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9. You are blessed by priesthood keys and authority
heavenly messengers restoring priesthood keys in the Kirtland Temple

9.

You are blessed by priesthood keys and authority

Matthew 16:18–19

When Jesus taught Peter about priesthood authority, He spoke of keys. Keys are used to unlock and open things. Priesthood keys can unlock God’s power, gifts, and blessings in your life.

Eternal Truths

All priesthood keys and authority come through Jesus Christ. Every priesthood holder can trace his authority back to Him. The Savior determines who receives this authority and who receives priesthood keys. We trust His perfect knowledge.

Jesus Christ has restored His priesthood in our day. He directs how the priesthood will be used. Adam, Moses, Peter, and many other prophets throughout history received priesthood keys. In our day, Joseph Smith received priesthood keys from John the Baptist, Peter, Moses, Elias, Elijah, and others. The members of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles hold all priesthood keys on earth today. Local priesthood leaders and quorum presidents also hold priesthood keys for their callings. Priesthood keys govern God’s work. They authorize and empower men and women to assist in that work.

Priesthood authority blesses all of God’s children. Because the priesthood was restored, you can receive ordinances and make covenants with God. You can act in the name of God when you receive an assignment or calling from someone with authority.

Invitations

Accept Church callings and serve faithfully. When you receive a Church calling, you are set apart with authority from God to serve in that role. You can also receive guidance from God for your service. As you serve, you represent Jesus Christ. Give Him your best.

Sustain those who God has called to serve. To sustain means more than just raising your hand when a name is read in a Church meeting. It means to support and help. Look for ways to show that you sustain the people Jesus Christ has called to serve in His Church.

Fulfill assignments from your Church leaders—including from your quorum or class presidency. They have authority from God, which they delegate to you for that assignment. You might be assigned to minister to someone, welcome people as they arrive at sacrament meeting, or help with an activity. Whatever the assignment is, see it as an opportunity to be a disciple of Jesus Christ and serve God’s children.

Jesus Christ being baptized by John the Baptist in the River Jordan

Promised Blessings

You can trust that the ordinances you receive are authorized by Jesus Christ. This is one of the things that makes the Church of Jesus Christ unique. Through priesthood ordinances, the power of God is manifest.

You will become an instrument in the Lord’s hands. As you serve the Lord with His authority and under the direction of His servants who hold priesthood keys, He will help you know how to serve others in His work. Jesus Christ is your strength. Your service will help you draw closer to Him and bring you joy.

Questions and Answers

Who in my ward holds priesthood keys? The bishop and the presidents of the elders, teachers, and deacons quorums hold priesthood keys. This means the Lord has assigned them to direct how the priesthood is used to serve and bless everyone in the ward.

How do priesthood keys bless me? Ordinances like baptism and the sacrament are authorized by priesthood keys. When you receive a calling in the Church, you are set apart under the direction of someone who holds keys. This blesses you with the authority to serve in that calling. Church leaders and teachers who serve you also received priesthood authority through keys.

How do men and women serve with priesthood authority? Worthy men have the priesthood conferred upon them and are ordained to priesthood offices like deacon, teacher, priest, and elder. Both women and men who are set apart to serve in a calling receive delegated priesthood authority from God to fulfill that calling. The same is true for women and men who receive an assignment from a Church leader.

See Doctrine and Covenants 35:24–27 (the Church is led by the keys the Lord has given); 107:18–20 (keys of the Melchizedek Priesthood and Aaronic Priesthood); 110:11–16 (Moses, Elias, and Elijah restored keys).

Temple Recommend Questions

  • Do you sustain the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as the prophet, seer, and revelator and as the only person on the earth authorized to exercise all priesthood keys?

  • Do you sustain the members of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as prophets, seers, and revelators?

  • Do you sustain the other General Authorities and local leaders of the Church?