Why Are Priesthood Keys Essential?

My Come Follow Me studies for this week took me to Mosiah 7-10 in a lesson titled “In the Strength of the Lord.” The lesson was introduced as follows: 

While King Mosiah’s people were enjoying “continual peace” in Zarahemla (Mosiah 7:1), their thoughts turned to another group of Nephites, who many years before had left to dwell in the land of Lehi-Nephi. Generations had passed, and Mosiah’s people had heard nothing from them. So, Mosiah asked Ammon to lead a search party to find the Nephites who had left. The search party found that these Nephites, “because of iniquity” (Mosiah 7:24), were in captivity to the Lamanites. But with the arrival of Ammon and his brethren, suddenly there was hope for deliverance.

Sometimes we’re like these captive Nephites, suffering because of our sins, wondering how we’ll ever find peace again. Sometimes we’re like Ammon, feeling prompted to reach out to others and eventually finding that our efforts have inspired them to “lift up [their] heads, and rejoice, and put [their] trust in God” (Mosiah 7:19). No matter our circumstances, we all need to repent and “turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart,” with faith that “he will … deliver [us]” (Mosiah 7:33).

As in most scripture blocks, there are several principles to consider, and I chose to discuss a principle found in Mosiah 8:13-19 “The Lord provides prophets, seers, and revelators to benefit mankind.” We will begin with the applicable verses of scripture but will first give the background story.

When King Limhi learned that Ammon had come to Zarahemla to find him, he told Ammon that he had sent a group of men to find the land of Zarahemla. However, the men were not able to find Zarahemla, but they did find some records. King Limhi wanted to know the information contained on the records and asked Ammon if he knew of such a person. Here we will pick up the scripture verses.

13 Now Ammon said unto him: I can assuredly tell thee, O king, of a man that can translate the records; for he has wherewith that he can look, and translate all records that are of ancient date; and it is a gift from God. And the things are called interpreters, and no man can look in them except he be commanded, lest he should look for that he ought not and he should perish. And whosoever is commanded to look in them, the same is called seer.

14 And behold, the king of the people who are in the land of Zarahemla is the man that is commanded to do these things, and who has this high gift from God.

15 And the king said that a seer is greater than a prophet.

16 And Ammon said that a seer is a revelator and a prophet also; and a gift which is greater can no man have, except he should possess the power of God, which no man can; yet a man may have great power given him from God.

17 But a seer can know of things which are past, and also of things which are to come, and by them shall all things be revealed, or, rather, shall secret things be mad manifest, and hidden things shall come to light, and things which are not known shall be made known by them, and also things shall be made known by them which otherwise could not be known.

18 Thus God has provided a means that man, through faith, might work mighty miracles; therefore he becometh a great benefit to his fellow beings.

19 And now, when Ammon had made an end of speaking these words the king rejoiced exceedingly, and gave thanks to God, saying: Doubtless a great mystery is contained within these plates, and these interpreters were doubtless prepared for the purpose of unfolding all such mysteries to the children of men.

When Limhi heard Ammon’s testimony that the Lord had raised up a seer, Limhi “rejoiced exceedingly, and gave thanks to God” (Mosiah 8:19). Would you rejoice to learn that there is a seer on earth today? I testify to you that there are fifteen prophets, seers, and revelators on earth today. They are the three members of the First Presidency and the twelve members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Today, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sustain the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve as prophets, seers, and revelators. Those same prophets, seers, and revelators spoke to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and broadcast to the world the information that we will need for the next six months.

The Brethren testified of truths that have been restored in our day by Joseph Smith and other prophets of the Lord. Some of those truths are the nature of God, our divine identity, and the eternal nature of the family. They also testified of the blessings that come from keeping the commandments of God and the covenants made with God, such as the Word of Wisdom, the law of chastity, and the sealing of families for eternity.

President Russell M. Nelson testified that the resurrected John the Baptist bestowed the Aaronic Priesthood upon Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, which made possible the organization of the Church of Jesus Christ on April 6, 1830. He continued: Rejoice in the Gift of Priesthood Keys (churchofjesuschrist.org)

Then in the Kirtland Temple in 1836, the conferral of these three additional priesthood keys – namely, keys of the gathering of Israel, keys of the gospel of Abraham, and keys of the sealing power – was essential. These keys authorized Joseph Smith – and all succeeding Presidents of the Lord’s Church – to gather Israel on both sides of the veil, to bless all covenant children with the blessings of Abraham, to place a ratifying seal on priesthood ordinances and covenants, and to seal families eternally. The power of these priesthood keys is infinite and breathtaking.

Consider how your life would be different if priesthood keys had not been restored to the earth. Without priesthood keys, you could not be endowed with the power of God.

Without priesthood keys, the Church could serve only as a significant teaching and humanitarian organization but not much more. Without priesthood keys, none of us would have access to essential ordinances and covenants that bind us to our loved ones eternally and allow us eventually to live with God.

Priesthood keys distinguish The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from any other organization on earth. Many other organizations can and do make your life better here in mortality. But no other organization can and will influence your life after death.

Priesthood keys give us the authority to extend all of the blessings promised to Abraham to every covenant-keeping man and woman. Temple work makes these exquisite blessings available to all of God’s children, regardless of where or when they lived or now live. Let us rejoice that priesthood keys are once again on the earth!

  

Where Are the Keys?

My Come, Follow Me studies for this week took me to a lesson titled “Thou Art the Christ” and Matthew 15-17 and Mark 7-9. The lesson was preceded with the following counsel: “Reading the scriptures invites the Holy Ghost into your life. One of the Holy Ghost’s important missions is to testify of Jesus Christ. As you read the scriptures this week, pay attention to spiritual feelings that strengthen your testimony of the Savior.” The lesson was then introduced with thisparagraph: 

Isn’t it strange that the Pharisees and Sadducees would demand that Jesus show them “a sign from heaven”? Weren’t His many well-known miracles enough? What about His powerful teachings or the multiple ways He had fulfilled ancient prophecies? Their demand was prompted not by a lack of signs but by an unwillingness to “discern the signs” and accept them. (See Matthew 16:1-4.)

Peter, like the Pharisees and Sadducees, witnessed the Savior’s miracles and heard His teachings. But Peter’s definitive testimony, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God,” did not come through his physical senses – his “flesh and blood.” His testimony was revealed to him by our “Father which is in heaven.” Revelation is the rock upon which the Savior built His Church then and now – revelation from heaven to His servants. And this is the rock upon which we can build our discipleship – revelation that Jesus is the Christ and that His servants hold “the keys of the kingdom.” When we are built upon this foundation, “the gates of hell shall not prevail against [us]” (Matthew 16:15-19).

As with most scripture blocks, this one contains numerous principles that are important and should be discussed. However, this post will discuss one of the last principles discussed in the above paragraphs: “The keys of the kingdom of heaven” are on the earth today (Matthew 16:13-19; 17:1-9; Mark 9:2-9). The Savior promised to give to Peter the “keys of the kingdom of heaven,” which are priesthood keys (Matthew 16:19).

You may be asking “what are priesthood keys?” and “why do we need them?” Consider these two questions as you read the Savior’s promise (Matthew 16:13-19) and its fulfillment (Matthew 17:1-9; Mark 9:2-9).

13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?

14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.

15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?

16 And Simon Peter answered, and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. (Matthew 16:13-19)

 

1 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,

2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.

3 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.

4 Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, an one for Elias.

5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.

7 And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid.

8 And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only.

9 And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead. (Matthew 17:1-9)

Mark 9:2-9 tells the same story with similar wording as Matthew 17:1-9). However, Mark 9:4 has a footnote that links us to more information given in Joseph Smith Translation 9:3: “And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses, or in other words, John the Baptist and Moses; and they were talking with Jesus.”

Peter held the keys to the kingdom of heaven while he lived on earth. When the Apostles were all killed, they took the keys of the kingdom of heaven with them. The restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ to earth began on a spring day in 1820 when Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ appeared to fourteen-year-old Joseph Smith.

A few years later when Joseph reached adulthood, Moroni – a glorified prophet from ancient America – visited Joseph and began preparing him to translate the Book of Mormon – Another Testament of Jesus Christ. During the translation process, other heavenly messengers appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, his scribe. John the Baptist bestowed the Aaronic Priesthood on them, and Peter, James, and John later gave them the Melchizedek Priesthood.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was organized on April 6, 1830. The latter-day saints built the Kirtland Temple, which was dedicated March 27, 1836. A week later on April 3, 1836, the Savior appeared and accepted the temple. Then Moses appeared to Joseph and Oliver to restore “the keys of the gathering of Israel from the four parts of the earth, and the leading of the ten tribes from the land of the north” (Doctrine and Covenants 110:11). Then Elias appeared and gave them the keys of “the dispensation of the gospel of Abraham” for the blessing of all generations (v. 12). He was followed by Elijah who restored the keys of the sealing power – the power to bind on earth and in heaven and the power to loose one earth and in heaven – to “turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the children to the fathers, lest the whole earth be smitten with a curse” (vv. 13-16).

We come back to the two questions: What are priesthood keys? Why do we need them? Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke about keys and authority of the priesthood in the April 2016 General Conference. He shared a family experience of losing the keys to the family vehicle at a ski resort and not being able to enter the vehicle until they found the keys. Without the keys, the vehicle was just plastic and metal with a fully charged battery and did them little good. He used this story to explain what priesthood keys are and why they are necessary.

First, an understanding of these terms may be helpful. The priesthood, or priesthood authority, has been defined as “the power and authority of God” and “the consummate power on this earth.” Priesthood keys are defined for our understanding as well: “Priesthood keys are the authority God has given to priesthood leaders to direct, control, and govern the use of His priesthood on earth.” Priesthood keys control the exercise of priesthood authority. Ordinances that create a record in the Church require keys and cannot be done without authorization. [These include blessings of babies, baptisms, confirmations, priesthood ordinations, and ordinances performed in the temples.] Elder Dallin H. Oaks taught that “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.”

Young men as young as eleven years old are ordained to the Aaronic Priesthood, and most of them are ordained to the Melchizedek Priesthood at the age of eighteen years. However, only the presidents of the various quorums and men in leadership positions like Bishop, Stake President, Temple President, Mission President, or Apostle hold the necessary keys to administer in their assigned duties. Only the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints holds all the keys given to mortals on earth.

Priesthood keys are the authority to administer the ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ. They are found in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The ordinances are necessary to prepare us to return to the presence of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Priesthood Keys, Authority, and Blessings

                What is meant when we speak of the keys of the priesthood?  Priesthood keys are the authority to direct the work of God on earth today.  Jesus Christ holds all priesthood keys, but He bestows various keys on various priesthood leaders.  The necessary “keys of this dispensation” were conferred upon the Prophet Joseph Smith (see Doctrine and Covenants 110:16).  Today those same keys are held by the members of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.  “Priesthood keys are also given to the Presidency of the Seventy; presidents of temples, missions, stakes, and districts; bishops; branch presidents; and quorum presidents – including Aaronic Priesthood quorum presidents.”

                Last month in General Conference Elder Dallin H. Oaks gave a very informative address on “The Keys and Authority of the Priesthood.”  I found his address very informative.  I encourage you to read the entire talk.

                “At this conference we have seen the release of some faithful brothers, and we have sustained the callings of others.  In this rotation – so familiar in the Church – we do not `step down’ when we are released, and we do not `step up’ when we are called.  There is no `up or down’ in the service of the Lord.  There is only `forward or backward,’ and that difference depends on how we accept and act upon our releases and our callings.  I once presided at the release of a young stake president who had given fine service for nine years and was now rejoicing in his release and in the new calling he and his wife had just received.  They were called to be the nursery leaders in their ward.  Only in this Church would that be seen as equally honorable!

                “While addressing a women’s conference, Relief Society general president Linda K. Burton said, `We hope to instill within each of us a greater desire to better understand the priesthood.’  That need applies to all of us, and I will pursue it by speaking of the keys and authority of the priesthood.  Since these subjects are of equal concern to men and to women, I am pleased that these proceedings are broadcast and published for all members of the Church.  Priesthood power blesses all of us.  Priesthood keys direct women as well as men, and priesthood ordinances and priesthood authority pertain to women as well as men….

                “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.  We are accustomed to thinking that all keys of the priesthood were conferred on Joseph Smith in the Kirtland Temple, but the scripture states that all that was conferred there were `the keys of this dispensation” (Doctrine and Covenants 110:16).  At general conference many years ago, President Spencer W. Kimball reminded us that there are other priesthood keys that have not been given to man on the earth, including the keys of creation and resurrection….

                “I come now to the subject of priesthood authority.  I begin with the three principles just discussed:  (1) priesthood is the power of God delegated to man to act for the salvation of the human family, (2) priesthood authority is governed by priesthood holders who hold priesthood keys, and (3) since the scriptures state that `all other authorities [and] offices in the church are appendages to this [Melchizedek] priesthood’ (Doctrine and Covenants 107:5), all that is done under the direction of those priesthood keys is done with priesthood authority….

                “The Lord has directed that only men will be ordained to offices in the priesthood.  But, as various Church leaders have emphasized, men are not `the priesthood.’  Men hold the priesthood, with a sacred duty to use it for the blessing of all of the children of God.  The greatest power God has given to His sons cannot be exercised without the companionship of one of His daughters, because only to His daughters has God given the power `to be a creator of bodies … so that God’s design and the Great Plan might meet fruition.’  Those are the words of President J. Reuben Clark.

                “He continued:  `This is the place of our wives and of our mothers in the Eternal Plan.  They are not bearers of the Priesthood; they are not charged with carrying out the duties and functions of the Priesthood; nor are they laden with its responsibilities; they are builders and organizers of the Priesthood; and partakers of its blessings, possessing the complement of the Priesthood powers and possessing a function as divinely called, as eternally important in its place as the Priesthood itself.’

                “In those inspired words, President Clark was speaking of the family.  As stated in the family proclamation, the father presides in the family and he and the mother have separate responsibilities, but they are `obligated to help one another as equal partners.’  Some years before the family proclamation, President Spencer W. Kimball gave this inspired explanation:  `When we speak of marriage as a partnership, let us speak of marriage as a full partnership.  We do not want our LDS women to be silent or limited partners in that eternal assignment!  Please be a contributing or full partner.’

                “In the eyes of God, whether in the Church or in the family, women and men are equal, with different responsibilities.

                “I close with some truths about the blessings of the priesthood.  Unlike priesthood keys and priesthood ordinations, the blessings of the priesthood are available to women and to men on the same terms.  The gift of the Holy Ghost and the blessings of the temple are familiar illustrations of this truth….”

                I had the blessing of listening to Elder Oaks make his presentation to the brethren of the priesthood.  As he spoke, I cheered.  I love the way he explained priesthood keys, priesthood authority, and priesthood blessings.  His explanation was clear and unmistakable.  I am personally grateful that I have access to priesthood ordinations and priesthood blessings without the responsibilities and duties of actually bearing the priesthood.  I consider this fact a very real blessing in the lives of all daughters of God.