Introduction
Hold up a set of keys. What is the purpose of keys? They provide access to physical places; they keep unauthorized people out of those places; they provide access to power in the case of automobiles; they keep things safe; losing them can be a real problem.
What are the purposes of priesthood keys? Very similar! They ultimately provide access to heaven; they give us access to God’s power; they seal families eternally; losing them is an eternal problem!
Priesthood keys authorize those who hold them to preside over and direct the church within a specific jurisdiction, such as a ward, quorum, stake, or mission. All priesthood offices and organizations function under direction of these presiding authorities.
Priesthood definition
In October 2003 General Conference, President Thomas S. Monson quoted President Stephen L Richards: “The Priesthood is usually simply defined as ‘the power of God delegated to man.’ This definition, I think, is accurate. But for practical purposes I like to define the Priesthood in terms of service and I frequently call it ‘the perfect plan of service.’ ”
Throughout this lesson, watch for ways the priesthood offers us the opportunity to serve others and to be served by it.
The Aaronic Priesthood
Read D&C 13, including the section heading giving background information. What specific authority or responsibility was conferred with this ordination?
Keys of the ministering of angels
What does it mean to hold the keys of the ministering of angels? President Gordon B. Hinckley said, “That means, as I interpret it, that if you live worthy of the priesthood, you have the right to receive and enjoy the very power of heavenly beings to guide you, to protect you, to bless you” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1982, 64; or Ensign, Nov. 1982, 45).
Elder Dallin H. Oaks taught that the ministering of angels can occur through personal appearances and “can also be unseen. Angelic messages can be delivered by a voice or merely by thoughts or feelings communicated to the mind. … Most angelic communications are felt or heard rather than seen” (Dallin H. Oaks, in Conference Report, Oct. 1998, 51; or Ensign, Nov. 1998, 39).
Remember the image of keys – when I turned 16, I received the keys to the family car. I was so excited to enjoy the independence and freedom and convenience this brought with it. The fact that I could drive did not mean that I only drove myself; I also took others with me and they enjoyed the benefits of my being able to drive. How can others be blessed through the keys of the ministering of angels restored with the Aaronic Priesthood? Elder Oaks explained the relationship between the priesthood, sacrament, and ministering of angels:
“Through the Aaronic Priesthood ordinances of baptism and the sacrament, we are cleansed of our sins and promised that if we keep our covenants we will always have His Spirit to be with us. I believe that promise not only refers to the Holy Ghost but also to the ministering of angels, for ‘angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ’ (2 Nephi 32:3). So it is that those who hold the Aaronic Priesthood open the door for all Church members who worthily partake of the sacrament to enjoy the companionship of the Spirit of the Lord and the ministering of angels” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1998, 51; or Ensign, Nov. 1998, 39).
Have you ever considered that through their service, the Deacons make it possible for you to receive the ministering of angels in your life?
Keys of repentance and baptism
The Priesthood of Aaron is called the preparatory priesthood because it prepares us to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost and temple ordinances which are administered under the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood. John the Baptist did this; read Matthew 3:1–6, 11.
How can Aaronic Priesthood holders in our day fulfill these responsibilities? The sacrament is directly related to repentance and baptism.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve said: “We ask you young men of the Aaronic Priesthood to prepare and bless and pass these emblems of the Savior’s sacrifice worthily and reverently. What a stunning privilege and sacred trust given at such a remarkably young age! I can think of no higher compliment heaven could pay you. We do love you. Live your best and look your best when you participate in the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1995, 89; or Ensign, Nov. 1995, 68).
The Melchizedek Priesthood
The Melchizedek Priesthood was restored some weeks after John the Baptist ordained Joseph and Oliver to the Aaronic Priesthood, although the exact date and circumstances are not recorded. Peter, James, and John, the First Presidency of the Church following Jesus’ resurrection, laid their hands on the heads of Joseph and Oliver and conferred upon them the same power and authority that they held while in mortality.
Read D&C 84:19-22 and note the following:
- 19 – The Melchizedek Priesthood administers the gospel.
- 19 – The Melchizedek Priesthood brings knowledge of the mysteries of the
- 20-21 – God’s power is displayed in our lives through the ordinances administered under the Melchizedek Priesthood. How have you seen this in your life?
- 22 – The opportunity to see and commune with God the Father
The Melchizedek Priesthood also includes the right of presidency (see D&C 107:8-9) and the keys of the gathering of
The Priesthood blesses everyone
Although only worthy male members of the Church hold the priesthood, everyone may partake of its blessings.
· How are women blessed by the priesthood?
· How are children blessed by the priesthood?
· How can those who do not have a worthy priesthood holder in the home be blessed?
· How have you been blessed by the priesthood?
· How can we show our appreciation to Heavenly Father for the blessings of the priesthood?
Conclusion
The priesthood has been restored on earth. Because of that, we are ALL blessed both temporally and spiritually. We should focus on making and keeping the covenants available through the keys that God has restored to earth.
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