The Power of Priesthood Authority

While the Savior was teaching the Sermon on the Mount, those around him were astounded by His words. The things that he taught them were not necessarily profound concepts but rather the pure truth that He was revealing to them. As a result of His divine authority, those around Him were quick to recognize this and exclaimed “For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.” As members of the Lord’s Church, we have the merciful opportunity and the sacred responsibility to follow Christ’s example and draw on His authority in the things we go about, and act in His name

2. Explain where Priesthood Authority comes from

Priesthood authority is the power God has given to His children to act in all things for the salvation of His people. It is a holy power, and it comes from God Himself. This is not a privilege that can be taken lightly, but rather an obligation that we must accept with humility and reverence. It is also something that we can’t take for ourselves, it has to be given through the laying on of hands by one who holds the priesthood. It is through the priesthood authority that ordinances are performed in His Church, and it is through this power that the blessings of eternity can be made available to us. We have the ability to astonish others with the same authority that Jesus showed in His teachings through the priesthood.

3. Describe How Latter-Day Saints have an unbroken line of Priesthood Authority

This Priesthood authority has been passed down from on priesthood holder to the next by the laying on of hands. There was a time known as the Great Apostasy when this priesthood power was not on the earth, but with the establishment of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this power was restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith.

In order to restore the priesthood to the Earth, Heavenly Father sent Peter, James and John, three of the original apostles, to ordain Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. This was the start of an unbroken line of priesthood authority that exists today in the Church. The Articles of Faith Declare, “We believe that 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” (A of F 1:5).

Without this authority, none of the ordinances of the Church could be performed. It is because of this priesthood authority that we are blessed with saving ordinances such as baptism and confirmation, and it is through this power that worthy members can administer these same blessings in His name to others. Without this authority, the sealing power of the priesthood would not be available to bind families together eternally.

4. Explain the importance of priesthood authority

Over the years many have wondered, what is the importance of priesthood authority. Surely, God will accept the acts done by good people trying to follow His commandments without the priesthood.

The answer to this is a resounding no! The Lord has made it very clear that it is only through this divine power that we can act in all things for the salvation of His people. He has set up a system of government on Earth, similar to His own heavenly government, with responsibilities and stewardships that can only be fulfilled with the priesthood.

Imagine if you will that you receive a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take your dream car out on the road. Most of us would be thrilled at the chance to enjoy this experience. We may start out a little timid, but as you become more comfortable you might feel the urge to open up the car and push it to its limits. At this point, you are well past the speed limit, and you are able to get away with it for a little bit. But all of the sudden, somehow, by some unknown manner there is an ice cream truck playing pop goes the weasel on your tail waiving at you to pull over.

Confused by this turn of events, you pull over and try to explain your innocence. The ice cream man is hearing none of it though and pulls out his receipt book on which he writes you a speeding ticket. Now you are even more confused, not only was this ice cream truck able to catch you in your dream car, but he is now writing you a ticket. I imagine that no matter how law-abiding you are that you are not planning on going to City Hall and paying that ticket. The ice cream man has no authority to write or enforce a ticket, so why then should you care?

The same concept applies to the priesthood. We as individuals have no authority to perform any ordinances of salvation, but when we are ordained and set apart by those with proper authority then things become much different. No longer are we just good people trying to do our best, now we have the power to perform ordinances and preach the Gospel with authority.

The importance of priesthood authority cannot be overstated, and every Latter-day Saint should strive to honor it and live worthy of its blessings.

5. Examine what it means to be set apart with a calling and acting with priesthood authority, even if we don’t hold the priesthood ourselves

Now there are those hearing this talk thinking that they will never be able to experience this power as they are not holders of the priesthood. But I am here to tell you that is far from the truth.

From the door greeter to the prophet of the Church, when we are set apart for a calling we are acting with priesthood authority. The Lord has made it clear that when He sets apart someone for stewardship, such as teaching the Gospel in Sunday School or visiting the sick in our ward, then that person holds all the power necessary to act in His name. When acting in the stewardship you have been called to you have the power to make divine promises, receive revelation, and to ultimately astound the world with the power of God.

No matter who you are and what calling you hold, when you accept that stewardship and dedicate yourself to it then you have the full power of God’s priesthood behind your actions, and the heavens will be opened up to you. The Lord has promised us that if we live righteously and honor our callings that we will have the power to do anything and everything He needs us to do.

What a marvelous blessing it is to be set apart by our leaders and act with the power of God’s priesthood! We have an unbroken line of authority all the way back to the Savior, and we can have full confidence that when we accept a stewardship relying on Him then He will provide us with exactly what we need in order to fulfill His work.

6. Conclude by emphasizing that through understanding and using our priesthood authority, we can better serve God’s children

By understanding and using our priesthood authority, we can be better servants of God and His children. We have the opportunity to perform ordinances, speak with His voice, and bring the power of heaven down to earth. When we accept a Calling and strive to act in accordance with it then we not only feel closer to our Heavenly Father but we also become more aware of His power in our lives.

This is the power of priesthood authority, and I invite us all to better understand it, embrace it, and use it for His glory. As we strive to do this then greater blessings will come upon us and those we serve. May God bless each of us with an understanding of what He has called us to do, and may we have the courage to accept it. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Main Takeaways

Acting with priesthood authority can bring the power of heaven down to earth.
When we accept a calling and dedicate ourselves to it, we have access to revelation, and power from God.
Even if someone does not hold the priesthood themselves, they can still act with its authority when set apart for a calling.
We should strive to understand and use our priesthood authority in order to better serve God’s children and receive greater blessings from Him.