The Bible Dictionary included with LDS scriptures says:
“For some reason not fully explained in the scriptures, the Holy Ghost did not operate in the fulness among the Jews during the years of Jesus’ mortal sojourn (John 7:39; 16:7). Statements to the effect that the Holy Ghost did not come until after Jesus was resurrected must of necessity refer to that particular dispensation only, for it is abundantly clear that the Holy Ghost was operative in earlier dispensations. Furthermore, it has reference only to the gift of the Holy Ghost not being present, since the power of the Holy Ghost was operative during the ministries of John the Baptist and Jesus; otherwise no one would have received a testimony of the truths that these men taught (Matt. 16:16–17; see also 1 Cor. 12:3). (see LDS Bible Dictionary: Holy Ghost)”
God is the same, yesterday, today and forever. Does the Holy Ghost operate the same yesterday, today and forever? Did God withhold the Holy Ghost from them? Why might it appear to some that the Holy Ghost, “did not operate in the fulness among the Jews during the years of Jesus’ mortal sojourn”?
If the power of the Holy Ghost is limited, is it because God is witholding it? Does God give special restrictions to intentionally disadvantage people living at certain times? Or do things operate the same today as in old times and as it will in times to come? If there are limitations, what could be the cause? Would the cause that limits the power of the Holy Ghost in ancient times, also limit that power today?
Mormon asks this question of his audience: “has he [God] withheld the power of the Holy Ghost from them? Or will he, so long as time shall last, or the earth shall stand, or there shall be one man upon the face thereof to be saved?” (LDS Moroni 7:36) Mormon answers his own question emphatically, “Behold I say unto you, Nay” (v. 37). Then he offers this explanation about failing to have the power of the Holy Ghost, “if these things have ceased wo be unto the children of men, for it is because of unbelief” (v. 37).
What then could be the cause of the limitations spoken of in the verses mentioned (John 7:39; 16:7)? These verses say:
”He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)” (KJV John 7:38-39)
”Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.” (KJV John 16:7)
What could cause the disciples of Jesus to fall short from fully receiving the Holy Ghost during Jesus’ mortal ministry? In the explanation Jesus gives, he indicates that his own physical presence could be part of the problem. How could Jesus being with them be preventing them from receiving the Comforter?
In Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asks his disciples who others think he is and is met with various responses. When he asks his disciples who they think he is, Peter responds, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” (KJV Matthew 16:16), This response pleases Jesus because, as he explains, “flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven” (KJV Matthew 16:17). Jesus, standing before Peter in “flesh and blood”, is not the source of Peter’s conviction. Jesus refers to receiving truth beyond a “flesh and blood” source, to be a “blessed” state indeed.
Is this what Jesus is trying to accomplish with his disciples? Could the “flesh and blood” of Jesus be inhibiting his disciples from receiving from the Father, when they might just rely on him, standing before them in flesh and blood? If his disciples are becoming dependent upon the flesh and blood of Jesus to reveal truth to them, could this dependency be limiting their spiritual growth? Might they learn to receive the Holy Ghost more if they did not have the flesh and blood of Jesus to reveal truth to them?
If depending on a man in flesh and blood could inhibit the spiritual growth of the disciples of Jesus, might dependency on a man, also limit the growth of people today? Might it be even worse when that dependency is on a man who is not even Jesus?
If I had to choose, what would I rather have, the ability to see and hear and know with physical senses, or the ability to see and hear and know directly from God?