "receive the Holy Ghost?"
Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. (Isaiah 28:9). This is an amazing chapter, and worth a read with a current day application in mind.
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