“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.”
“And Moses spake unto the Lord, saying, Let the Lord, the God of the spirit of all flesh, set a man over the congregation; Which may go out before them, and which may go in before them, and which may lead them out, and which may bring them in; that the congregation of the Lord be not as sheep which have no shepherd. And the Lord said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him; And set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation; and give him a charge in their sight. And thou shall put some of thy honour upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient.1”
A) We must be called of God
Every man, in any position in the Church of Christ, must be called of God. No one has the right to call himself to do anything; but must be called of God: “And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.2” Although God chooses his prophets directly (see the calling of Moses or Joseph Smith), other callings must be revealed by inspiration to the servants of the Lord for “ Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.3”
B) The priesthood
To accomplish His work and purposes, the Lord has given His servant the authority to perform and act in His name. This authority is called the Priesthood. Once Jesus Christ chose his twelve Apostles, he bestowed upon them the priesthood: “And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of decease.4” Only one person holds all the keys of authority in the Church. It is the prophet or President of the church.
While Jesus Christ was establishing His church on the earth, He gave those keys pertaining to the Priesthood to Peter: “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.5” Thus, Peter, at the death of Christ, was acting as President of the Church, holding the keys of the Priesthood. The Priesthood is conferred by the laying on of hands by someone who already has received this authority: "And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.6” Thus, every worthy male, in the Church of Jesus Christ, may receive the Priesthood authority. Through the Priesthood all the necessary ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ can be performed.
To accomplish His work and purposes, the Lord has given His servant the authority to perform and act in His name. This authority is called the Priesthood. Once Jesus Christ chose his twelve Apostles, he bestowed upon them the priesthood: “And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of decease.4” Only one person holds all the keys of authority in the Church. It is the prophet or President of the church.
While Jesus Christ was establishing His church on the earth, He gave those keys pertaining to the Priesthood to Peter: “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.5” Thus, Peter, at the death of Christ, was acting as President of the Church, holding the keys of the Priesthood. The Priesthood is conferred by the laying on of hands by someone who already has received this authority: "And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.6” Thus, every worthy male, in the Church of Jesus Christ, may receive the Priesthood authority. Through the Priesthood all the necessary ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ can be performed.
C) The restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ
Let us go back in history to understand the need for a restoration of this authority. There are many truths available to man. We could categorize these truths as two kinds.
Let us go back in history to understand the need for a restoration of this authority. There are many truths available to man. We could categorize these truths as two kinds.
The first is the ideas of men. The ideas of men are always changing and limited. We could use the example of scientific theories. Science is wonderful. It helps men develop their ideas in trying to understand the laws of nature in the universe. It helps men develop knowledge of the Eternal truths of God. But because our ideas are limited, we cannot fully comprehend the Eternal truths of God. For many years there was a theory that the earth was flat and the sun revolved around the earth. Modern scientists realized that these theories were completely untrue. Theories change as we grow in knowledge. But the truths of our Father in Heaven are eternal and unchanging. We learn that the prophets, a least seven years before Christ, knew about this truth. They wrote about God: “Yea, by the power of his voice doth the whole earth shake; Yea, by the power of his voice, do the foundation rock, even to the very center. Yea, and if he say unto the earth- Move -it is moved (...) And thus, according to his words the earth goes back, and it appeareth unto man that the sun standeth still; yea, and behold, this is so; for surely it is the earth that moveth and not the sun.7”
About seven years before Christ, it was revealed to the prophets that the earth revolved around the sun. The prophets knew this truth from the beginning of time, because it was revealed from God. This is an example that God knows everything. It is upon Eternal truths that he has created us and given us commandments. It is through the truths of God that we find true happiness in this life and prepare ourselves to return to His presence.
It becomes essential for each of us to find these truths. While Jesus Christ was on earth, He established his Church. He wanted to make sure that the truth was taught to everyone. Christ loves us! He does not want us to be confused. He wants us to know the truth so that we may be able to enjoy the blessings that come from living it.
“And he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.8” He called men who learned firsthand experience about these truths; “ Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God. And are build upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.9” These men are called prophets and apostles. He gave them the authority, the right and power to act in His name. This authority was called the priesthood*.
About seven years before Christ, it was revealed to the prophets that the earth revolved around the sun. The prophets knew this truth from the beginning of time, because it was revealed from God. This is an example that God knows everything. It is upon Eternal truths that he has created us and given us commandments. It is through the truths of God that we find true happiness in this life and prepare ourselves to return to His presence.
It becomes essential for each of us to find these truths. While Jesus Christ was on earth, He established his Church. He wanted to make sure that the truth was taught to everyone. Christ loves us! He does not want us to be confused. He wants us to know the truth so that we may be able to enjoy the blessings that come from living it.
“And he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.8” He called men who learned firsthand experience about these truths; “ Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God. And are build upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.9” These men are called prophets and apostles. He gave them the authority, the right and power to act in His name. This authority was called the priesthood*.
Even though Jesus Christ was rejected, persecuted and eventually crucified, after his death he continued to lead His Church by revelation to his prophets and apostles. The word " revelation" is translated from the Greek word "apocalypse" which means to make known or uncover. The principle of revelation is one of the greatest truths contained in the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is the way Christ has provided for men to know about the truth, to let men know how they can return to live in God’s presence. Revelations may be given to the saints through the Holy Ghost, but also by other means, like visions, dreams or visitations. Revelations, for the Church, are given to the living prophet who holds the keys and has the authority to receive revelations for the Church. One may receive revelation for himself, or for his own family. Revelations are given pertaining to the calling received and the rights and keys pertaining to that office or calling.
As mentioned earlier, after the death of Christ, Peter was the one who had received those keys and acted as the prophet of the Church. Prophets have been teaching those truths since the beginning of the world. They recorded them in sacred scriptures. Through this continuing revelation process, the truths were taught clearly, without any confusion. As a matter of fact, the prophets and apostles made sure those truths were taught clearly. The Apostles went throughout the world to teach the gospel, establish the truth and correct false doctrines. But because of the wickedness of the people, they rejected them. Because of the wickedness of the people, doctrines were changed.
“ I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.10”
“Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: from which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling: desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.11” “ Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.12” Because of the confusion that was taking place and the persecution against the church, some church members fell into error and unrighteousness.
Under Nero 64 AD., Christians were held responsible for destruction that occurred at the time, and they were tortured and forced into confession. The apostle Paul was beheaded, and Peter crucified.
Under the Domitian 94 AD., Christians were forced to worship idols and were persecuted if they refused to do so.
Under Trujan 100 AD (approximately) Christianity was considered as an unpardonable offense. If Christians did not deny their faith they were put to death. The persecution continued until the reign of Constantine, 300 AD., who made Christianity a religion of state for political reasons.
“ I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.10”
“Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: from which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling: desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.11” “ Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.12” Because of the confusion that was taking place and the persecution against the church, some church members fell into error and unrighteousness.
Under Nero 64 AD., Christians were held responsible for destruction that occurred at the time, and they were tortured and forced into confession. The apostle Paul was beheaded, and Peter crucified.
Under the Domitian 94 AD., Christians were forced to worship idols and were persecuted if they refused to do so.
Under Trujan 100 AD (approximately) Christianity was considered as an unpardonable offense. If Christians did not deny their faith they were put to death. The persecution continued until the reign of Constantine, 300 AD., who made Christianity a religion of state for political reasons.
But, the church had already changed in comparison to the one Christ had established. The church was in a state of increasing perversion. Some changes that occurred may be found in the mode of baptism, the ceremony of baptism and the beginning of infant baptism. The ordinance of the sacrament, which was supposed to be simple and sacred, became long ceremonies with long prayers surrounded by vessels of gold and silver. The organization changed introducing distinctions and recognition between bishops. People were to pay for salvation or remission of sins. Scriptures were reserved for spiritual teachers and not for the followers13.
All these resulted in a state of darkness. The apostles being the foundation of the church were rejected by the people and at times, killed. The Lord took the priesthood authority of the church from the earth. No longer was there a church on earth receiving direct revelation from God. As a result, Man started to rely upon human wisdom which lead to confusion and false ideas taught as truth. This falling away from the truth of the church of Christ is called the apostasy. The apostle Paul prophesied about this apostasy.“ Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, that ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first.14”
There was a lot of confusion in the world about religion. But the Lord would never leave his children in confusion because he wants them to know the gospel. He wants them to know the principles that will lead them back to our Heavenly Father. For many years, the Lord prepared for the gospel of Christ to be restored in its fullness upon the earth. Through great men, under the influence of the spirit, he prepared a place, a state of mind, and freedom of religion that His church may be established again on the earth. One such man was Joseph Smith. He learned from first hand experience the truth about God, and the way that we can return to him. A few years after his vision, while he was translating the Book of Mormon, he had certain questions about the mode of baptism and the necessary authority, which was mentioned in this sacred writing.
“ Yea, and there was continual peace among them, and exceedingly great prosperity in the church because of their heed and diligence which they gave unto the word of God, which was declared unto them by Helaman, and Shiblom, and Corianton, and Ammon and his brethren, ye, and by all those who had been ordained by the Holy Order of God, being baptized unto repentance, and sent forth to preach among the people.15” When Jesus Christ showed himself unto the people in America he gave the authority to his disciples to teach and baptize; “ and the Lord said unto him: I give unto you power that ye shall baptize these people when I am again ascended unto heaven. And again the Lord called others, and said unto them likewise; and he gave unto them power to baptize.16” Those writings are in perfect accord with the biblical teachings, “ Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.17” “ And when they had fasted and prayed, and layed their hands on them they went them away.18”
In answer to his prayer of May 15th, 1829, while Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery were in the woods, John the Baptist appeared to them, as a resurrected being, and conferred upon Joseph the Aaronic Priesthood, named after Aaron. These are the words the angel spake unto them. “Upon you my fellow servants, in the name of Messiah I confer the priesthood of Aaron, which holds the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; and this shall never be taken again from the earth...19” John the Baptist held the keys of the preparatory gospel and ministering of angels. Because John the Baptist was the one having this authority at the time Jesus Christ desired to be baptized, Christ walked for many days to find him and receive a proper baptism. The Aaronic priesthood, called the lesser priesthood “has power in administering outward ordinances20”, such as baptism and the sacrament.
A short time later, in June 1830, Joseph Smith received the higher priesthood from the hands of Peter, James and John, also as resurrected beings, who were called to lead the church at Christ’s death. It is the exact same priesthood Jesus Christ brought while ministering on earth21. A revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet in 1830 states: “ and also with Peter, and James, and John who 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.22” This authority or higher priesthood is called the Melchizedek Priesthood. “Yea, humble yourself even in as the people in the days of Melchizedek, who was also a high priest after the same order which I have spoken, who also took upon him the high priesthood forever. And it was this same Melchizedek to whom Abraham paid tithes; ye, even our father Abraham paid tithes of one tenth of all he possessed. But Melchizedek having exercised mighty faith, and received the office of the high priesthood according to the Holy Order of God, did preach repentance unto his people23”. These were the words Alma taught his people on the American continent. From the Bible we learn about the Melchizedek Priesthood. “For every high priest taken from among them is ordained for men in this pertaining to God, that he may offer both gift and sacrifices for sins. And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. So also Christ glorified not himself to be made a high priest; but he that said unto him, thou art my son, to day have I begotten thee. As he saith in also in another place, thou art a priest, forever after the order of Melchisedec.24”
Through these two priesthoods all the necessary gospel ordinances can be given and received. It is the authority to baptize and confirm a member into Christ's church. By this authority, one can also receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. This authority is given to every faithful, worthy male member of the Church to administer the ordinances thereof. To express how important this priesthood is and how it is received, we could quote the story of Simon in the new testament who seeks to buy this gift and was rebuked by Peter the Apostle: “And when Simon saw that through laying on of the Apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.25”
The priesthood is to be exercised upon principles of righteousness: “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 right 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 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, 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 priesthood shall distill upon thy soul as the dews from heaven.26”
These words were spoken by the prophet Joseph Smith explaining the responsibility that rests on the shoulders of those who receive the priesthood. This gift enables us to receive personal inspiration and guidance from God.
References:
1. Numbers 27: 15-20
2. Hebrews 5: 4
3. Amos 3:7
4. Matthew 10: 1
5. Matthew 16: 19
6. Acts 13: 3
7. Helaman 12: 11-13, 15
8. John 3: 21
9. Ephesians 2: 19-20
10. Galatians 1: 6-7
11. 1 Timothy 1: 5-7
12. 1 John 2: 18
13. See James Talmage, The Great Apostasy
14. 2 Thessalonians 2: 1-3
15. Alma 49: 30
16. See 3 Nephi 11: 21-22
17. Luke 9: 1
18. Acts 13: 3
19. See Doctrine and Covenants 13
20. See Doctrine and Covenants 107: 14
21. See Hebrews 7
22. Doctrine and Covenants 27: 12
23. See Alms 13: 14-15, 18
24. Hebrews 5: 1, 4-5
25. See Acts 8: 18-21
26. See Doctrine and Covenants 121: 34– 45
2. Hebrews 5: 4
3. Amos 3:7
4. Matthew 10: 1
5. Matthew 16: 19
6. Acts 13: 3
7. Helaman 12: 11-13, 15
8. John 3: 21
9. Ephesians 2: 19-20
10. Galatians 1: 6-7
11. 1 Timothy 1: 5-7
12. 1 John 2: 18
13. See James Talmage, The Great Apostasy
14. 2 Thessalonians 2: 1-3
15. Alma 49: 30
16. See 3 Nephi 11: 21-22
17. Luke 9: 1
18. Acts 13: 3
19. See Doctrine and Covenants 13
20. See Doctrine and Covenants 107: 14
21. See Hebrews 7
22. Doctrine and Covenants 27: 12
23. See Alms 13: 14-15, 18
24. Hebrews 5: 1, 4-5
25. See Acts 8: 18-21
26. See Doctrine and Covenants 121: 34– 45
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