The priesthood as restored in latter days exactly matches the ancient priesthood as described in the Bibile. Through
His ancient prophets, the Lord promised the people of old that He
would establish His church again on the earth in the latter-days.
Since the priesthood supplies the authority and the offices of the
Church, naturally, there could be no restoration of the Church unless
the Lord also fully restored the priesthood.
Joseph Smith said, "We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth." (Articles of Faith 6)
We believe the ancient church was organized into stakes and wards. (see 1 Chronicles 9:23, 1 Chronicles 25:8, Isaiah 54:2, Moroni 10:31, Doctrine & Covenants 82:14,
The complete list of offices of the priesthood that were had in antiquity is:
- Deacon
- Teacher
- Priest
- Bishop (pastor)
- Elder
- High Priest
- Patriarch (evangelist)
- Sealer
- Seventy
- Apostle
- Prophet
Most Widely Held Offices of the Priesthood
Deacon
The office of deacon belongs to the Aaronic Priesthood:
"And again, the offices of teacher and deacon are necessary appendages belonging to the lesser priesthood, which priesthood was confirmed upon Aaron and his sons." (Doctrine and Covenants 84:30)
In 1829, leading up to the re-establishment of His Church on the earth, the Lord further described the role of the deacon:
"But neither teachers nor deacons have authority to baptize, administer the sacrament, or lay on hands; They are, however, to warn, expound, exhort, and teach, and invite all to come unto Christ. Every elder, priest, teacher, or deacon is to be ordained according to the gifts and callings of God unto him; and he is to be ordained by the power of the Holy Ghost, which is in the one who ordains him." (Doctrine and Covenants 20:58-60)
As with other offices of the priesthoods, the deacons' quorum has a presidency and counselors:
"And again, I say unto you, ...counselors for priests, and the president of the teachers and his counselors, and also the president of the deacons and his counselors, and also the president of the stake and his counselors." (D&C 124:142-143)
Teacher
The Lord described the office of teacher as "a necessary appendage" that belonged to the Aaronic Priesthood:
"And again, the offices of teacher and deacon are necessary appendages belonging to the lesser priesthood, which priesthood was confirmed upon Aaron and his sons." (Doctrine and Covenants 84:30)
In
1829, preparatory to the restoration of the Church, the Lord
described the role of teacher:
The teacher’s duty is to:
- watch over the church always, and be with and strengthen them
- see that there is no iniquity in the church, neither hardness with each other, neither lying, backbiting, nor evil speaking
- see that the church meet together often
- see that all the members do their duty
- he is to take the lead of meetings in the absence of the elder or priest
- is to be assisted always, in all his duties in the church, by the deacons, if occasion requires.
(Doctrine
and Covenants 20:53-56)
In
the early Church, the teachers were men of all ages, called and
ordained to serve in that capacity. With there being so few members,
these men were called upon to help lead and guide the Church to a
degree that is not necessary now. Still, in the absence of someone
holding a higher office in the priesthood, these same
responsibilities fall on the shoulders of the teachers.
Like the deacons, the teachers quorum has a president and counselors:
"...and also teachers to preside over those who are of the office of a teacher, in like manner, and also the deacons..." (D&C 107:62)
In Book of Mormon times, the prophet Nephi organized the church with teachers:
"And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did consecrate Jacob and Joseph, that they should be priests and teachers over the land of my people." (2 Nephi 5:26)
They ordained priests in Mormon's day as well. (Moroni 3)
During Law of Moses times, there's lots of evidence all over the Old and New testaments that teachers played a much more integral role of leadership in the Church. This was necessary in the absence of the greater or Melchizedek priesthood, which had the offices of Elder and High Priest for governing meetings and performing other such leadership functions.
Priest
In
the Book of Mormon, the prophet Nephi consecrated priests:
"And
it came to pass that I, Nephi, did consecrate Jacob and Joseph, that
they should be priests and teachers over the land of my people."
(2 Ne 5:26)
Mormon tells us that they ordained priests in his time. (Moroni 3)
Mormon tells us that they ordained priests in his time. (Moroni 3)
The
priest quorum has a presidency and counselors, the same as the other
offices of the priesthood:
"Verily,
I say unto you, saith the Lord of Hosts, there must needs be
presiding ... priests to preside over those who are of the office of
a priest;" (Doctrine and Covenants 107:61)
In 1829, as part of the process of restoring the priesthood, the Lord laid out the responsibilies of the priest:
The priest’s duty is to :
- preach
- teach, expound, exhort, and
- baptize
- administer the sacrament
- visit the house of each member, and exhort them to pray vocally and in secret and attend to all family duties.(In the latter-day Church, we call this Home Teaching)
- he may also ordain other priests, teachers, and deacons. And
- he is to take the lead of meetings when there is no elder present
In
all these duties the priest is to assist the elder if occasion
requires. " (Doctrine and Covenants 20:46-5)
In the Book of Mormon, the elders and priests administered the sacrament. (Moroni 4:1)
In the Book of Mormon, the elders and priests administered the sacrament. (Moroni 4:1)
As
a priest, I had the opportunity to go with my Dad and other elders in
the Church to assist with home teaching. I also had the opportunity to bless and administer the sacrament.
Through
the priesthood of Aaron, John had the office of priest - the same
authority to baptize:
"the Lord... caused [the Aaronic Priesthood] to continue with the house of Aaron among the children of Israel until John, whom God raised up, being filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother’s womb. For he was baptized while he was yet in his childhood, and was ordained by the angel of God at the time he was eight days old unto this power, to overthrow the kingdom of the Jews, and to make straight the way of the Lord before the face of his people, to prepare them for the coming of the Lord..." (Doctrine and Covenants 84:26-27)
And again, the [office] of elder... [is a] necessary appendage belonging unto the high priesthood. (Doctrine and Covenants 107:7, D&C 84:29)
Whereas the offices of the Aaronic Priesthood are focused on the basic ordinances of the gospel, the office of elder in the "high" or Melchizedek Priesthood operates on a higher spiritual level. The elders serve as backup in the absence of higher authority, the same as with other offices of the priesthood:
"The high priest and elder are to administer in spiritual things, agreeable to the covenants and commandments of the church; and they have a right to officiate in all these offices of the church when there are no higher authorities present." (Doctrine and Covenants 107:12)
The elders' quorum has a presidency, the same as other offices of the priesthood:
"Verily, I say unto you, saith the Lord of Hosts, there must needs be presiding elders to preside over those who are of the office of an elder...again, the duty of the president over the office of elders is to preside over [the] elders, and to sit in council with them, and to teach them according to the covenants." (Doctrine and Covenants 107:60,89)
Elders are generally in charge of the meetings unless there is a higher authority present:
"The elders are to conduct the meetings as they are led by the Holy Ghost, according to the commandments and revelations of God." (Doctrine and Covenants 20:45, see also D&C 46:2)
Elders also may be called upon to "lay hands on the sick". The Lord sent elders out to preach the gospel, and instructed them saying:
"Lay your hands upon the sick, and they shall recover..." (Doctrine and Covenants 66:9)
The office of elder, along with offices of the Aaronic Priesthood were in use during Book of Mormon times. Following the return of the people of king Limhi (Zeniff, Noah, Abinidi) to Zarahemla, Alma the Elder was put in charge of consolidating and building up the Church. He made mention of "the people whom Alma had consecrated to be teachers, and priests, and elders over the church" (Alma
4:7)
The office of elder was operative in Mormon's time. (Moroni 3)
The office of elder was operative in Mormon's time. (Moroni 3)
The elders and priests administered the sacrament. (Moroni 4:1)
The term "elder" can also refer to missionaries, seventies and apostles, as in times of old. (Doctrine and Covenants 133:8, D&C 20:38)
High Priest
The office of the High Priest is the highest office in the Melchizedek Priesthood to which most members of the Church will ever be ordained. As such, it does not operate "in the absence of" a person of higher office. It operates "in its own standing". Here, the Lord also shows us how those of a given office still hold and officiate in the lower offices of both priesthoods. If there is no descendant of Aaron available, a High Priest can officiate in the office of Bishop, so long as he is "set apart" by those who are in authority to do so:
"High priests after the order of the Melchizedek Priesthood have a right to officiate in their own standing, under the direction of the presidency, in administering spiritual things, and also in the office of an elder, priest (of the Levitical order), teacher, deacon, and member...The high priest and elder are to administer in spiritual things, agreeable to the covenants and commandments of the church; and they have a right to officiate in all these offices... But as a high priest of the Melchizedek Priesthood has authority to officiate in all the lesser offices, he may officiate in the office of bishop when no literal descendant of Aaron can be found, provided he is called and set apart and ordained unto this power by the hands of the Presidency of the Melchizedek Priesthood." (D&C 107:10,12,17)
In Book of Mormon times, there were "many who were ordained and became high priests of God ...on account of their exceeding faith and repentance, and their righteousness before God, they choosing to repent and work righteousness rather than to perish..." (Alma 13:10)
High Priests are:
"High priests after the order of the Melchizedek Priesthood have a right to officiate in their own standing, under the direction of the presidency, in administering spiritual things, and also in the office of an elder, priest (of the Levitical order), teacher, deacon, and member...The high priest and elder are to administer in spiritual things, agreeable to the covenants and commandments of the church; and they have a right to officiate in all these offices... But as a high priest of the Melchizedek Priesthood has authority to officiate in all the lesser offices, he may officiate in the office of bishop when no literal descendant of Aaron can be found, provided he is called and set apart and ordained unto this power by the hands of the Presidency of the Melchizedek Priesthood." (D&C 107:10,12,17)
In Book of Mormon times, there were "many who were ordained and became high priests of God ...on account of their exceeding faith and repentance, and their righteousness before God, they choosing to repent and work righteousness rather than to perish..." (Alma 13:10)
High Priests are:
- ordained priests, after his holy order, which was after the order of his Son (the Melchizedek Priesthood), to teach [the things of God] unto the people.
- called and prepared from the foundation of the world... on account of their exceeding faith and good works... having chosen good, and exercising exceedingly great faith
- called by this holy calling, and ordained unto the high priesthood of the holy order of God, to teach his commandments unto the children of men, that they also might enter into his rest
- high priests forever, after the order of the Son, the Only Begotten of the Father, who is without beginning of days or end of years, who is full of grace, equity, and truth.
(Alma
13:1-9)
Both in Book of Mormon times and in the latter days, the scriptures contain occasional examples of a "high priest over the priesthood" or "high priest over the church". (Alma 4:4,18) In antiquity, the Aaronic Priesthood had a high priest. (Leviticus 21:10) In latter days, the high priest over the Aaronic Priesthood is called the presiding bishop. Just as with other offices of the priesthood he also has counselors. Together, they make up the presiding bishopric. This higher office has the same duties and requirements as the office of Bishop.
Meet the current Presiding Bishopric.
The term "high priest" can also refer to a "priest over the Melchizedek priesthood" which is understood to be the prophet or one of his counselors. (Doctrine and Covenants 107:22)
While the office of high priest adds no new ordinance performing authority as the other offices do, it does come with some special opportunities for service in the Church. Additionally, the Lord and His Church place upon the high priests a higher expectation of worthiness and of teaching righteousness by example. Here is a list of some of the unique aspects of service as a high priest, compiled from a variety of sources:
High priests are:
Liahona June 2005, David E. Sorenson, Presidency of the Seventy: The High Priests Quorum
The term "high priest" can also refer to a "priest over the Melchizedek priesthood" which is understood to be the prophet or one of his counselors. (Doctrine and Covenants 107:22)
While the office of high priest adds no new ordinance performing authority as the other offices do, it does come with some special opportunities for service in the Church. Additionally, the Lord and His Church place upon the high priests a higher expectation of worthiness and of teaching righteousness by example. Here is a list of some of the unique aspects of service as a high priest, compiled from a variety of sources:
High priests are:
- To be the "fathers" of the ward or stake in which they serve - they teach principles of government and growth in the kingdom of God
- Permitted to hold such callings as Bishop or one of his counselors, Stake President or one of his counselors, and Patriarch.
- To be worthy of great trust, men of faith, honesty and integrity who are devoted to the Church and can be counted on to defend the gospel
- Home teachers to members of the ward in need of greater assistance, such as single parents or widows and widowers, the elderly, and so on
- set an example of righteousness that enables him to be a teacher to the members of the ward; they are to be a powerful influence for righteousness in their community
- men of advanced years and exprience laboring in the Church; they are to use wisdom for the benefit of those around them
- to set an example by doing and teaching the importance of family history and temple work; they see to it that these things are taught regularly in the ward
- mature in the gospel and therefore capable of presiding; they set an example for less experienced brethren in the priesthood - especially those in the Aaronic priesthood
- to assist in the mission of the Church: preach the gospel, perfect the Saints, redeem the dead
- patriarchs and examples of righteousness in their homes and families
Liahona June 2005, David E. Sorenson, Presidency of the Seventy: The High Priests Quorum
Other Offices, "Keys", or Callings in the Priesthood
Bishop/Pastor
In the process of re-establishing the priesthood in 1829, the Lord said:
"And again, the [office]... of bishop [is a] necessary [appendage] belonging unto the high priesthood." (Doctrine and Covenants 84:29)
"a high priest of the Melchizedek Priesthood... may officiate in the office of bishop when no literal descendant of Aaron can be found, provided he is called and set apart and ordained unto this power... " (Doctrine and Covenants 107:17)
The duties of a bishop are:
- minister in temporal things, having a knowledge of them by the Spirit of truth
- be a judge in Israel
- attend to the business of the church
- to sit in judgement upon transgressors, [with] testimony as it shall be laid before him
- choose and have the assistance of counselors
Literal descendants of Aaron have a "legal" right to officiate in the office of bishop, when such can be found. Otherwise, the bishop must first be ordained a high priest in the Melchizedek priesthood and then as a bishop in the Aaronic priesthood in order to serve in this capacity. (D&C 107:17,69,76,D&C 68:14-20) As with all other callings in the Church, the Lord calls his servants, but asks that they be "called" or "sustained" by the voice of the church:
"I
have called my servant... and I give a commandment, that he should be
appointed by the voice of the church,
and ordained a bishop unto the church..." (Doctrine and Covenants 41:9)
Patriarch/Evangelist
In the early days of the Church, the Lord instructed the Twelve Apostles to "ordain evangelical ministers... designated... by revelation". (D&C
107:39)
In ancient times, the office of patriarch or evangelical minister was passed from father to son, as designated by revelation. (D & C 107:40-52)
In Book of Mormon times, the prophet Lehi gave his children blessings prior to his passing:
"[Lehi] called the children of Laman, his sons, and his daughters, and said unto them: Behold, my sons, and my daughters, who are the sons and the daughters of my firstborn, I would that ye should give ear unto my words... behold, my sons and my daughters, I cannot go down to my grave save I should leave a blessing upon you... after my father had made an end of speaking to the sons and daughters of Laman, he caused the sons and daughters of Lemuel to be brought before him... and he spake unto them... when my father had made an end of speaking unto them, behold, he spake unto the sons of Ishmael, yea, and even all his household... and after he had made an end of speaking unto them, he spake unto Sam, saying: Blessed art thou, and thy seed..." (2 Nephi 4:3-5, 8-11,12)
Nephi doesn't explicitly tell us that his father, Lehi, was a patriarch. However, given the nature of the blessings he described, and the fact that they were given "according to the Spirit which was in [Lehi]" (note verse 12), it seems evident that this might have been the case.
The first patriarch ordained in latter days was Joseph Smith's father, followed by his brother, Hyrum. In giving the instruction to do this, the Lord also made reference to the fact that part of the role of patriarch is to give "patriarchal" blessings to the members of the Church by the laying on of hands:
"...my servant Hyrum may take the office of Priesthood and Patriarch, which was appointed unto him by his father, by blessing and also by right; That from henceforth he shall hold the keys of the patriarchal blessings upon the heads of all my people..." (Doctrine and Covenants 124:91-92)
Sealer
Hyrum Smith, the prophet Joseph's brother, was ordained a patriarch, he was also given the sealing power:
"...whoever he blesses shall be blessed, and whoever he curses shall be cursed; that whatsoever he shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever he shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven...I give unto you Hyrum Smith to be a patriarch... to hold the sealing blessings of my church, even the Holy Spirit of promise, whereby ye are sealed up unto the day of redemption." (Doctrine and Covenants 124:93,124)
In preparing the Saints to build a temple, the Lord clarified ancient prophecy concerning the mission of Elijah:
"The Prophet Elijah was to plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to their fathers, foreshadowing the great work to be done in the temples of the Lord in the dispensation of the fulness of times, for the redemption of the dead, and the sealing of the children to their parents, lest the whole earth be smitten with a curse and utterly wasted at his coming." (Doctrine and Covenants 138:47-48, See also Joseph Smith History 1:39 and Malachi 4:6)
To this day, the saints perform "sealing" ordinances in our temples, with the help of one who has been set apart as a sealer and given this same sealing power. This is the same sealing power or "keys of the kingdom of heaven" the Lord gave to Peter in the New Testament. (See Matthew 16:19)
In later Book of Mormon times, there was another prophet by the name of Nephi, to whom the Lord also gave the sealing power:
"Behold, I give unto you power, that whatsoever ye shall seal on earth shall be sealed in heaven; and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven; and thus shall ye have power among this people." (Helaman 10:7)
In restoring the law of eternal marriage, the Lord explained the importance of husband and wife being "sealed":
"...if a man marry a wife by my word, which is my law, and by the new and everlasting covenant, and it is sealed unto them by the Holy Spirit of promise, by him who is anointed, unto whom I have appointed this power and the keys of this priesthood; and it shall be said unto them—Ye shall come forth in the first resurrection; and if it be after the first resurrection, in the next resurrection; and shall inherit thrones, kingdoms, principalities, and powers, dominions, all heights and depths...it shall be done unto them in all things whatsoever my servant hath put upon them, in time, and through all eternity; and shall be of full force when they are out of the world; and they shall pass by the angels, and the gods, which are set there, to their exaltation and glory in all things, as hath been sealed upon their heads, which glory shall be a fulness and a continuation of the seeds forever and ever. Then shall they be gods, because they have no end; therefore shall they be from everlasting to everlasting, because they continue; then shall they be above all, because all things are subject unto them. Then shall they be gods, because they have all power, and the angels are subject unto them. Verily, verily, I say unto you, except ye abide my law [of eternal marriage] ye cannot attain to this glory. For strait is the gate, and narrow the way that leadeth unto the exaltation and continuation of [eternal posterity], and few there be that find it..." (Doctrine and Covenants 132:19-22)
This is why the Latter-Day Saints believe in eternal marriage, made possible through the sealing power. For Latter-Day saints, eternal marriage between a man and a woman is the gateway into the highest echelons of heaven. We believe the Savior literally meant what He said when he described the power to bind and loose as the "keys of the kingdom of heaven". (This is why the sealing ordinances are so sacred to the Latter-Day Saints that they are performed only in the temple, and, with the exception of children needing to be sealed to their parents, only in the company of those who have made other temple covenants.
In ancient times, the office of patriarch or evangelical minister was passed from father to son, as designated by revelation. (D & C 107:40-52)
In Book of Mormon times, the prophet Lehi gave his children blessings prior to his passing:
"[Lehi] called the children of Laman, his sons, and his daughters, and said unto them: Behold, my sons, and my daughters, who are the sons and the daughters of my firstborn, I would that ye should give ear unto my words... behold, my sons and my daughters, I cannot go down to my grave save I should leave a blessing upon you... after my father had made an end of speaking to the sons and daughters of Laman, he caused the sons and daughters of Lemuel to be brought before him... and he spake unto them... when my father had made an end of speaking unto them, behold, he spake unto the sons of Ishmael, yea, and even all his household... and after he had made an end of speaking unto them, he spake unto Sam, saying: Blessed art thou, and thy seed..." (2 Nephi 4:3-5, 8-11,12)
Nephi doesn't explicitly tell us that his father, Lehi, was a patriarch. However, given the nature of the blessings he described, and the fact that they were given "according to the Spirit which was in [Lehi]" (note verse 12), it seems evident that this might have been the case.
The first patriarch ordained in latter days was Joseph Smith's father, followed by his brother, Hyrum. In giving the instruction to do this, the Lord also made reference to the fact that part of the role of patriarch is to give "patriarchal" blessings to the members of the Church by the laying on of hands:
"...my servant Hyrum may take the office of Priesthood and Patriarch, which was appointed unto him by his father, by blessing and also by right; That from henceforth he shall hold the keys of the patriarchal blessings upon the heads of all my people..." (Doctrine and Covenants 124:91-92)
Sealer
Hyrum Smith, the prophet Joseph's brother, was ordained a patriarch, he was also given the sealing power:
"...whoever he blesses shall be blessed, and whoever he curses shall be cursed; that whatsoever he shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever he shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven...I give unto you Hyrum Smith to be a patriarch... to hold the sealing blessings of my church, even the Holy Spirit of promise, whereby ye are sealed up unto the day of redemption." (Doctrine and Covenants 124:93,124)
In preparing the Saints to build a temple, the Lord clarified ancient prophecy concerning the mission of Elijah:
"The Prophet Elijah was to plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to their fathers, foreshadowing the great work to be done in the temples of the Lord in the dispensation of the fulness of times, for the redemption of the dead, and the sealing of the children to their parents, lest the whole earth be smitten with a curse and utterly wasted at his coming." (Doctrine and Covenants 138:47-48, See also Joseph Smith History 1:39 and Malachi 4:6)
To this day, the saints perform "sealing" ordinances in our temples, with the help of one who has been set apart as a sealer and given this same sealing power. This is the same sealing power or "keys of the kingdom of heaven" the Lord gave to Peter in the New Testament. (See Matthew 16:19)
In later Book of Mormon times, there was another prophet by the name of Nephi, to whom the Lord also gave the sealing power:
"Behold, I give unto you power, that whatsoever ye shall seal on earth shall be sealed in heaven; and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven; and thus shall ye have power among this people." (Helaman 10:7)
In restoring the law of eternal marriage, the Lord explained the importance of husband and wife being "sealed":
"...if a man marry a wife by my word, which is my law, and by the new and everlasting covenant, and it is sealed unto them by the Holy Spirit of promise, by him who is anointed, unto whom I have appointed this power and the keys of this priesthood; and it shall be said unto them—Ye shall come forth in the first resurrection; and if it be after the first resurrection, in the next resurrection; and shall inherit thrones, kingdoms, principalities, and powers, dominions, all heights and depths...it shall be done unto them in all things whatsoever my servant hath put upon them, in time, and through all eternity; and shall be of full force when they are out of the world; and they shall pass by the angels, and the gods, which are set there, to their exaltation and glory in all things, as hath been sealed upon their heads, which glory shall be a fulness and a continuation of the seeds forever and ever. Then shall they be gods, because they have no end; therefore shall they be from everlasting to everlasting, because they continue; then shall they be above all, because all things are subject unto them. Then shall they be gods, because they have all power, and the angels are subject unto them. Verily, verily, I say unto you, except ye abide my law [of eternal marriage] ye cannot attain to this glory. For strait is the gate, and narrow the way that leadeth unto the exaltation and continuation of [eternal posterity], and few there be that find it..." (Doctrine and Covenants 132:19-22)
This is why the Latter-Day Saints believe in eternal marriage, made possible through the sealing power. For Latter-Day saints, eternal marriage between a man and a woman is the gateway into the highest echelons of heaven. We believe the Savior literally meant what He said when he described the power to bind and loose as the "keys of the kingdom of heaven". (This is why the sealing ordinances are so sacred to the Latter-Day Saints that they are performed only in the temple, and, with the exception of children needing to be sealed to their parents, only in the company of those who have made other temple covenants.
Seventy
In restoring the priesthood, the Lord described the office of Seventy this way:
"The Seventy are also called to preach the gospel, and to be especial witnesses unto the Gentiles and in all the world—thus differing from other officers in the church in the duties of their calling. And they form a quorum, equal in authority to that of the Twelve special witnesses or Apostles..." (Doctrine and Covenants 107:25-26)
The primary function of the Seventy is to support the Twelve Apostles in coordinating the work of the kingdom of God on the earth in all nations. They perform an administrative function to guide local leaders, and they also are involved in coordinating and advancing missionary work in their assigned regions of the world.
"The Seventy are to act in the name of the Lord, under the direction of the Twelve... in building up the church and regulating all the affairs of the same in all nations, first unto the Gentiles and then to the Jews...[this] quorum is instituted for traveling elders to bear record of my name in all the world, wherever the traveling high council, mine apostles, shall send them to prepare a way before my face." (Doctrine and Covenants 107:34, D&C 124:138-139)
The Seventy can be organized into multiple quorums as needed, with the number of members of each quorum never exceeding seventy. There are seven presidents over the body of the quorums of Seventy. (Doctrine and Covenants 107:93-97)
Meet the current Presidency of the Seventy.
Meet the current members of the Quorums of the Seventy.
Apostle
In June of 1829, less than a year before the founding of the Church, the Lord gave this instruction that Twelve Apostles were to be called, and He commanded the Twelve to testify that He himself had called and commissioned them as His Apostles:
"And now, behold, there are others who are called to declare my gospel, both unto Gentile and unto Jew; Yea, even twelve; and the Twelve shall be my disciples, and they shall take upon them my name... they are called to go into all the world to preach my gospel unto every creature. And now I speak unto you, the Twelve—Behold, my grace is sufficient for you; you must walk uprightly before me and sin not. And, behold, you are they who are ordained of me to ordain priests and teachers; to declare my gospel, according to the power of the Holy Ghost which is in you, and according to the callings and gifts of God unto men; And I, Jesus Christ, your Lord and your God, have spoken it. These words are not of men nor of man, but of me; wherefore, you shall testify they are of me and not of man; For it is my voice which speaketh them unto you; for they are given by my Spirit unto you, and by my power you can read them one to another; and save it were by my power you could not have them; Wherefore, you can testify that you have heard my voice, and know my words." (Doctrine and Covenants 18:26-36)
Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery were the first two men in the last dispensation to be called and ordained as Apostles. (D&C 20:1-4) David Whitmer was also called as one of the first twelve. (D&C 18:9)
Of His newly called Twelve Apostles, the Lord said something that should sound familiar to the student of the New Testament:
"And as I said unto mine apostles, even so I say unto you, for you are mine apostles, even God’s high priests; ye are they whom my Father hath given me; ye are my friends..." (Doctrine and Covenants 84:63, John 15:15)
"The twelve traveling councilors are called to be the Twelve Apostles, or special witnesses of the name of Christ in all the world—thus differing from other officers in the church in the duties of their calling. And they form a quorum..." (D&C 107:23-24)
The Lord commanded his latter-day apostles to "tarry" until a temple could be built, so that He could "endow them with power" as He had done with his apostles anciently:
"Yea, verily I say unto you, I gave unto you a commandment that you should build a house, which house I design to endow those whom I have chosen with power from on high; For this is the promise of the Father unto you; therefore I command you to tarry, even as mine apostles at Jerusalem." (Doctrine and Covenants 95:8-9, compare Luke 24:49)
The Lord commanded his latter-day apostles to "tarry" until a temple could be built, so that He could "endow them with power" as He had done with his apostles anciently:
"Yea, verily I say unto you, I gave unto you a commandment that you should build a house, which house I design to endow those whom I have chosen with power from on high; For this is the promise of the Father unto you; therefore I command you to tarry, even as mine apostles at Jerusalem." (Doctrine and Covenants 95:8-9, compare Luke 24:49)
The first apostles in the latter days were ordained as such by Peter, James and John - three of the Lord's apostles from the time of His earthly ministry:
According to the Book of Mormon, the Lord also called Twelve Apostles - referred to as disciples because there were already apostles serving in Jerusalem at the time:
"And the Lord commanded [a prophet at the time by the name of Nephi] that he should arise. And he arose and stood before him. And the Lord said unto him: I give unto you power that ye shall baptize this people when I am again ascended into heaven. And again the Lord called others, and said unto them likewise... the number of them who had been called, and received power and authority to baptize, was twelve..." (3 Nephi 11:20-22, 3 Nephi 12:1)
Meet the men who are currently serving as the Twelve Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ in the latter days.
"And the Lord commanded [a prophet at the time by the name of Nephi] that he should arise. And he arose and stood before him. And the Lord said unto him: I give unto you power that ye shall baptize this people when I am again ascended into heaven. And again the Lord called others, and said unto them likewise... the number of them who had been called, and received power and authority to baptize, was twelve..." (3 Nephi 11:20-22, 3 Nephi 12:1)
Meet the men who are currently serving as the Twelve Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ in the latter days.
Prophet
The prophet presides over the Church and acts as the presiding High Priest over the Melchizedek Priesthood. He is called a "prophet, seer and revelator". (D&C 107:65-66, 91-92)
Other authorities in the Church can be called "prophets, seers and revelators". (D&C 124:94)
As in times of old, whenever the world has been without a prophet or without the church of Christ for a time, or whenever there's a question in the minds of the people about who the new prophet should be, the Lord always calls a new prophet by miraculous means:
Joseph Smith - saw the Father and the Son in what Latter-Day Saints call the First Vision
Brigham Young - was made to look like Joseph Smith by miraculous means at a gathering of the Saints
Prophets and apostles are called by revelation. When a vacancy in either the First Presidency or the Quorum of the Twelve occurs, the remaining members of the First Presidency and Twelve meet, decide who the candidates should be, and then, through prayer and careful study by the aid of the Holy Ghost, come to a unanimous decision about which candidate should be called to replace the apostle or prophet, just as Matthias replaced Judas Iscariot in ancient times.
It is the responsibility of the prophet - and him alone - to receive revelation from the Lord on behalf of the whole Church. The prophet is required to "abide in the Lord" or another will be appointed in his stead:
"For behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, that ye have received a commandment for a law unto my church, through him whom I have appointed unto you to receive commandments and revelations from my hand. And this ye shall know assuredly—that there is none other appointed unto you to receive commandments and revelations until he be taken, if he abide in me." (Doctrine and Covenants 43:3)
Prophets speak "when moved upon by the Holy Ghost" and when that's the case, their words become scripture:
"And this is the ensample unto them, that they shall speak as they are moved upon by the Holy Ghost. And whatsoever they shall speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost shall be scripture, shall be the will of the Lord, shall be the mind of the Lord, shall be the word of the Lord, shall be the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation." (Doctrine and Covenants 68:3-4)
When the prophets and apostles speak by way of admonition or commandment, it is the same as though the Lord had spoken directly to us:
"What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same." (Doctrine and Covenants 1:38)
Meet the Latter-Day Prophets - from Joseph Smith to the Current Prophet
First Presidency
In organizing His latter-day Church, the Lord said:
"Of the Melchizedek Priesthood, three Presiding High Priests, chosen by the body, appointed and ordained to that office, and upheld by the confidence, faith, and prayer of the church, form a quorum of the Presidency of the Church." (Doctrine and Covenants 107:22)
Frederick G. Williams and Sidney Rigdon were the first to be called to serve in the First Presidency - as counselors to the prophet Joseph Smith - in the latter days.
The duties of the First Presidency are:
- able to officiate in all the offices in the church.
- preside over the priesthood - President or Presiding High Priest over the High Priesthood of the Church
- administering of ordinances and blessings upon the church, by the laying on of the hands.
- the most important business of the church, and the most difficult cases of the church carried up unto the council of the church, before the Presidency of the High Priesthood.
- And the Presidency of the council of the High Priesthood shall have power to call other high priests, even twelve (maintain the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles)
- preside over the whole church, and to be like unto Moses—a seer, a revelator, a translator, and a prophet, having all the gifts of God which he bestows upon the head of the church.
(Doctrine and Covenants 107:9, 65–67, 78–84, 91–92)
Meet the current First Presidency
It is absolutely astounding to me to be able to match ancient scripture with modern scripture, with names and pictures of the men currently serving in these high and ancient callings in the priesthood! "Meet the current Prophet and Twelve Apostles..." - how many churches do you know of can say that? The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints boldly invites you to do so now.
Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods
In restoring the priesthood in latter days, the Lord explained that there are two priesthoods:
"But there are two divisions or grand heads—one is the Melchizedek Priesthood, and the other is the Aaronic or Levitical Priesthood." (D&C 107:6)
The Lord went on to explain the functions of and relationship between the two priesthoods:
"The power and authority of the higher, or Melchizedek Priesthood, is to hold the keys of all the spiritual blessings of the church- To have the privilege of receiving the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, to have the heavens opened unto them, to commune with the general assembly and church of the Firstborn, and to enjoy the communion and presence of God the Father, and Jesus the mediator of the new covenant. The power and authority of the lesser, or Aaronic Priesthood, is to hold the keys of the ministering of angels, and to administer in outward ordinances, the letter of the gospel, the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, agreeable to the covenants and commandments." (Doctrine and Covenants 107:18-20)
During the process of re-establishing the priesthood, the Lord said:
"Behold, this is the way that mine apostles, in ancient days, built up my church unto me. Therefore, let every man stand in his own office, and labor in his own calling; and let not the head say unto the feet it hath no need of the feet; for without the feet how shall the body be able to stand?" (Doctrine and Covenants 84:109, see also D & C 107:40-57, compare 1 Corinthians 12)
The Lord then gave the church what we have since come to call the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood:
"...whoso is faithful unto the obtaining these two priesthoods of which I have spoken, and the magnifying their calling, are sanctified by the Spirit unto the renewing of their bodies. They become the sons of Moses and of Aaron and the seed of Abraham, and the church and kingdom, and the elect of God. And also all they who receive this priesthood receive me, saith the Lord; For he that receiveth my servants receiveth me; And he that receiveth me receiveth my Father; And he that receiveth my Father receiveth my Father’s kingdom; therefore ball that my Father hath shall be given unto him. And this is according to the oath and covenant which belongeth to the priesthood. Therefore, all those who receive the priesthood, receive this oath and covenant of my Father, which he cannot break, neither can it be moved." (Doctrine and Covenants 84:33-40)
The Lord then gave the church what we have since come to call the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood:
"...whoso is faithful unto the obtaining these two priesthoods of which I have spoken, and the magnifying their calling, are sanctified by the Spirit unto the renewing of their bodies. They become the sons of Moses and of Aaron and the seed of Abraham, and the church and kingdom, and the elect of God. And also all they who receive this priesthood receive me, saith the Lord; For he that receiveth my servants receiveth me; And he that receiveth me receiveth my Father; And he that receiveth my Father receiveth my Father’s kingdom; therefore ball that my Father hath shall be given unto him. And this is according to the oath and covenant which belongeth to the priesthood. Therefore, all those who receive the priesthood, receive this oath and covenant of my Father, which he cannot break, neither can it be moved." (Doctrine and Covenants 84:33-40)
The Lord himself proclaimed that he was giving to his latter-day servants the very same priesthoods which he had given to Aaron and Adam and Elijah and John the Baptist, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Peter, James and John, and other servants of old. (Doctrine and Covenants 27:5-15)
The Priesthood After the Order of Aaron, or Levitical Priesthood
Like the Melchizedek Priesthood, the Aaronic Priesthood has existed since the beginning of time:
"And the Lord confirmed a priesthood also upon Aaron and his seed, throughout all their generations, which priesthood also continueth and abideth forever with the priesthood which is after the holiest order of God." (Doctrine and Covenants 84:18)
The second priesthood is called the Priesthood of Aaron, because it was conferred upon Aaron and his seed, throughout all their generations... is called the lesser priesthood... because it is an appendage to the greater, or the Melchizedek Priesthood, and has power in administering outward ordinances." (Doctrine and Covenants 107:13-14)
The Priesthood After the Order of Melchizedek
Early in the history of the restored Church, the angel Moroni told Joseph Smith that the time was coming when the Lord would fulfill His ancient promises to "reveal the priesthood":
"Behold, I will reveal unto you the Priesthood, by the hand of Elijah the prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord." (Doctrine and Covenants 2:1, Joseph Smith History 1:38, compare Malachi 4:5)
The Melchizedek Priesthood has always existed, since the time of Adam. It was passed from Adam, father to son, down to Jethro, who gave it to his son-in-law, Moses. (D & C 84:6-17)
The high priesthood is called the Melchizedek Priesthood, so named after the ancient king of Salem who was a high priest. This priesthood governs all the priesthood offices of the Church (D & C 107:2-4,8)
"Everyone who receives [the Melchizedek Priesthood] should have power by faith to:
- break mountains
- divide seas
- to dry up waters, to turn them out of their course
- to put at defiance the armies of nations
- to divide the earth
- to break every band
- to stand in the presence of God
- according to the will and command of God, to subdue principalities and powers
That section of scripture also teaches us much about the ancient High Priest, Melchizedek. In Book of Mormon times, the prophet Alma referred to this same lost portion of Genesis in teaching his people about the Melchizedek Priesthood. (See Alma 13:1-20)
Other
Priesthood Practices
Setting Apart
As in the Bible, there are references in modern scripture to the practice of "setting apart" those who have been called to serve:
- high priests may be set apart to serve as bishops (D & C 107:71-74, D & C 68:19)
- consistent with the growth of the Church, the Lord causes more bishops to be set apart as needed (D & C 68:14)
Laying On of Hands
In Book of Mormon times, the prophet Alma ordained priests and elders by the laying on of hands:
"And now it came to pass that after Alma had made an end of speaking unto the people of the church, which was established in the city of Zarahemla, he ordained priests and elders, by laying on his hands according to the order of God, to preside and watch over the church." (Alma 6:1)
The elders are to lay hands on and bless the sick:
"Lay your hands upon the sick, and they shall recover." (Doctrine and Covenants 66:9)
"And the elders of the church, two or more, shall be called, and shall pray for and lay their hands upon them in my name; and if they die they shall die unto me, and if they live they shall live unto me." (D & C 42:44)
"Lay your hands upon the sick, and they shall recover." (Doctrine and Covenants 66:9)
"And the elders of the church, two or more, shall be called, and shall pray for and lay their hands upon them in my name; and if they die they shall die unto me, and if they live they shall live unto me." (D & C 42:44)
The resurrected Lord called twelve disciples among the ancient inhabitants of America and gave them power by the laying on of hands to give the gift of the Holy Ghost:
"And it came to pass that when Jesus had made an end of these sayings, he touched with his hand the disciples whom he had chosen, one by one, even until he had touched them all, and spake unto them as he touched them. And the multitude heard not the words which he spake, therefore they did not bear record; but the disciples bare record that he gave them power to give the Holy Ghost. And I will show unto you hereafter that this record is true." (3 Nephi 18:36-37)
Elders are to give baby blessings by the laying on of hands:
"Every member of the church of Christ having children is to bring them unto the elders before the church, who are to lay their hands upon them in the name of Jesus Christ, and bless them in his name." (Doctrine and Covenants 20:70)
Following His resurrection, the Savior taught the Nephites in ancient America that the gift of the Holy Ghost is given by the laying on of hands:
"Ye shall call on the Father in my
name, in mighty prayer; and after ye have done this ye shall have power
that to him upon whom ye shall lay your hands, ye shall give the Holy
Ghost; and in my name shall ye give it... and on as many as they laid their hands, fell the Holy Ghost. (Moroni
2:2-3)
When they reach eight years old, children are to be baptized and given the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. (Doctrine and Covenants 68:27)
"But now I give unto thee a commandment, that thou shalt baptize by water, and they shall receive the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands, even as the apostles of old." (Doctrine and Covenants 35:6)
Joseph Smith expressed this basic tenet of the LDS faith:
"We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Articles of Faith 4)
Both in latter days and anciently, the priesthood has always been given by the laying on of hands. (See Doctrine & Covenants 84:6-12)
Authority and the Obligation to Serve
On March 20, 1839, Joseph wrote some thoughts and revelations that he had received. Among them was a statement from the Lord about why "many are called but few are chosen". The reason is that holders of the priesthood need to "learn this one lesson":
"... that the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and... 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 the 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." (Doctrine and Covenants 121:34-44)
In the Book of Mormon, a prophet and king by the name of Benjamin prepared to end his reign and ministry by giving a sort of farewell speech to his subjects. He showed them by his example that a position of authority is to be used for teaching and uplifting and benefiting God's people and not for using force, compulsion, or for self-aggrandizing behavior:
"My brethren, all ye that have assembled yourselves together, you that can hear my words which I shall speak unto you this day; for I have not commanded you to come up hither to trifle with the words which I shall speak, but that you should hearken unto me, and open your ears that ye may hear, and your hearts that ye may understand, and your minds that the mysteries of God may be unfolded to your view. I have not commanded you to come up hither that ye should fear me, or that ye should think that I of myself am more than a mortal man. But I am like as yourselves, subject to all manner of infirmities in body and mind; yet I have been chosen by this people, and consecrated by my father, and was suffered by the hand of the Lord that I should be a ruler and a king over this people; and have been kept and preserved by his matchless power, to serve you with all the might, mind and strength which the Lord hath granted unto me. I say unto you that as I have been suffered to spend my days in your service, even up to this time, and have not sought gold nor silver nor any manner of riches of you; Neither have I suffered that ye should be confined in dungeons, nor that ye should make slaves one of another, nor that ye should murder, or plunder, or steal, or commit adultery; nor even have I suffered that ye should commit any manner of wickedness, and have taught you that ye should keep the commandments of the Lord, in all things which he hath commanded you— And even I, myself, have labored with mine own hands that I might serve you, and that ye should not be laden with taxes, and that there should nothing come upon you which was grievous to be borne—and of all these things which I have spoken, ye yourselves are witnesses this day. Yet, my brethren, I have not done these things that I might boast, neither do I tell these things that thereby I might accuse you; but I tell you these things that ye may know that I can answer a clear conscience before God this day. Behold, I say unto you that because I said unto you that I had spent my days in your service, I do not desire to boast, for I have only been in the service of God. And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God. Behold, ye have called me your king; and if I, whom ye call your king, do labor to serve you, then ought not ye to labor to serve one another?" (Mosiah 2:9-18)
We have an obligation to use priesthood authority in the service of our fellow beings, in a manner that will be pleasing unto the Lord. While we are to seek opportunity to serve anyone, our first obligation is to serve our spouses and children - they are fellowmen and in need of a priesthood holder to provide, to protect, and to turn them toward God in prayer and scripture study. They and others all around us are in need of ordinances and the service of our callings in the Church, through the authority of the priesthood.
Such is the obligation which the priesthood places upon all those of us who hold office therein.
What It Means to Me
I personally can trace my priesthood lineage back to Peter, James and John for the Melchizedek Priesthood and to John the Baptist for the Aaronic Priesthood.
As a holder of the offices of deacon, teacher, priest and elder, it gives me great joy to know that I hold the very same ancient priesthood offices as the sons of Aaron and as those who were ordained to be elders under the hands of the apostles of the New Testament. I look forward with great anticipation to the day when, with the sanction of Church leaders, my Dad - a high priest "after the order of Melchizedek" - will ordain me to that same office. I have received my patriarchal blessing from an "evangelical minister" who held the office of Patriarch in the Melchizedek Priesthood. My wife and I were sealed for time and all eternity in the Manti Temple by a man who was set apart as a sealer and given the ancient sealing power, even the "keys of the kingdom of heaven". My children are sealed to me and to my wife because she and I were sealed before they were born - as Latter-Day Saints like to say, they were "born in the covenant".
I personally have witnessed a handful of small miracles in my exercise of priesthood authority.
Perhaps the most remarkable thing about the priesthood in latter days is the fact that it exactly matches the ancient priesthood as described in the Old and New Testaments, yet it was given by another source outside the Bible. I testify that this source was none other than what the Doctrine and Covenants purports it to be: even God himself, through His latter-day prophet.
But don't take my word for it; ask God for yourself. If you do it in earnest, He will find a way to reveal the truth to you concerning the divine origin of the ancient priesthoods of God and of their divine restoration in the latter days. (Moroni 10:4-5, James 1:5-6)
How to pray and ask God
How to obtain a spiritual witness
Meet with LDS missionaries
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Get a free copy of the Book of MormonI personally have witnessed a handful of small miracles in my exercise of priesthood authority.
Perhaps the most remarkable thing about the priesthood in latter days is the fact that it exactly matches the ancient priesthood as described in the Old and New Testaments, yet it was given by another source outside the Bible. I testify that this source was none other than what the Doctrine and Covenants purports it to be: even God himself, through His latter-day prophet.
But don't take my word for it; ask God for yourself. If you do it in earnest, He will find a way to reveal the truth to you concerning the divine origin of the ancient priesthoods of God and of their divine restoration in the latter days. (Moroni 10:4-5, James 1:5-6)
How to pray and ask God
How to obtain a spiritual witness
Meet with LDS missionaries
Come to church with us! Meetinghouse Locator
Get a free copy of the Holy Bible
Get a copy of the Triple Combination - includes Book of Mormon, Pearl of Great Price and Doctrine and Covenants
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