Powers of Heaven & Principles of Righteousness

Thank you for the great discussion today!  I always learn so much from you.   I love your questions and comments!

This is the scripture I was looking for today.  It's in Doctrine and Covenants 121.  I love this entire chapter—when you read it you’ll probably want to mark every verse.  It’s especially lovely because it was given to Joseph Smith when he was going through a very tough time in Liberty Jail.  The Lord gives him instruction and promises him great blessings for his endurance.

In class we were talking about how priesthood is used to serve others.   The Lord taught Joseph Smith that the powers of heaven could only be handled upon principles of righteousness:

D&C 121:36 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.  37 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degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man.

Then he speaks of the virtues that should accompany priesthood use:

41 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;  42 By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile—

Those are virtues that we can seek to cultivate to better have the influence of the Spirit with us.  Then we are given this counsel.  Have you heard this before?

45 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.  46 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.

I love this!  Although I can’t exactly picture “an unchanging scepter of righteousness” or “an everlasting dominion” right now, I sure hope to find out what they are someday, don’t you?

What are the keys of the priesthood?

Priesthood keys are the authority Heavenly Father has given to priesthood leaders to direct the use of His priesthood on earth. Jesus Christ holds all priesthood keys. “The keys of this dispensation,” which are necessary to lead the Church, were conferred on the Prophet Joseph Smith (see D&C 110:16). Today the members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles hold those keys. Priesthood keys are also given to the Presidency of the Seventy; presidents of temples, missions, stakes, and districts; bishops; branch presidents; and quorum presidents—including Aaronic Priesthood quorum presidents.





If you don't see a button for the video above, you can watch it here.

Learn more:

Matthew 16:18–19 (Peter is promised the keys of the kingdom of God)

Mosiah 25:19 (Mosiah authorizes Alma to establish the Church)

D&C 65:2 (Priesthood keys are necessary for the gospel to go forth)

D&C 124:123, 142–43 (Presidents hold priesthood keys to govern the work of the ministry)

D&C 132:7 (The President of the Church is the only person on earth authorized to exercise all priesthood keys)

Why is it important to you that the priesthood keys are on the earth today?

What is the Priesthood?

The priesthood is the eternal power and authority of our Heavenly Father. Through the priesthood, God created and governs the heavens and earth. Through this power He redeems and exalts His children. He gives worthy priesthood holders authority to administer ordinances of salvation. All of Heavenly Father’s children can qualify to receive these ordinances and access the power and blessings of the priesthood.

If you can't view the video above, you can watch it here.

What will you do to share what you know about the priesthood?  You could:

• Prepare and teach a family home evening lesson on the priesthood.
• Write in your journal something you have learned about the priesthood.

Please comment about:

• blessings you have received from the priesthood
• why you are grateful the priesthood is on the earth today