I have a strong testimony of the importance of priesthood keys and priesthood authority. I have seen the blessings in my life and in the lives of others in some unique ways and in ordinary ways. Most importantly, priesthood keys and authority have blessed me in the ordinances I have received and the covenants I have made. I still have a lot to learn on this subject and feel inadequate in my understanding, but I'm grateful for an opportunity to study a little bit more and gather some of thoughts on these topics.
One specific blessing of priesthood keys in my life that I still remember was when I was set apart by my stake president as a full-time missionary he promised me that I would be able to express myself in the Korean language even better than I was able to express myself in English. I was grateful for that blessing as a missionary and as I start talking you might start wishing I was speaking Korean. :)
In his
April 2005 General Conference talk, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland referred to a talk given by President David O. McKay, nearly 70 years earlier when he asked the congregation, “If at this moment each one [of you] were asked to state in one sentence … the most distinguishing feature of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, what would be your answer?”
“My answer,” he replied, “would be … divine authority by direct revelation.”
Elder Holland adds, “That divine authority is, of course, the holy priesthood….The priesthood of God, with its keys, its ordinances, its divine origin and ability to bind in heaven what is bound on earth, is as indispensable to the true Church of God as it is unique to it and without it there would be no Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”
I am grateful for this unique, indispensable, and most distinguishing feature of our Church. I know that the priesthood is God’s power and authority given to man. It is given to man to act in all things necessary for the salvation of God’s children.” This same power and authority has existed in the Lord’s church throughout time, following the pattern that Paul taught in Ephesians chapter 4, “He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive” (
Ephesians 4:11–15).
I’m sure some of you here at one point (probably as a missionary) stacked cups on top of each other to demonstrate and teach others the importance of priesthood authority and how the tower crumbled when the authority held by prophets and apostles was lost when they died.
What a blessing it is to be here on the earth at this time when the gospel and priesthood authority and keys have been restored to the earth! We studied
President Joseph Fielding Smith’s words just last week about honoring the priesthood keys restored through Joseph Smith. President Joseph Fielding Smith taught, “We believe that following a long night of darkness, unbelief, and departure from the truths of pure and perfect Christianity, the Lord in his infinite wisdom has again restored to earth the fullness of the everlasting gospel. The keys of priesthood had to be restored. Priesthood keys are the right of presidency; they are the power and authority to govern and direct all of the Lord’s affairs on earth. Those who hold them have power to govern and control the manner in which all others may serve in the priesthood.”
Who brought the keys? These keys were restored by the laying on of hands by those prophets who held them previously in ancient times. There is an unending line of authority from Jesus Christ. For example,
- Adam, Abraham, and Moses all received the keys of salvation under the direction of Jesus Christ (D&C 78:16)
- Peter, James, and John received the keys of the kingdom on the Mount of Transfiguration from Moses and Elias (Matt. 16:13-19; 17:1-9)
- After the long years of apostasy when the priesthood keys were taken from the earth, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery received:
- The Aaronic Priesthood from John the Baptist (D&C 13, JS-H 1:72) which holds the keys of the ministering of angels and of the gospel of repentance and baptism (on May 15, 1829)
- The Melchizedek Priesthood from Peter, James, and John (D&C 27) which holds the key of the mysteries of the knowledge of God (D&C 84:19)
- In the Kirtland Temple, the keys concerning the gathering of Israel (from Moses), the gospel of Abraham (Elias), and the sealing powers (from Elijah) (see D&C 110:11–16)
And since the restoration in this dispensation that authority has remained and won’t be taken from the earth again. Joseph Fielding Smith taught, “A short time before his martyrdom, the Prophet [Joseph Smith] bestowed upon the Twelve Apostles all the keys and all the ordinances and priesthood necessary for them to hold in order to carry on this great and glorious work of universal salvation. This priesthood and these keys … have been given to each man who has been set apart as a member of the Council of the Twelve. But they can only be exercised in full by the senior apostle of God on earth, who is the president of the Church. Remember there is only one on the face of the earth who holds the sealing power of the priesthood, and he can delegate that power unto others, that they may act and they may seal on earth and it is valid, it is binding, so long as he sanctions it.”
I think it is a great blessing to know this pattern and to know that there is one voice we can listen for….in the midst of competing voices and philosophies of the world. The Lord says in D&C 132, “Behold, mine house is a house of order, saith the Lord God, and not a house of confusion.”
While serving as a missionary in Korea, I heard many people, when talking about religion, refer to all the roads that led to the top of the mountain. It didn’t really matter which path you followed since that’s where they all led. I think that this is a way that people would reconcile in their minds the reason that there were so many churches and religions to choose from. It must not matter which one you join or follow. I loved to teach these people about living prophets and the priesthood. Many were amazed to learn about God’s authority on earth. Some recognized the significance of that message and accepted it gratefully, while many others went on living their lives on whatever path they chose for the day.
The world would have us believe that it doesn’t matter which road we take or that public opinion or man’s ideas are more important than God’s will and direction. I think it’s becoming more clear every day, as recorded in
Isaiah, that “my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Many people seek for worldly power and greater influence. These power struggles and apathy towards truth have created confusion and distractions in the world around us. The power of God is the greatest power on earth, but it used in a very different way than the power that the world seeks. Priesthood authority is used in humility to serve, to bless, to accomplish God’s will. We learn in Hebrews 5:4, “And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.”
Several years ago I was at BYU studying Public Administration. I loved learning about effective ways to organize and lead and manage. After graduation I worked for a couple of years in Washington DC on leadership training topics and encouraging people to be good managers and leaders in their organizations. As interesting as that was to study and learn, I think it's even more fascinating to see how the Lord manages and leads His church, how He organizes and teaches us, and how He delegates and controls the use of His power.
Priesthood Keys, Priesthood Authority, and Priesthood PowerAt a talk at Women’s Conference last month at BYU, Sheri Dew explained the difference between priesthood keys, priesthood authority, and priesthood power. She said, “Priesthood keys are required to authorize ordinances, priesthood authority is required to perform ordinances, and priesthood power is available to all who worthily receive ordinances and keep the associated covenants.”
Elder Dallin H. Oaks taught about
The Keys and Authority of the Priesthood at April’s General Conference. He explained, “Priesthood keys are the authority God has given to priesthood [holders] to direct, control, and govern the use of His priesthood on earth. Every act or ordinance performed in the Church is done under the direct or indirect authorization of one holding the keys for that function.... Ultimately, all keys of the priesthood are held by the Lord Jesus Christ, whose priesthood it is. He is the one who determines what keys are delegated to mortals and how those keys will be used.
The Church work done by women or men, whether in the temple or in the wards or branches, is done under the direction of those who hold priesthood keys….Whoever functions in an office or calling received from one who holds priesthood keys exercises priesthood authority in performing her or his assigned duties…. When men and women go to the temple, they are both endowed with the same power, which is priesthood power. … Access to the power and the blessings of the priesthood is available to all of God’s children.”
Purpose of the PriesthoodI think it’s instructive that Jesus Christ, who holds all the keys, was ever set on doing His Father’s will. He didn’t have his own agenda, but to do that which His Father sent Him to do. He says in
John 6:38, “For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.”
Elder Oaks taught, “Men hold the priesthood, with a sacred duty to use it for the blessing of all of the children of God.” It is not a power men use to bless themselves, but others, and it can only be used according to God’s will.
I love
D&C 121 – a revelation received by Joseph Smith when he was in Liberty Jail. He writes in verses 34 through 45, “There are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen? Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson—That
the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness. That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when 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. We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion.
No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned; By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile—Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy; That he may know that thy faithfulness is stronger than the cords of death. Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven. The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever.”
In other words, this is God’s power. It must be used in righteousness and humility, according to His will and for His work and His glory. The gospel plan is not about power and pride, but about humility and coming to the Savior, becoming someone, becoming more like Him…who sought to do the Father’s will.
In summary….I’d like to mention four reasons priesthood keys are important:
1. Under the direction of those with priesthood keys and priesthood authority we can obtain all the priesthood ordinances and make covenants that we need to in order to return to our Heavenly Father. Through these ordinances and covenants we come to know the Savior and grow closer to Him.
2. Through the organization of priesthood keys and authority we learn more of God’s ways and what we need to become. As mentioned in D&C 121, we must become gentle, meek, loving, and humble.
3. Priesthood keys bless us individually and collectively as a Church with order, and clarity, and direction. There is no confusion. We can look to the prophet who holds the keys and speaks for the Lord, whose authority it is. We won’t be deceived as we follow him.
In October 1999, Elder M. Russell Ballard taught us to
Beware of False Prophets and False Teachers when he said, “As Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ, it is our duty to be watchmen on the tower, warning Church members to beware of false prophets and false teachers who lie in wait to ensnare and destroy faith and testimony. Today we warn you that there are false prophets and false teachers arising; and if we are not careful, even those who are among the faithful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will fall victim to their deception.
"President Joseph F. Smith gave wise and clear counsel that applies to us today: 'We can accept nothing as authoritative but that which comes directly through the appointed channel, the constituted organizations of the Priesthood, which is the channel that God has appointed through which to make known His mind and will to the world. … And the moment that individuals look to any other source, that moment they throw themselves open to the seductive influences of Satan, and render themselves liable to become servants of the devil; they lose sight of the true order through which the blessings of the Priesthood are to be enjoyed; they step outside of the pale of the kingdom of God, and are on dangerous ground. Whenever you see a man rise up claiming to have received direct revelation from the Lord to the Church, independent of the order and channel of the Priesthood, you may set him down as an imposter' (Gospel Doctrine, 5th ed. [1939], 41–42)…. Elder Ballard said, “In the Lord’s Church there is no such thing as a “loyal opposition.” One is either for the kingdom of God and stands in defense of God’s prophets and apostles, or one stands opposed."
4. Finally, we can proclaim to our non-members friends as
Elder L. Tom Perry taught in April 2007, “Our message is unique. We declare to the world that the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored to the earth. We declare with boldness that the keys of the priesthood have been restored to man, with the power to seal on earth and in the heavens. The saving ordinances pronounced by the Lord as requirements for entering into eternal life with Him can now be performed with binding authority by those who worthily exercise the power of His holy priesthood. We declare to the world that this is the day referred to by biblical prophets as the latter days. It is the final time, before the coming of Jesus Christ to rule and reign over the earth. We invite all to listen to the message of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ from us. Then you can compare the glorious message with what you may hear from others, and you can determine which is from God and which is from man.”
We live in an exciting and wonderful time, when the fullness of the gospel is on the earth. The keys of His priesthood are here. We can receive the necessary ordinances that will allow us to return to Him. We are blessed with opportunities to serve and bless His other children through our service and testimonies. We are called to help to hasten the work of salvation by following the prophet’s counsel and direction.
As it says in
D&C 65:2, “the keys of the kingdom of God are committed unto man on the earth, and from thence shall the gospel roll forth unto the ends of the earth, as the stone which is cut out of the mountain without hands shall roll forth, until it has filled the whole earth.”
I’m not sure how many of you remember the primary song "
Follow the Prophet"and its catchy tune, but I think the last verse of that song is very pertinent today:
“Now we have a world where people are confused. If you don't believe it, go and watch the news.
We can get direction all along our way, If we heed the prophets - follow what they say.
Follow the prophet, follow the prophet, Follow the prophet; don't go astray.
Follow the prophet, follow the prophet, Follow the prophet; he knows the way.”Following the prophet takes humility and faith. We must be more concerned about what God thinks than what man thinks. I know that we will be blessed as we follow His prophet – Thomas S. Monson, who holds all of the keys of the priesthood on the earth today. I know that as we follow President Monson and support him and sustain him, by honoring the keys that he holds and fulfilling the assignments delegated to us in our callings we will be blessed, we will receive inspiration and direction, and we will be happy. We won’t be deceived, but will draw closer to the Lord through our covenants.
There are so many wonderful conference talks and scriptures that teach us about the importance of priesthood keys. I hope we will each follow the prophet, turn to the scriptures, and seek the Lord’s guidance as we strive to understand His power and His plan for us. I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is God's true Church on the earth today.
