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The Priesthood
1. "The priesthood
is the eternal power and authority of God... Through this power He accomplishes
His work and glory, which is “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life
of man” (Moses 1:39). Our Heavenly Father delegates His priesthood power to
worthy male members of the Church. The priesthood enables them to act in God’s
name for the salvation of the human family. Through it they can be authorized
to preach the gospel, administer the ordinances of salvation, and govern God’s
kingdom on earth" (Gospel Principles, The Priesthood).
2. The priesthood is
divided into two parts: the Melchizedek (greater) Priesthood and the Aaronic
(lesser) Priesthood (see D&C 107:1). The Aaronic Priesthood is “an
appendage to the greater, or the Melchizedek Priesthood” (D&C 107:14).
Those who hold the Aaronic Priesthood have authority to administer the outward
ordinances of the sacrament and baptism. (See D&C 20:46;107:13–14,
20.). It is often called the preparatory priesthood. As a priesthood holder
serves in the Aaronic Priesthood, he prepares to receive the Melchizedek
Priesthood. Those who hold the Melchizedek Priesthood administer the spiritual
work of the Church (See D&C 107:8).
3. "Anciently
Christ ordained His Apostles and gave them the priesthood. That authority was
lost when the people rejected the gospel and killed Christ and the Apostles. Priesthood
authority was restored in 1829 when John the Baptist appeared to the Prophet
Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. He laid his hands on their heads and conferred
on them the Aaronic Priesthood (see D&C 13). A short time later Peter,
James, and John of the original Twelve Apostles laid their hands on Joseph
Smith and Oliver Cowdery and conferred upon them the Melchizedek Priesthood,
which Peter, James, and John had received from Jesus Christ (see D&C
27:12–13)" (Preach My Gospel).
Blessings of the Priesthood
Conditional Blessings of the Atonement of Jesus Christ: Forgiveness, salvation, exaltation, eternal families, hope, overcome weaknesses, godly character/divine attributes, self control, guidance, comfort, joy, peace, strength, healing, etc.
To receive the conditional blessings of the atonement, we must live the Gospel of Jesus Christ:
· Faith- belief in, trust in, and commitment to obey Christ
· Repent- submit will to Christ and change behavior to follow Him; seek forgiveness and a change of heart
· Covenants- make/keep promises by priesthood authority to follow the example of Jesus Christ, such as baptism.
· Holy Ghost- receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost, invite and follow His guidance
· Endure to the end- consistently grow our faith, repent, keep our covenants, and receive the Holy Ghost
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Q How does the priesthood help us to receive
the blessings of the atonement of Jesus Christ?
Q Why else do we need the Priesthood?
4. "We must have priesthood
authority to act in the name of God when performing the sacred ordinances of
the gospel, such as baptism, confirmation, administration of the sacrament, and
temple marriage. If a man does not have the priesthood, even though he may be
sincere, the Lord will not recognize ordinances he performs (see Matthew
7:21–23; Articles of Faith 1:5)" (Gospel Principles, The Priesthood).
Q How have you been
blessed by the Priesthood?
Q How can those who
died without receiving the blessings of the priesthood still choose whether to receive
these blessings?
Receiving the
Priesthood
5. " A worthy male
member of the Church receives the priesthood “by the laying on of hands by
those who are in authority” (Articles of Faith 1:5).... This is the same way
men received the priesthood long ago... “And no man taketh this honour unto
himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron” (Hebrews 5:4). Aaron
received the priesthood from Moses, his priesthood leader (see Exodus 28:1). Men
cannot buy and sell the power and authority of the priesthood (see Acts
8:9-20)" (Gospel Principles, The Priesthood).
Q In our day, how is a
man called of God to receive the priesthood?
6. "Worthy males
ages 12 and over receive the Aaronic Priesthood soon after baptism and
confirmation. Worthy adult males will eventually receive the Melchizedek, or
higher, Priesthood" (Preach My Gospel).
The Priesthood
Covenant
7. "For whoso is
faithful unto the obtaining these two priesthoods of which I have spoken, and
the magnifying their calling, are sanctified by the Spirit unto the renewing of
their bodies.... And also all they who receive this priesthood receive me,
saith the Lord... And he that receiveth me receiveth my Father; And he that
receiveth my Father receiveth my Father’s kingdom; therefore all that my Father
hath shall be given unto him.... Therefore, all those who receive the
priesthood, receive this oath and covenant of my Father, which he cannot break.... And wo unto all those who come not unto this
priesthood.... For you shall live by every word that proceedeth forth from the
mouth of God" (D&C84:33-44).
8. "Priesthood holders magnify their callings as they minister in their own
homes and to other Saints and as they conscientiously fulfill assigned
responsibilities.... Priesthood holders magnify their callings as they serve
with diligence, teach with faith and testimony, and lift, strengthen, and
nurture convictions of righteousness in the lives of those for whom they have
responsibility"
(Handbook 2: Administering the Church, 2.4.5).
Aaronic Priesthood:
Deacon, Teacher, Priest Duties
A. Deacon (age 12+)
·
Pass the sacrament
·
Collect fast offerings
·
Keep church buildings/grounds in good order
·
Messengers for priesthood leaders
B. Teacher (age 14+)
·
All duties of a Deacon
·
Prepare the sacrament
·
Home Teacher (regularly visit and strengthen church
members; encourage them to live gospel principles)
C. Priest (age 16+)
·
All duties of a Teacher
·
Bless the sacrament
·
Baptize
·
Ordain others to the Aaronic Priesthood
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Melchizedek
Priesthood: Elder Duties
E. Elder (generally age 18+)
·
All duties of a Priest
·
Give the Gift of the Holy Ghost (confirmation)
·
Give priesthood blessings of healing, comfort, and
guidance; can name and bless children
·
Ordain others to the Melchizedek Priesthood
·
Preach the Gospel by the Spirit
·
Minister to family and others
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Q What do men covenant
to do when they receive the Aaronic Priesthood? How does this covenant change
when they receive the Melchizedek Priesthood?
9. “Priesthood means service; bearing the
priesthood, I will serve" (Joseph B. Wirthlin, April 2007 General
Conference).
Q What does someone
need to do to be prepared to receive Aaronic Priesthood?
Q How does the Aaronic
Priesthood prepare a man to receive and fulfill the duties of the Melchizedek
Priesthood?
Q How does God help priesthood
holders keep their priesthood covenants?
The Proper Use of the
Priesthood
Q What does the
following scripture teach us about the proper use of the priesthood? In the
church? In the home?
10. "Behold, 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. Hence many are called, but
few are chosen.
"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 [clarity], 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" (D&C
121:34-46).
Key talks about the Priesthood can be found at
Key talks about Service can be found at
Key talks about the Restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ
can be found at
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