In the winter of 1839, Joseph Smith and others had an interview with the President of the United States who, at that time, was Martin Van Buren.¹⁰⁷ In a letter to Hyrum Smith and the Nauvoo High Council dated December 5, 1839, Joseph Smith wrote:

In our interview, with the President, he interrogated us wherein we differed in our religion from other religions of the day. Brother Joseph said we differed in mode of baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. We considered that all other considerations were contained in the gift of the Holy Ghost.¹⁰⁸

Giving “the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands” was not a concept invented by Joseph Smith. Many biblical passages speak of this same thing (Acts 8:14-17; 19:6). But just what is the gift of the Holy Ghost that makes us different? J. Spencer Fluhman explains that The Gift of the Holy Ghost is “sacred blessing, offered in the ordinance of confirmation, which entitles the worthy recipient to the companionship of the third member of the Godhead.”¹⁰⁹ The revelations present water baptism and the reception of the Holy Ghost as two halves of one baptism (Doctrine & Covenants 20:41; 19:31; 33:11; 39:6) The people that receive these two halves of baptism “with an eye single to [God’s] glory” receive a remission of the sins and are purified by the Holy Ghost. Fluhman continues:

Importantly, the ordinance of the Sacrament both initiates this process and calls to mind the promised blessing of the companionship of the Holy Ghost. Sacramental prayers remind Saints that the renewal of baptismal covenants made with the Lord is coupled with the corresponding promise that “they may always have his Spirit to be with them” ([Doctrine & Covenants] 20:77, 79). The language of the sacramental prayers also implies a critical distinction: all of God’s children can receive spiritual communication or comfort through the Holy Ghost, but “the Spirit shall not always strive with man” (Doctrine & Covenants 1:33). The “gift” offered in authorized ordinances entails “always” having the Spirit as a constant companion, if one remains worthy ([Doctrine & Covenants] 20:77, 79).

Why would God limit the gift of the Holy Ghost to covenant members of the Church? The principle behind God offering the gift of the Holy Ghost to baptized members of the Church ties into His plan for His children and the role of covenants in spiritual growth.

1. Covenants: baptism is an essential ordinance in the Church, marking the beginning of a covenant relationship with God. When members are baptized, they promise to follow Jesus Christ, keep His commandments, and serve others. In return, God promises the Holy Ghost as a guide and companion. This is really what distinguishes some of God’s children from others: some have made direct covenants with God that they will do certain things in order to always have the Spirit to be with them and others not. 
2. Agency and Choice: God respects agency, allowing His children to choose whether or not to commit to a covenant relationship with Him. Those who choose baptism signal their willingness to follow His path and are blessed with the Holy Ghost's guidance as part of that covenant.
3. Preparation and Growth: The gift of the Holy Ghost helps individuals grow spiritually and be more prepared for further covenants and eternal life. By following the guidance of the Holy Ghost, members learn, grow, and become more like Christ.
4. Openness to All: While the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost is reserved for baptized members, everyone is invited to come unto Christ, be baptized, and receive this gift. The Church actively shares this message so that all of God's children can have the opportunity if they choose.
5. Finding the Truth: Ultimately, we know that God does author confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33). He wants us to find the truth. That is why he structures His blessings in such a way that His children can find the truth and recognize it easily. Having a greater portion of the Spirit is a great way for God to help His children find the truth and thus help them get on the path that leads to salvation and exaltation.

These principles indicate a loving, orderly plan where making covenants opens doors to greater spiritual blessings. The Gift of the Holy Ghost is available to all of God’s children as a unique and exclusive gift of becoming a covenant member of the Lord’s Church.