Prophets, both ancient and modern,
have taught that the Spirit of Christ is preparatory in purpose. It
prepares God’s children to receive the temporary witness of the Holy Ghost,
followed by the more constant gift of the Holy Ghost, which is bestowed upon
those who are baptized. An example of this progression can be identified in the
Book of Mormon account of the conversion of King Lamoni. Even though Lamoni had
the authority of a king and had been taught that “whatsoever [he] did was
right,” the text suggests that he still knew it was wrong to slay his servants
whom he judged not to have served him well: “Notwithstanding [King Lamoni and
his father] believed in a Great Spirit, they supposed that whatsoever they did
was right; nevertheless, Lamoni began to fear exceedingly, with fear lest he
had done wrong in slaying his servants” (Alma 18:5). (Daniel K. Judd, "The
Spirit of Christ: A Light Amid Darkness," Ensign [May 2001])
