CONFERRAL AND ORDINATIONS OF THE PRIESTHOOD, P1 of Ch7 of Holy priesthood V1

CONFERRAL AND ORDINATIONS OF THE PRIESTHOOD, P1 of Ch7 of Holy priesthood V1

Brethren, it is a glorious privilege to have the priesthood of God, which has power that is greater than that held by kings and emperors. (Priesthood, p. 6, Spencer W. Kimball)

Priesthood, a Sacred Privilege

There is no greater privilege on earth than possessing the Priesthood, nor is there any greater power. For this reason it is important to understand what it is and make sure it is conferred properly. A brief review was given by Joseph Fielding Smith:

Priesthood has been defined by President John Taylor as the “rule, authority, administration, of the government of God on the earth or in the heavens.” It is the authority of God delegated to man, by which he is given power to officiate in all the ordinances of the Gospel, speak in the name of the Lord, perform all duties pertaining to the building up of the kingdom of God on the earth, and obtain knowledge by revelation. It is the power by which worlds are made. It is the power they obey, for it is the authority by which our Eternal Father performs all His work.

Without Priesthood there can be no Church of Jesus Christ on the earth: no official act performed in the name of the Lord and recognized by him; no remission of sins or fellowship with God. No man has power to take this authority to himself, it must be [143] delegated and come through the proper channels from the Author of our faith. (Way to Perfection, Smith, p. 70)

The Priesthood, then, is one of the greatest and most precious blessings that God can bestow upon man. 

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