We Believe: Doctrines of Mormonism: Priesthood: Authority and Power

Mormon

Elder Ezra Taft Benson

Joseph Smith

We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof. (The fifth of the thirteen Articles of Faith; letter to John Wentworth, March 1, 1842) Articles of Faith :5

James E. Talmage

Ordination of Men to the Ministry, as sanctioned by scriptural precedent and established by direct revelation of God's will, is to be effected through the gift of prophecy and by the imposition of hands by those who are in authority. By prophecy is meant the right to receive and the power to interpret manifestations of the divine will. That the laying on of hands is usual as a part of the ordinance is seen in several of the instances already cited; nevertheless the scriptures record numerous ordinations to the offices of the Priesthood without specific statement concerning the imposition of hands or any other details. Such instances do not warrant the conclusion that the laying on of hands was omitted; and in the light of modern revelation it is clear that the imposition of hands was a usual accompaniment of ordination as also of confirming blessings and of bestowing the Holy Ghost. AF:164-65

Joseph Smith

Accordingly we went and were baptized. I baptized him first, and afterwards he baptized me—after which I laid my hands upon his head and ordained him to the Aaronic Priesthood, and afterwards he laid his hands on me and ordained me to the same Priesthood—for so we were commanded. 72. The messenger who visited us on this occasion and conferred this Priesthood upon us, said that his name was John, the same that is called John the Baptist in the New Testament, and that he acted under the direction of Peter, James and John, who held the keys of the Priesthood of Melchizedek, which Priesthood, he said, would in due time be conferred on us, and that I should be called the first Elder of the Church, and he (Oliver Cowdery) the second. It was on the fifteenth day of May, 1829, that we were ordained under the hand of this messenger, and baptized. (John the Baptist appears to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, May 15, 1829) JS-H 1:71-72

N. Eldon Tanner

We often hear the Church referred to as a democracy when, in reality, instead of being a church where the body is governed by people elected as representatives, the Church is a theocracy where God directs his Church through representatives chosen by Him. As one of our Articles of Faith says: "We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands, by those who are in authority to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof" (Article of Faith 5). That is the way in which Joseph Smith was chosen by the Lord as president of his Church and set apart by those authorized by the Lord to do so. ("Administration of the Restored Church," Devotional Speeches of the Year, 1977, p. 202) TLDP:83

Related Witnesses:

Elder Harold B. Lee

Elder Wilford Woodruff

He [Joseph Smith] lived until he received every key, ordinance and law ever given to any man on the earth, from Father Adam down, touching this dispensation. He received powers and keys from under the hands of Moses for gathering the house of Israel in the last days; he received under the hands of Elias the keys of sealing the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to the fathers; he received under the hands of Peter, James and John, the Apostleship, and everything belonging thereto; he received under the hands of Moroni all the keys and powers required of the stick of Joseph in the hands of Ephraim; he received under the hand of John the Baptist the Aaronic Priesthood, with all its keys and powers, and every other key and power belonging to this dispensation, and I am not ashamed to say that he was a Prophet of God, and he laid the foundation of the greatest work and dispensation that has ever been established on the earth. (In new Tabernacle, Oct. 1873, JD16:267) DGSM:68

Mormon

And now it came to pass that after Alma had made an end of speaking unto the people of the church, which was established in the city of Zarahemla, he ordained priests and elders, by laying on his hands according to the order of God, to preside and watch over the church. (Alma sets the Church in order in Zarahemla, about 83 B.C.) Alma 6:1

Elder Ezra Taft Benson

Our boys twelve years of age, if worthy, receive the Holy Priesthood by the laying on of hands, and our young men are hardly more than boys when at nineteen they receive the Holy Melchizedek Priesthood, the authority to officiate in the most sacred ordinances known to man. CR1948Oct:99

570. To administer in the ordinances of the gospel a man must hold priesthood authority.

Bruce R. McConkie

Recorded in Acts

Mormon

Jacob, brother of Nephi

President Spencer W. Kimball, N. Eldon Tanner, Marion G. Romney

President Joseph F. Smith

We affirm that to administer in the ordinances of the Gospel, authority must be given of God; and that this authority is the power of the Holy Priesthood. (Address to the world, adopted by vote of Saints assembled in

general conference) CR1907Apr(appendix)4

Joseph Smith

Bruce R. McConkie

God's ministers are ordained. They have the holy priesthood conferred upon them and are ordained by the laying on of hands to officiate in specific offices and callings. (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 1:748) DGSM:67-68

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

Again I say unto you, that it shall not be given to any one to go forth to preach my gospel, or to build up my church, except he be ordained by some one who has authority, and it is known to the church that he has authority and has been regularly ordained by the heads of the church. (Revelation "embracing the law of the Church," Feb. 9, 1831) D&C 42:11

Elder Wilford Woodruff

[The priesthood] is the authority of God in heaven to the sons of men to administer in any of the ordinances of his house. There never was a man and never will be a man, in this or any other age of the world, who has power and authority to administer in one of the ordinances of the house of God, unless he is called of God as was Aaron, unless he has the holy Priesthood and is administered to by those holding that authority. (In new Tabernacle, Oct. 8, 1873, JD16:266) TLDP:514

Elder Wilford Woodruff

What is the priesthood for? It is to administer the ordinances of the gospel, even the gospel of our Father in heaven, the eternal God, the Eloheim of the Jews and the God of the Gentiles, and all he has ever done from the beginning has been performed by and through the power of the priesthood. (In Tabernacle, June 1878, JD19:360) DGSM:68

James E. Talmage

When the Lord established his Church amongst the Nephites upon this continent, he told those who were chosen and ordained unto whom authority was given, just how to administer the ordinance of baptism. They were to say: "Having authority given me of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." That does not give us in this age any such authority. The words that Christ spoke unto his apostles of old would be no authority unto the apostles today, nor unto any of the elders of the Church. I repeat, the words that he, the Lord, spoke unto the disciples who were chosen from among the Nephites would be no authority unto us; but in this day and age he has spoken again, and has given that same power and authority to speak in his name, and to administer the ordinances of the gospel, after the pattern that he has set; and therefore the elders and priests who take candidates into the waters of baptism today, declare that they have authority given them; and, being commissioned of Jesus Christ, they baptize in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. CR1924Apr:68; DCSM:46

Related Witnesses:

Joseph Smith

The power and authority of the higher, or Melchizedek Priesthood, is to hold the keys of all the spiritual blessings of the church—

19. To have the privilege of receiving the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, to have the heavens opened unto them, to commune with the general assembly and church of the Firstborn, and to enjoy the communion and presence of God the Father, and Jesus the mediator of the new covenant.

20. The power and authority of the lesser, or Aaronic Priesthood, is to hold the keys of the ministering of angels, and to administer in outward ordinances, the letter of the gospel, the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, agreeable to the covenants and commandments. (Revelation on priesthood, received as the Twelve met in council, March 28, 1835) D&C 107:18-20

James E. Talmage

President Brigham Young,
quoted by John A. Widtsoe

There is no act of a Latter-day Saint—no duty required—no time given, exclusive and independent of the Priesthood. Everything is subject to it, whether preaching, business, or any other act pertaining to the proper conduct of this life. (In Provo, Utah, June 6, 1858, JD7:66) DBY:133

Recorded in Acts

Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

2. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

3. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. (Saul and Barnabas called to missionary service) Acts 13:1-3

Mormon

Jesus,
quoted by Mormon

And the Lord said unto him: I give unto you power that ye shall baptize this people when I am again ascended into heaven. (The resurrected Jesus Christ gives priesthood authority to Nephi son of Helaman, A.D. 34) 3 Nephi 11:21

Jesus,
quoted by Mormon

And when the multitude had eaten and were filled, he said unto the disciples: Behold there shall one be ordained among you, and to him will I give power that he shall break bread and bless it and give it unto the people of my church, unto all those who shall believe and be baptized in my name. (The resurrected Jesus Christ teaches the Nephite people, A.D. 34) 3 Nephi 18:5

Jesus,
quoted by John

Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. (Jesus addresses his disciples who have been chosen to serve him) John 15:16

Jacob, brother of Nephi,
quoted by Nephi

Behold, my beloved brethren, I, Jacob, having been called of God, and ordained after the manner of his holy order, and having been consecrated by my brother Nephi, unto whom ye look as a king or a protector, and on whom ye depend for safety, behold ye know that I have spoken unto you exceedingly many things. (Jacob teaches the people of Nephi, 559-545 B.C.) 2 Nephi 6:2

Joseph Smith

It is the duty of the Twelve, also, to ordain and set in order all the other officers of the church, agreeable to the revelation which says:

59. To the church of Christ in the land of Zion, in addition to the church laws respecting church business—

60. Verily, I say unto you, saith the Lord of Hosts, there must needs be presiding elders to preside over those who are of the office of an elder;

61. And also priests to preside over those who are of the office of a priest;

62. And also teachers to preside over those who are of the office of a teacher, in like manner, and also the deacons—

63. Wherefore, from deacon to teacher, and from teacher to priest, and from priest to elder, severally as they are appointed, according to the covenants and commandments of the church.

64. Then comes the High Priesthood, which is the greatest of all.

65. Wherefore, it must needs be that one be appointed of the High Priesthood to preside over the priesthood, and he shall be called President of the High Priesthood of the Church; (Revelation on priesthood received as he met in council with the Twelve, March 28, 1835) D&C 107:58-65

President Joseph F. Smith

But behold, from among the righteous, he organized his forces and appointed messengers, clothed with power and authority, and commissioned them to go forth and carry the light of the gospel to them that were in darkness, even to all the spirits of men; and thus was the gospel preached to the dead. (Vision of the Savior's visit to the spirits of the dead, Oct. 3, 1918) D&C 138:30

Joseph Smith

The person who is called of God and has authority from Jesus Christ to baptize, shall go down into the water with the person who has presented himself or herself for baptism, and shall say, calling him or her by name: Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. (Revelation on Church Organization and Government, April 1830; laws governing repentance, justification, sanctification, and baptism are set forth) D&C 20:73

571. No person may hold any office in the Church unless called and publicly given assignment by someone who has priesthood authority to issue the call.

Bruce R. McConkie

All of the organizational things which the Church does—that is, the procedures which it follows and the officers which it appoints—must be done by common consent, by much faith and prayer. . . .

General Church business cannot be transacted in secret. No man, for instance, could be appointed in secret to head the Church or to carry on some supposed great program for the salvation of men. Conferences are to transact the business of the Church.

. . . . No man can so much as be ordained to any office in the Church without a vote of the Church. There is no such thing as a secret ordination to office, either high or low, in the Church of Christ. The Lord does not work in dark corners. His great works are trumpeted in the ears of all living so that every soul who is willing to do so may learn of them. (Common Consent pamphlet, 1955, pp. 12-13) TLDP:96

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

Mark E. Petersen

Neither does the Lord allow for any secret ordinations in his work. To be valid, everything is done publicly and by the vote of the people. Said the Savior, ". . . It shall not be given to anyone to go forth to preach my gospel, or to build up my church, except he be ordained by some one who has authority, and it is known to the church that he has authority and has been regularly ordained by the heads of the church." (D&C 42:11)

And then the Lord said, ". . . All things shall be done by common consent in the church . . ." which means by public knowledge and public vote. (D&C 26:2) CR1974pr:82

Boyd K. Packer,

also quoting Joseph Smith

One more thing: You can receive the priesthood only from one who has the authority and "it is known to the church that he has authority." (D&C 42:11)

. . . . The priesthood is very, very precious to the Lord. He is very careful about how it is conferred, and by whom. It is never done in secret. CR1981Oct:46-47

Related Witnesses:

Joseph Smith

Stephen L. Richards

This Church is not democratic. This Church is a kingdom. We don't make the laws. God makes the laws. We ourselves do not appoint authorities and the administrators, they are appointed by the inspiration that emanates from him.

We have a democratic method in that we sustain those who are appointed. Without that sustaining vote they cannot legally function. All the people in the whole ward cannot unanimously nominate a bishop. The President of the Church cannot install himself unless the majority of the people sustain him. Never forget that this is a kingdom and never forget the laws of the Church are not man-made. (To Las Vegas, Nev. priesthood meeting, four combined wards) (Church News, Nov. 22, 1951, p. 2) TLDP:98

Paul

And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. (Letter to the Jewish members of the Church, about A.D. 60) Hebrews 5:4

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

And again, verily I say unto you, those who desire in their hearts, in meekness, to warn sinners to repentance, let them be ordained unto this power. (Revelation, Aug. 1831) D&C 63:57

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

Behold, I command you that you need not suppose that you are called to preach until you are called. (Revelation for Hyrum Smith, May 1829) D&C 11:15

Jesus,
quoted by John

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

That as many as shall come before my servants Sidney Rigdon and Joseph Smith, Jun., embracing this calling and commandment, shall be ordained and sent forth to preach the everlasting gospel among the nations— . . .

7. And this commandment shall be given unto the elders of my church, that every man which will embrace it with singleness of heart may be ordained and sent forth, even as I have spoken. (Revelation for Edward Partridge, Dec. 1830) D&C 36:5,7

572. All worthy male members of the Church may be ordained to the priesthood without regard to race or color.

N. Eldon Tanner

President Spencer W. Kimball, N. Eldon Tanner, Marion G. Romney

(First Presidency)

To Whom it may Concern:

On September 30, 1978, at the 148th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the following was presented by President N. Eldon Tanner, First Counselor in the First Presidency of the Church:

In early June of this year, the First Presidency announced that a revelation had been received by President Spencer W. Kimball extending priesthood and temple blessings to all worthy male members of the Church. President Kimball has asked that I advise the conference that after he had received this revelation, which came to him after extended meditation and prayer in the sacred rooms of the holy temple, he presented it to his counselors, who accepted it and approved it. It was then presented to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who unanimously approved it, and was subsequently presented to all other General Authorities, who likewise approved it unanimously.

President Kimball has asked that I [N. Eldon Tanner] now read this letter:

June 8, 1978.

To all general and local priesthood officers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout the world:

Dear Brethren,

As we have witnessed the expansion of the work of the Lord over the earth, we have been grateful that people of many nations have responded to the message of the restored gospel, and have joined the Church in ever-increasing numbers. This, in turn, has inspired us with a desire to extend to every worthy member of the Church all of the privileges and blessings which the gospel affords.

Aware of the promises made by the prophets and presidents of the Church who have preceded us that at some time, in God's eternal plan, all of our brethren who are worthy may receive the priesthood, and witnessing the faithfulness of those from whom the priesthood has been withheld, we have pleaded long and earnestly in behalf of these, our faithful brethren, spending many hours in the Upper Room of the Temple supplicating the Lord for divine guidance.

He has heard our prayers, and by revelation has confirmed that the long-promised day has come when every faithful, worthy man in the Church may receive the holy priesthood, with power to exercise its divine authority, and enjoy with his loved ones every blessing that flows therefrom, including the blessings of the temple.

Accordingly, all worthy male members of the Church may be ordained to the priesthood without regard for race or color. Priesthood leaders are instructed to follow the policy of carefully interviewing all candidates for ordination to either the Aaronic or the Melchizedek Priesthood to insure that they meet the established standards for worthiness.

We declare with soberness that the Lord has now made known his will for the blessing of all his children throughout the earth who will hearken to the voice of his authorized servants, and prepare themselves to receive every blessing of the gospel. (Published message of the First Presidency of the Church, June 8, 1978; presented to and accepted by the Church in general conference, Sept. 1978) Official Declaration 2:1-12

N. Eldon Tanner

Recognizing Spencer W. Kimball as the prophet, seer, and revelator, and president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it is proposed that we as a constituent assembly accept this revelation [all worthy male members of the Church may be ordained to the priesthood without regard for race or color] as the word and will of the Lord. All in favor please signify by raising your right hand. Any opposed by the same sign.

The vote to sustain the foregoing motion was unanimous in the affirmative.

Salt Lake City, Utah, September 30, 1978. (Published message of the First Presidency of the Church, June 8, 1978; presented to and accepted by the Church in general conference, Sept. 1978) Official Declaration 2:14-16

James E. Faust

God, through his prophets, has given the priesthood in recent times the great challenge to advance worldwide the holy work in which we are engaged. All worthy men may now be given the priesthood. With the coming of these inspired changes, I wonder if there has been an enlarging of altitude based upon the exalted principles the Savior taught. Has the extended responsibility of the priesthood caused us to have a better understanding of our work? CR1983Apr:60

Author's Note: In 1974, four years before the revelation effectively extending the priesthood to blacks, President Kimball at a press conference stated: "Blacks and the priesthood: I am not sure that there will be a change, although there could be. We are under the dictates of our Heavenly Father, and this is not my policy or the Church's policy. It is the policy of the Lord who established it, and I know of no change, although we are subject to revelations of the Lord in case he should ever wish to make a change." (Press conference upon being ordained 12th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Dec. 1973) (EN1974Jan:2)

573. The authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood was given to Joseph Smith by the ancient Apostles, Peter, James, and John .

Robert D. Hales

President Gordon B. Hinckley

Elder Joseph Fielding Smith

The Melchizedek Priesthood was restored to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery by Peter, James and John . This authority commissioned them to officiate in the ordinances of baptism and confirmation and ordination to the priesthood and the preaching of the gospel in all the world. The power which Elijah restored is the power to seal and bind for eternity. It has to do more particularly with the ordinances of the temple and reaches out and embraces the dead as well as the living in its scope. And this is the real significance of the turning of the hearts of the fathers to the children and the hearts of the children to their fathers. This authority provides the means by which the fathers who are dead, and who died without the privilege of the gospel, may receive the ordinances of the gospel vicariously by their children performing them in the temples. (The Restoration of All Things, pp. 172-73) TLDP:616

Elder Joseph Fielding Smith

In the restoration of authority it was necessary that John the Baptist—the messenger who was formerly sent to prepare the way—should first come. Then Peter, James, and John, who held the keys of the greater priesthood had to come and give their power that the Church could be organized on the earth. (Doctrines of Salvation, 1:174) TLDP:559

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

And also with Peter, and James, and John, whom I have sent unto you, by whom I have ordained you and confirmed you to be apostles, and especial witnesses of my name, and bear the keys of your ministry and of the same things which I revealed unto them;

13. Unto whom I have committed the keys of my kingdom, and a dispensation of the gospel for the last times; and for the fulness of times, in the which I will gather together in one all things, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; (Revelation, Aug. 1830) D&C 27:12-13

James E. Talmage

A short time after this event, Peter, James, and John appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, and ordained the two to the higher or Melchizedek Priesthood, bestowing upon them the keys of the apostleship, which these heavenly messengers had held and exercised in the former Gospel dispensation. This order of Priesthood holds authority over all the offices in the Church, and includes power to administer in spiritual things; consequently all the authorities and powers necessary to the establishment and development of the Church were by this visitation restored to earth. AF:171

President Brigham Young,
quoted by John A. Widtsoe

How came these Apostles, these Seventies, these High Priests, and all this organization we now enjoy? It came by revelation. . . . Joseph . . . received a revelation, and ordained High Priests. You read in the book of Doctrine and Covenants how he received the Priesthood in the first place. It is there stated how Joseph received the Aaronic Priesthood. John the Baptist came to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. . . . You read in the revelation that Joseph was ordained, as it is written. When he received the Melchizedek Priesthood, he had another revelation. Peter, James, and John came to him. You can read the revelation at your leisure. When he received this revelation in Kirtland, the Lord revealed to him that he should begin and ordain High Priests; and he then ordained quite a number. . . . These were the first that were ordained to this office in the Church. I relate this to show you how Joseph proceeded step by step in organizing the Church. At that time there were no Seventies nor Twelve Apostles. (In Mill Creek Ward, May 7, 1861, JD9:88-89) DBY:142

James E. Faust

The Aaronic Priesthood was restored on May 15, 1829, under the hands of John the Baptist, and the Melchizedek Priesthood within a month under the hands of the ancient Apostles Peter, James, and John to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. (The Restoration of All Things, CR April 2006)

Robert D. Hales

There followed the restoration of the Melchizedek Priesthood, which was bestowed on Joseph and Oliver by the Apostles Peter, James, and John, who held the keys. After centuries of spiritual darkness, the power and authority to act in God's name, to perform sacred ordinances, and to lead His Church were once again upon the earth. (Preparations for the Restoration and the Second Coming: "My Hand Shall Be over Thee", CR October 2005)

James E. Faust

We now have in the restored Church apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, and evangelists, as spoken of by Paul to the Ephesians.14 These priesthood offices were established by the Savior when He organized His Church in the meridian of time. We recognize the two orders of the priesthood and the offices contained within them: the lesser priesthood is the Aaronic Priesthood, named after Aaron; and the greater priesthood is the Melchizedek Priesthood, named after Melchizedek, to whom Abraham paid tithes. The Aaronic Priesthood was restored on May 15, 1829, under the hands of John the Baptist, and the Melchizedek Priesthood within a month under the hands of the ancient Apostles Peter, James, and John to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. Thus those possessing the priesthood today claim the power to act in the name of God through the priesthood, "which power commands respect both on earth and in heaven." (The Restoration of All Things, CR April 2006)

President Gordon B. Hinckley

First, there was John the Baptist, who conferred the Aaronic, or lesser priesthood. This was followed by a visitation of Peter, James, and John, Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ, who conferred upon Joseph and Oliver Cowdery the Melchizedek Priesthood, which had been received by these Apostles under the hands of the Lord Himself (CR 2005Apr; The Great Things Which God Has Revealed, Ensign, May 2005)

Related Witnesses:

Joseph Smith

The messenger who visited us on this occasion, and conferred this Priesthood upon us, said that his name was John, the same that is called John the Baptist in the New Testament, and that he acted under the direction of Peter, James and John who held the keys of the Priesthood of Melchizedek, which Priesthood he said would in due time be conferred on us, and that I should be called the first Elder of the Church, and he (Oliver Cowdery) the second. It was on the 15th day of May, 1829, that we were ordained under the hand of this messenger and baptized. (Entry in the Prophet's journal, 1829) HC1:40-41

Joseph Smith

How have we come at the Priesthood in the last days? It came down, down, in regular succession. Peter, James, and John had it given to them and they gave it to others. (The Prophet instructs the Twelve on priesthood, in the vicinity of Commerce, Ill., July 2, 1839) HC3:387

Elder Wilford Woodruff

He [Joseph Smith] lived until he received every key, ordinance and law ever given to any man on the earth, from Father Adam down, touching this dispensation. He received powers and keys from under the hands of Moses for gathering the house of Israel in the last days; he received under the hands of Elias the keys of sealing the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to the fathers; he received under the hands of Peter, James and John, the Apostleship, and everything belonging thereto; he received under the hands of Moroni all the keys and powers required of the stick of Joseph in the hands of Ephraim; he received under the hand of John the Baptist the Aaronic Priesthood, with all its keys and powers; and every other key and power belonging to this dispensation, and I am not ashamed to say that he was a Prophet of God, and he laid the foundation of the greatest work and dispensation that has ever been established on the earth. (In new Tabernacle, Oct. 1873, JD16:267) DGSM:68

Joseph Smith

And again, what do we hear? Glad tidings from Cumorah Moroni, an angel from heaven, declaring the fulfilment of the prophets—the book to be revealed. A voice of the Lord in the wilderness of Fayette, Seneca county, declaring the three witnesses to bear record of the book The voice of Michael on the banks of the Susquehanna, detecting the devil when he appeared as an angel of light The voice of Peter, James, and John in the wilderness between Harmony, Susquehanna county, and Colesville, Broome county, on the Susquehanna river, declaring themselves as possessing the keys of the kingdom, and of the dispensation of the fulness of times 21. And again, the voice of God in the chamber of old Father Whitmer, in Fayette, Seneca county, and at sundry times, and in divers places through all the travels and tribulations of this Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints And the voice of Michael, the archangel; the voice of Gabriel, and of Raphael, and of divers angels, from Michael or Adam down to the present time, all declaring their dispensation, their rights, their keys, their honors, their majesty and glory, and the power of their priesthood; giving line upon line, precept upon precept; here a little, and there a little; giving us consolation by holding forth that which is to come, confirming our hope (Epistle to the Church, Sept. 6, 1842, at Nauvoo, Ill; all of the keys, powers, and authorities have been restored) D&C 128:20-21

574. Power of the priesthood extends beyond the grave, hence that which is bound on earth is also bound in heaven—ordinances performed on earth are valid in heaven.

John A. Widtsoe

Boyd K. Packer

President John Taylor

Eldred G. Smith

Bruce R. McConkie

Mormon

John A. Widtsoe

Marriages may be consummated within the Church for all time—not merely until death doth them part. Family relationships may be continued throughout the eternities. The power of the Priesthood extends beyond the grave. Temple work, including baptism, the endowment, sealing, etc., is a function of the Priesthood. It is by this power that work for the dead may be done. It is by the power of the Priesthood. It is by the power of the Priesthood that a person may attain celestial glory. Without [the power of the] Priesthood one cannot enter the presence of God. (Program of the Church, p. 129) TLDP:500

Joseph Smith

Now, the nature of this ordinance consists in the power of the priesthood, by the revelation of Jesus Christ, wherein it is granted that whatsoever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatsoever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Or, in other words, taking a different view of the translation, whatsoever you record on earth shall be recorded in heaven, and whatsoever you do not record on earth shall not be recorded in heaven; for out of the books shall your dead be judged, according to their own works, whether they themselves have attended to the ordinances in their own propria persona, or by the means of their own agents, according to the ordinance which God has prepared for their salvation from before the foundation of the world, according to the records which they have kept concerning their dead.

9. It may seem to some to be a very bold doctrine that we talk of—a power which records or binds on earth and binds in heaven. Nevertheless, in all ages of the world, whenever the Lord has given a dispensation of the priesthood to any man by actual revelation, or any set of men, this power has always been given. Hence, whatsoever those men did in authority, in the name of the Lord, and did it truly and faithfully, and kept a proper and faithful record of the same, it became a law on earth and in heaven, and could not be annulled, according to the decrees of the great Jehovah. This is a faithful saying. Who can hear it?

10. And again, for the precedent, Matthew 16:18, 19: 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. 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. (Epistle to the Church, Sept. 6, 1842, at Nauvoo, Ill., regarding the ordinance of baptism) D&C 128:8-10

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

And verily, verily, I say unto you, that whatsoever you seal on earth shall be sealed in heaven; and whatsoever you bind on earth, in my name and by my word, saith the Lord, it shall be eternally bound in the heavens; and whosesoever sins you remit on earth shall be remitted eternally in the heavens; and whosesoever sins you retain on earth shall be retained in heaven. (Revelation relating to the new and everlasting covenant, including the eternal nature of the marriage covenant, July 12, 1843 [1831]) D&C 132:46

Elder Joseph Fielding Smith

Elijah came to restore to the earth, by conferring on mortal prophets duly commissioned of the Lord, the fulness of the power of priesthood. This priesthood holds the keys of binding and sealing on earth and in heaven of all the ordinances and principles pertaining to the salvation of man, that they may thus become valid in the celestial kingdom of God. . . .

It is by virtue of this authority that ordinances are performed in the temples for both the living and the dead. It is the power which unites for eternity husbands and wives, when they enter into marriage according to the eternal plan. It is the authority by which parents obtain the claim of parenthood, concerning their children, through all eternity and not only for time, which makes eternal the family in the kingdom of God. (Doctrines of Salvation, 2:117) MPSG1984:9

President Joseph F. Smith

Boyd K. Packer

Nevertheless, in the Church we hold sufficient authority to perform all of the ordinances necessary to redeem and to exalt the whole human family. And, because we have the keys to the sealing power, what we bind in proper order here will be bound in heaven. Those keys—the keys to seal and bind on earth, and have it bound in heaven—represent the consummate gift from our God. With that authority we can baptize and bless, we can endow and seal, and the Lord will honor our commitments. (The Holy Temple, p. 150-51) TLDP:509

President John Taylor

We have now finished this Temple, and some people inquire, what is it for? For many things: that our sealings and ordinances may be performed in a manner that will be acceptable before God and the holy angels; that whatsoever is bound on the earth according to the laws of the eternal Priesthood shall be bound in the heavens; that there may be a connecting link between the living and the dead. (At Logan, Utah, May 18, 1884, JD25:185) TLDP:674

Eldred G. Smith

That same authority to bind on earth that it may be bound in heaven, is the priesthood of God which is now upon the earth again, that husband and wife may be sealed together for time and all eternity; that we may have our loved ones in the next world the same as here. That makes a real heaven. (CR Apr; 1957, Afternoon Meeting, p.73)

James E. Faust

Related Witnesses:

Bruce R. McConkie

Since the earthly church, which is a kingdom, prepares men for the heavenly kingdom, which is in the celestial world, it follows that what is bound on earth is bound in heaven, and what is loosed on earth is loosed in heaven. If the Lord's legal administrators baptize repentant and worthy souls on earth, that baptism is binding in heaven and admits the faithful to celestial rest. If those legal administrators seal a worthy and faithful man to a worthy and faithful woman in the everlasting covenant of marriage, that marriage is binding in heaven and the blessed recipients of so great a bounty come forth in the resurrection as husband and wife and enter into eternal glory. And if the Lord's lawfully empowered servants, acting in his name and with his authorization, sever sinners from among the saints and turn them over to the buffetings of Satan on earth, all that might have been theirs is loosed in heaven, and they shall fail to gain what might have been theirs. It matters not whether the binding or loosing is done by the mouth of the Lord himself or by his servants who do and say what he directs. "Whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same," he says. (D&C 1:38) (The Mortal Messiah, 3:39-40) TLDP:616

Elder Joseph Fielding Smith

What is bound or sealed in the temples of the Lord, is also sealed in heaven. This is the great authority which Elijah restored. It also covers ordinances performed for the living as well as for the dead. The Prophet said that all of the ordinances for the living are required in behalf of all the dead who are entitled to the fulness of the exaltation. (See D&C 6:183-184.) CHMR2:329

Elder Joseph Fielding Smith

This sealing power bestowed upon Elijah, is the power which binds husbands and wives, and children to parents for time and eternity. It is the binding power existing in every Gospel ordinance. . . . It is by this power that all the ordinances pertaining to salvation are bound, or sealed, and it was the mission of Elijah to come, and restore it so that the curse of confusion and disorder would not exist in the kingdom of God. (Elijah the Prophet and His Mission and Salvation Universal, p. 5) TLDP:617

Jesus,
recorded in Matthew

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. (Jesus instructs his disciples, he addresses Peter) Matthew 16:19

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

For I have conferred upon you the keys and power of the priesthood, wherein I restore all things, and make known unto you all things in due time.

46. And verily, verily, I say unto you, that whatsoever you seal on earth shall be sealed in heaven; and whatsoever you bind on earth, in my name and by my word, saith the Lord, it shall be eternally bound in the heavens; and whosesoever sins you remit on earth shall be remitted eternally in the heavens; and whosesoever sins you retain on earth shall be retained in heaven. (Revelation relating to the new and everlasting covenant, including the eternal nature of the marriage covenant, July 12, 1843, [1831]) D&C 132:45-46

Mormon

Behold, I give unto you power, that whatsoever ye shall seal on earth shall be sealed in heaven; and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven; and thus shall ye have power among this people. (The Lord gives Nephi son of Helaman the sealing power, about 23-20 B.C.) Helaman 10:7

575. Elijah, the ancient prophet, personally restored the sealing powers of the priesthood to earth in these latter days.

(The angel) Moroni, son of Mormon

Elder Joseph Fielding Smith

In the fourth chapter Malachi speaks again of the coming of the Son of God, in these words:

For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. (Malachi 4:1)

This will happen when our savior comes in his glory to take vengeance upon the ungodly and take his place as King of kings and Lord of lords. Then this prophet Malachi goes on to say that before that day can come, which will be terrible, Elijah the prophet was to come. . . .

The whole world ought to take notice of this prediction [Malachi 4:5-6, but the world does not understand it. Surely the signs of the times point to the fact that the great and dreadful day is near, even at our doors. The fig tree, figuratively, is putting forth her leaves. The turmoil, trouble, the war and bloodshed that we have seen, and which we still see, all point to the fact that this day for the coming of the Son of God is near. Therefore, Elijah the prophet is due to appear. I am sure you agree with me that he has already appeared, for we have it so recorded by the testimony of witnesses. It was on the third day of April, 1836, when he came to the Kirtland Temple, to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, and conferred upon them the keys of his priesthood and told them he came in fulfilment of the prophecy of Malachi, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the children to their fathers, lest the whole earth be smitten with a curse. CR1948Apr:132

Joseph Smith

After this vision had closed, another great and glorious vision burst upon us; for Elijah the prophet, who was taken to heaven without tasting death, stood before us, and said:

14. Behold, the time has fully come, which was spoken of by the mouth of Malachi—testifying that he Elijah, should be sent, before the great and dreadful day of the Lord come—

15. 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—

16. Therefore, the keys of this dispensation are committed into your hands; and by this ye may know that the great and dreadful day of the Lord is near, even at the doors. (Vision manifested to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in the Kirtland Temple, April 3, 1836) D&C 110:13-16

Joseph Smith

Elijah was the last Prophet that held the keys of the Priesthood, and who will, before the last dispensation, restore the authority and deliver the keys of the Priesthood, in order that all the ordinances may be attended to in righteousness. It is true that the Savior had authority and power to bestow this blessing; but the sons of Levi were too prejudiced. "And I will send Elijah the Prophet before the great and terrible day of the Lord," etc., etc. Why send Elijah? Because he holds the keys of the authority to administer in all the ordinances of the Priesthood; and without the authority is given, the ordinances could not be administered in righteousness. (Article on priesthood, read to the Church in general conference, Oct. 1840) HC4:211

James E. Talmage

Malachi predicted the coming of Elijah especially commissioned with power to inaugurate the work of cooperation between the fathers and the children, and announced this mission as a necessary preliminary to "the great and dreadful day of the Lord." The angel Moroni confirmed the truth and significance of this prediction in an emphatic reiteration as already set forth. Joseph Smith and his associate in the ministry, Oliver Cowdery, solemnly testify that they were visited by Elijah the prophet, in the Temple at Kirtland, Ohio, on the third day of April, 1836; on which occasion the ancient prophet declared to the prophet of the latter days that the day spoken of by Malachi had come: "Therefore," continued he, "the keys of this dispensation are committed into your hands; and by this ye may know that the great and dreadful day of the Lord is near, even at the doors." The particular nature of the union of the fathers and the children, upon which Malachi, Moroni, and Elijah laid great stress, has been explained as comprising vicarious ordinances, including baptism for the dead who have passed from earth without a knowledge of the Gospel or opportunity of complying with its laws and ordinances. In the teaching and practice of this doctrine, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints stands alone amongst all the churches professing Christianity. AF:16

President Brigham Young,
quoted by John A. Widtsoe

Suppose we are ready to go into the temples of God to officiate for our fathers and our grandfathers—for our ancestors back for hundreds of years, who are all looking to see what their children are doing upon the earth. The Lord says, I have sent the keys of Elijah the Prophet —I have imparted that doctrine to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to the fathers. (In Tabernacle, Aug. 15, 1852, JD6:296) DBY:408

Related Witnesses:

James E. Talmage

The Church today cites as authority for its administration of ordinances in behalf of the dead, the special bestowal of this power and office through the ministry of Elijah, and furthermore, the Church holds that the giving of that power marked the fulfilment of Malachi's portentous prediction. There appears an element of particular fitness in the fact that the minister through whom this great work has been inaugurated in the present dispensation, is none other than Elijah—who, not having passed the portals of death, held a peculiar and special relation to both the dead and the living. As to the fidelity with which the Church has served under this special commission, the temples it has reared with such sacrifice and self-denial on the part of its devoted adherents, and the ordinance work already performed therein, are sufficient proof. HL:71-72

(The angel) Moroni, son of Mormon,
quoted by Joseph Smith

Behold, I will reveal unto you the Priesthood, by the hand of Elijah the prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. (Extract from words of the angel Moroni to Joseph Smith, Sept. 21, 1823) D&C 2:1

576. The powers of heaven are controlled and handled by priesthood bearers.

Elder Spencer W. Kimball

John A. Widtsoe

Elder John Taylor

President Joseph Fielding Smith

President Spencer W. Kimball

Paul

Boyd K. Packer

Joseph Smith

[T]he 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.

37. 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. (Revelation received while in Liberty Jail, March 20, 1839; why many are called and few chosen) D&C 121:36-37

Elder Spencer W. Kimball

There is no limit to the power of the priesthood which you hold. The limit comes in you if you do not live in harmony with the Spirit of the Lord and you limit yourselves in the power you exert. (Lamanite conference, priesthood meeting, Nov. 1947) (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 498) TLDP:500

John A. Widtsoe

Joseph Smith

The power and authority of the higher, or Melchizedek Priesthood, is to hold the keys of all the spiritual blessings of the church—

President Joseph F. Smith

What is the Priesthood? It is nothing more nor less than the power of God delegated to man by which man can act in the earth for the salvation of the human family. . . . It is the same power and Priesthood that was committed to the disciples of Christ while he was upon the earth, that whatsoever they should bind on earth should be bound in heaven and whatsoever they should loose on earth should be loosed in heaven. CR1904Oct:5; DGSM:67

Elder John Taylor

What is priesthood? . . . it is the government of God, whether on the earth or in the heavens, for it is by that power, agency, or principle that all things are governed on the earth and in the heavens, and by that power that all things are upheld and sustained. It governs all things—it directs all things—it sustains all things—and has to do with all things that God and truth are associated with. It is the power of God delegated to intelligences in the heavens and to men on the earth. (Millennial Star, Nov. 1847, p. 321) DGSM:67

Elder Joseph Fielding Smith

This priesthood holds the keys of binding and sealing on earth and in heaven of all the ordinances and principles pertaining to the salvation of man, that they may thus become valid in the celestial kingdom of God. . . . It is by virtue of this authority that ordinances are performed in the temples for both the living and the dead. It is the power which unites for eternity husbands and wives, when they enter into marriage according to the eternal plan. It is the authority by which parents obtain the claim of parenthood, concerning their children, through all eternity and not only for time, which makes eternal the family in the kingdom of God. (Doctrines of Salvation, 2:117) MPSG84:9

Joseph Smith

Related Witnesses:

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

I came unto mine own, and mine own received me not; but unto as many as received me gave I power to do many miracles, and to become the sons of God; and even unto them that believed on my name gave I power to obtain eternal life. (Revelation received March 7, 1831) D&C 45:8

President Joseph Fielding Smith

We are the Lord's agents; we represent him; he has given us authority which empowers us to do all that is necessary to save and exalt ourselves as well as his other children in the world.

We are ambassadors of the Lord Jesus Christ. Our commission is to represent him. We are directed to preach his gospel, to perform the ordinances of salvation, to bless mankind, to heal the sick and perhaps perform miracles, to do what he would do if he were personally present—and all this because we hold the holy priesthood. CR1971Apr:47

President Spencer W. Kimball

But as fast as a man is worthy and able to handle it, the Lord will give him these powers. (Sao Paulo area conference, priesthood session) (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 501) TLDP:500

Paul

And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. (Paul writes to the Church at Corinth, Greece, about A.D. 55) 1 Corinthians 12:28

Boyd K. Packer

President Kimball mentioned also the authority to command the elements, to walk on the water. The Lord has this power, but He has not given it to mortals, although there are times when righteous men have been inspired to command the forces of nature and have been obeyed.

577. Only upon principles of righteousness can a priesthood bearer manage the powers of heaven.

President Harold B. Lee

President Wilford Woodruff

Elder Joseph F. Smith

Joseph Smith

Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen?

35. 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—

36. 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.

37. 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. (Revelation received while in Liberty Jail, March 20, 1839: why many are called and few chosen) D&C 121:34-37

Joseph Smith

The power, glory and blessings of the Priesthood could not continue with those who received ordination only as their righteousness continued; for Cain also being authorized to offer sacrifice, but not offering it in righteousness, was cursed. It signifies, then, that the ordinances must be kept in the very way God has appointed; otherwise their Priesthood will prove a cursing instead of a blessing.

If Cain had fulfilled the law of righteousness as did Enoch, he could have walked with God all the days of his life, and never failed of a blessing. . . . (From an article on priesthood, read at a general conference of the Church by Robert B. Thompson, and included as part of minutes of the conference held in Nauvoo, Ill., Oct. 5, 1840) HC4:209

President Harold B. Lee

The penalty if we do use our priesthood unrighteously is that the heavens withdraw themselves and the Spirit of the Lord is grieved. When we lose the Spirit, our priesthood authority is taken from us and we are left to ourselves "to kick against the pricks," when we are being irritated by the admonitions and instructions of our leaders. Then we begin to persecute the saints, which means criticize, and finally to fight against God, and the powers of darkness overtake us if we do not repent and turn from that evil course. (Mexico City area conference, Melchizedek Priesthood session, Aug. 26, 1972) (Stand Ye in Holy Places, pp. 253-54) TLDP:524

Elder Wilford Woodruff

You cannot use the priesthood for any other purpose under heaven but to build up the kingdom and do the will of God; and when you attempt to do otherwise your power will be taken from you. CR1880Apr:83

President Wilford Woodruff

Let all Israel remember that the eternal and everlasting Priesthood is bestowed upon us for the purpose alone of administering in the ordinances of life and salvation, both for the living and the dead, and no man on earth can use that Priesthood for any other purpose than for the work of the ministry, the perfecting of the Saints, edifying the body of Christ, establishing the Kingdom of Heaven, and redeeming Zion. If we attempt to use it for unrighteous purposes, like lightning from heaven, our power, sooner or later, falls, and we fail to accomplish the designs of God. ("A Communication from President Woodruff," Millennial Star, Aug. 1887, p. 546) TLDP:523

Elder Joseph F. Smith

This [D&C 84:33-41makes a very serious matter of receiving this covenant and this Priesthood; for those who receive it must, like God himself, abide in it, and must not fail, and must not be moved out of the way; for those who receive this oath and covenant and turn away from it, and cease to do righteously and to honor this covenant, and will to abide in sin, and repent not, there is no forgiveness for them either in this life or in the world to come. CR1898Apr:65

Boyd K. Packer

Your authority comes through your ordination; your power comes through obedience and worthiness. . . .

Marion G. Romney

These transcendent blessings the Father promises the receiver of the Melchizedek Priesthood by an oath and covenant which he says " . . . he cannot break, neither can it be moved." . . . But these blessings . . . do not come by ordination alone. Ordination to the priesthood is a prerequisite to receiving them, but it does not guarantee them. For a man actually to obtain them, he must faithfully discharge the obligation which is placed upon him when he receives the priesthood. CR1962Apr:17

Hugh B. Brown

I should like to say to you fathers tonight that our conduct in our homes determines in large measure our worthiness to hold and exercise the priesthood, which is the power of God delegated to man. Almost any man can make a good showing when on parade before the public, but one's integrity is tested when "off duty." The real man is seen and known in the comparative solitude of the home. An office or title will not erase a fault nor guarantee a virtue. CR1962Apr:88

James E. Faust

Each man and boy listening this evening has been entrusted with the greatest power on earth—the holy priesthood of God. It is the power to act righteously in the name of the Lord to build up the kingdom of God on earth. I remind you “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.”1 Priesthood is divine agency, and the Lord will hold us accountable for our use of this great authority. ¶ Like the “Little Engine That Could,” we need to be on the right track and develop our talents. We must remember that the priesthood can only be used for righteous purposes. When used “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.” (CR 2002Oct; I Believe I Can, I Knew I Could, Ensign, November 2002, p.49)

James E. Faust

Priesthood is a righteous authority only. Any attempt to use it in the home as a club to abuse or enforce unrighteous dominion is a complete contradiction of that authority and results in its loss. As a holder of the priesthood, the father holds a primary responsibility to claim spiritual and temporal blessings from the Lord for himself, his wife, his family, but these blessings can only be claimed in righteousness as he honors his priesthood. We are taught by the Lord that “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” (D&C 121:41). (CR Oct; Keeping Covenants and Honoring the Priesthood, Ensign, November 1993, p.36)

578. Authority of the priesthood is to be exercised in a pure spirit of love and kindness.

President Harold B. Lee

President John Taylor

Hugh B. Brown

President Harold B. Lee

The qualities of acceptable priesthood leadership are also carefully defined in this revelation [see D&C 121]. One is to preside over the Church with patience and long-suffering, with gentleness and meekness and with love unfeigned. If one must discipline or reprove with sharpness, he must do it when moved upon by the Holy Ghost, but afterwards he should show forth love, lest the one he has reproved thinks him to be an enemy. In all of our priesthood callings, therefore, we must never forget that it is the business of the Church to save souls, and those over whom we preside are our Father's children, and he will aid us in our endeavors to save every one of them. ACR(Mexico City)1972:76

Joseph Smith

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.

40. Hence many are called, but few are chosen.

41. 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;

42. By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile—

43. 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; (Revelation received while in Liberty Jail, March 20, 1839; the priesthood should be used only in righteousness) D&C 121:39-43

Joseph Smith

Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen?

35. 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—

36. 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.

37. 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. (Revelation through Joseph Smith while in Liberty Jail, March 20, 1839; why many are called and few chosen) D&C 121:34-37

Joseph Smith

The decisions of these quorums, or either of them, are to be made in all righteousness, in holiness, and lowliness of heart, meekness and long suffering, and in faith, and virtue, and knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and charity; (Revelation on priesthood, received as the Twelve met in council, March 28, 1835) D&C 107:30

President John Taylor

There is no authority associated with the Holy Priesthood except on the principle of persuasion, and no man has a right to plume himself upon any position he occupies in this Church, for he is simply a servant of God, and a servant of the people, and if any man attempts to use any kind of arbitrary authority, and act with any degree of unrighteousness, God will hold that man to an account for it, and we all of us have to be judged according to the deeds done in the body. We are here as saviours of men, and not as tyrants and oppressors. (At Parowan, Utah, June 24, 1883, JD24:268) TLDP:516

Elder Joseph Fielding Smith

Most men are inclined to abuse authority, especially those who wield it who are the least prepared to hold positions of trust. It has been the characteristic of men in power to use that power to gratify their own pride and vain ambitions. More misery has come to the inhabitants of this world through the exercise of authority by those who least deserved it, than from almost any other cause. Rulers of kingdoms in the past have oppressed their subjects, and where they had the power they have sought to increase their dominions. We have had some horrible examples of misplaced ambition which, in recent years, placed the very existence of humanity in peril. These conditions still prevail in high places bringing fear and consternation to the troubled world.

There should not, however, be any of this unrighteous ambition within the Church, but everything should be done in the spirit of love and humility. CHMR2:178; DGSM:70

President Joseph F. Smith

For the moment that a Latter-day Saint learns his duty, he will learn that it is his business to make peace, to establish good will, to work righteousness, to be filled with the spirit of kindness, love, charity, and forgiveness; and, so far as he is concerned, there can be no war, no strife, no contention, no quarreling, no disunion; no factions can arise among the people who know their duty as Latter-day Saints. CR1915Apr:4

James E. Faust

Priesthood is the greatest power on earth. Worlds were created by and through the priesthood. To safeguard this sacred power, all priesthood holders act under the direction of those who hold the keys of the priesthood. These keys bring order into our lives and into the organization of the Church. For us, priesthood power is the power and authority delegated by God to act in His name for the salvation of His children. Caring for others is the very essence of priesthood responsibility. It is the power to bless, to heal, and to administer the saving ordinances of the gospel. Righteous priesthood authority is most needed within the walls of our own homes. It must be exercised in great love. This is true of all priesthood holders—deacon, teacher, priest, elder, high priest, patriarch, Seventy, and Apostle. (CR 1997Apr; Power of the Priesthood, Ensign, May 1997, p.41)

James E. Faust

Related Witnesses:

Hugh B. Brown

While the Church, which was organized under divine direction, is the kingdom of God on earth, its membership consists of men and women who are not yet made perfect. It is a mixed society with an international complexion, subject in varying degrees to the weaknesses of humanity. It does not claim to be a picture gallery where every portrait is a masterpiece; therefore, Church membership requires continued tolerance, charity, and love of fellow men. CR1958Apr:109-10

579. The Lord gives His authorized servants power over devils.

Heber C. Kimball

Elder Spencer W. Kimball

Elder Joseph F. Smith

Elder John Taylor