Priesthood Authority
“Priesthood is the authority and power of God. Through the priesthood, Heavenly Father accomplishes His work to ‘bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man (Moses 1:39)’.”1 The powers of heaven are interconnected to priesthood keys to direct god’s work of salvation and exaltation. God loves his children dearly and unconditionally. For this reason He sent His only begotten Son to save us all, “that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”2 To help all God’s children receive His promise, near the end of his mortal ministry Christ promised the priesthood keys to Peter, knowing the priesthood was needed by his apostles to direct the work after His ascension. “I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven”3
Since that time priesthood authority and keys have been conferred upon men through authorised agents of God. The Lord’s messenger, John the Baptist, who held these keys, restored the Aaronic priesthood to the Prophet Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdry on May 15, 1829. Then followed the restoration of the Melchizedek Priesthood keys by Peter James and John. On April 3, 1836, Moses conferred the keys of the kingdom for the “gathering of Israel.” Elias committed the keys of the dispensation of the gospel of Abraham, and Elijah committed the sealing power to gather Israel on both sides of the veil. The Prophet Joseph Smith was an instrument and a chosen vessel to receive these blessings and help continue God’s work for this dispensation.
“Through the ordinances . . . the power of godliness is manifest.”
Doctrine & Covenants 84:20
Priesthood Keys
“The Lord’s chosen leaders receive priesthood keys to govern and direct His work. Members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles hold all the keys necessary for governing the Church. Only the President of the Church has the right to exercise all the keys. He delegates these keys to others who preside in the Church such as temple presidents, mission presidents, stake presidents, district presidents, bishops, branch presidents, and quorum presidents, including deacons and teachers quorum presidents.”4
In 2019, I had the privilege of visiting the Rome, Italy Temple and experienced a special learning moment. As I approached the twelve apostles statutes located at the visitors’ centre I noticed keys in apostle Peter’s hand. I was eagerly observing missionaries around me expounding about the keys which the chief apostle received from Jesus Christ. They also explained the significance of the priesthood keys President Nelson holds, how the Lord directs His work through appointed prophets, and that keys are transferred to carry forward his work.
They enquired about my calling, asked me to hold the keys, and reminded me of the priesthood keys of a Stake President. A profound learning took place for me; how priesthood authority and keys are given to men to govern His work.
Priesthood Power
To exercise priesthood power, one has to live in obedience, which means to walk on the covenant path as taught by President Nelson. “Through the ordinances . . . the power of godliness is manifest.”5 Priesthood authority is received through ordination. We draw heaven’s power by keeping sacred covenants and “therefore all that my Father hath shall be given unto him.”6
Not only men draw the power of priesthood. Sisters are entitled to receive the blessings through the sacred ordinances and covenants made in the temples. Through priesthood power one can magnify callings and experience miracles in their own lives and those whom they serve. Foremost, the obligation of a priesthood holder is to serve within the four walls of his home. “Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith.”7 Members of our own family should recognise and feel the blessings of the priesthood. The order of the priesthood is well taught and explained: first Provide, Protect and then Preside. If there is any contrary at home to this order or in our assigned stewardship “we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man.” 8
I testify that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has entrusted priesthood to all men to assist him in the work of salvation and exaltation. We are obligated to exercise priesthood authority and keys in kindness and in all humility to witness his matchless power and miracles in the lives of those we serve.
- General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3.0, ChurchofJesusChrist.org
- John3:16
- Matthew 16:19
- “Priesthood Keys.” New Era, May 2012
- Doctrine & Covenants 84:20
- Doctrine & Covenants 84:38
- Doctrine & Covenants 121:45
- Doctrine & Covenants 121:37