ETERNALISM POLITICS MODULE 10 Abide and Abound Christian

ETERNALISM: POLITICS MODULE 10 Abide and Abound ©Christian. Eternalism. org PRIESTHOOD 1

Politics OVERVIEW President John Taylor: “Read the history of nations and examine the paintings they have in their National Galleries, and you will find they represent, almost exclusively, scenes of blood, deadly struggles, triumphant victories, or sanguinary battles, and the groaning, troubles, sighs, sufferings, and death of the human family. ” (JD 5: 245) President Brigham Young: “People have reason to fear the bogus or spurious theocracy. ” (JD 7: 147) President John Taylor: “What is His Priesthood? It is the rule, authority, administration, if you please, of the government of God on the earth or in the heavens; for the same Priesthood that exists upon the earth exists in the heavens, and that Priesthood holds the keys of the mysteries of the revelations of God; ” (JD 6: 25) President Brigham Young: “The Priesthood of the Son of God, which we have in our midst, is a perfect order and system of government, and this alone can deliver the human family from all the evils which now afflict its members and insure them happiness and felicity hereafter. ” (JD 13: 242) (1) Priesthood Authority (2) Priesthood Power (Influence, Family, Ordinances) (3) Priesthood Order (Divisions, Offices, Quorums, Keys) ©Christian. Eternalism. org 2

Politics PRIESTHOOD AUTHORITY Elder Boyd K. Packer: “There are two ways authority is conferred in the Church: by ordination and by setting apart. Offices in the priesthood—deacon, teacher, priest, elder, high priest, patriarch, seventy, and Apostle— always come by ordination. The keys of presidency and the authority to act in callings in the priesthood are received by setting apart. ” (A Primer on Principles of Priesthood Government, General Authority Training Session, April 1992) Elder Bruce R. Mc. Conkie: “Administrative affairs of the Church are handled in accordance with the law of common consent. ” (Mormon Doctrine, p 149, see also D&C 26: 2) Elder Boyd K. Packer: There is great safety to the Church in having the names of those called to offices in the Church presented in the proper meeting. Anyone who is a pretender or a deceiver will be recognized. If someone claims to have been secretly ordained to a special calling or higher order of the priesthood, you may know immediately that the claim is false!” (A Primer on Principles of Priesthood Government, General Authority Training Session, April 1992) Elder Boyd K. Packer: “Priesthood is the authority and the power which God has granted to men on earth to act for Him. When we exercise priesthood authority properly, we do what He would do if He were present. ” (A Primer on Principles of Priesthood Government, General Authority Training Session, April 1992) ©Christian. Eternalism. org 3

Politics PRIESTHOOD POWER: INFLUENCE Worldly Version: “Authority is granted but power is seized. ” Latter-Day Saint Version: “Authority is granted but power is earned. ” D&C 121: 39 -43 “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 longsuffering, 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; Elder Boyd K. Packer: “Authority in the priesthood comes by way of ordination; power in the priesthood comes through faithful and obedient living in honoring covenants. It is increased by exercising and using the priesthood in righteousness. ” (The Power of the Priesthood, Apr. 2010) President Brigham Young: “Who, then, has the greatest power? Those who best do the will of God. ” (JD 9: 93) Elder Boyd K. Packer: “We can and in due time certainly will influence all of humanity. ” (The Power of the Priesthood, Apr. 2010) D&C 121: 36 -37 “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. 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. ” ©Christian. Eternalism. org 4

Politics PRIESTHOOD POWER: FAMILY CENTERED Elder Boyd K. Packer: “We have done very well at distributing the authority of the priesthood. We have priesthood authority planted nearly everywhere. We have quorums of elders and high priests worldwide. But distributing the authority of the priesthood has raced, I think, ahead of distributing the power of the priesthood. The priesthood does not have the strength that it should have and will not have until the power of the priesthood is firmly fixed in the families as it should be. ” (The Power of the Priesthood, Apr. 2010) President Harold B. Lee: “It seems clear to me that the Church has no choice—and never has had—but to do more to assist the family in carrying out its divine mission, not only because that is the order of heaven, but also because that is the most practical contribution we can make to our youth—to help improve the quality of life in the Latter-day Saint homes. As important as our many programs and organizational efforts are, these should not supplant the home; they should support the home. ” (Preparing Our Youth, Ensign, Mar. 1971) Elder George Q. Canon: “Family government is the foundation of all government. ” (JD 11: 338) President Joseph F. Smith: “In the home the presiding authority is always vested in the father, and in all home affairs and family matters there is no other authority paramount. ” (Gospel Doctrine, 5 th ed. 1939, p 287) The Family A Proclamation to the World: “Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets. ” Elder Boyd K. Packer: “Now, fathers, I would remind you of the sacred nature of your calling. You have the power of the priesthood directly from the Lord to protect your home. There will be times when all that stands as a shield between your family and the adversary’s mischief will be that power. ” (The Power of the Priesthood, Apr. 2010) ©Christian. Eternalism. org 5

Politics PRIESTHOOD POWER: ORDINANCES President Wilford Woodruff: “Let me say that our Heavenly Father performs all His works—the creation of worlds, the redemption of worlds—by the power of the Eternal Priesthood. ” (“Priesthood and Church Government”, 1954 ed. p 37). President Brigham Young: “All the acts we perform should be governed by the guidance of the Priesthood. ” (JD 7: 64) Joseph Smith: “There are certain ordinances which belong to the Priesthood, from which flow certain results … If there is no change of ordinances, there is no change of Priesthood. Wherever the ordinances of the Gospel are administered, there is the Priesthood. ” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p 111, p 158) Article of Faith 3: “We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel. ” Wikipedia: “The use of the term ‘ordinance’ in Latter-day Saint parlance is distinct from the use of the term in other branches of Christian tradition, where ‘ordinance’ is often used to imply that the act is merely symbolic and does not convey grace. ” D&C 84: 19 -20: “And this greater priesthood administereth the gospel and holdeth the key of the mysteries of the kingdom, even the key of the knowledge of God. Therefore, in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest. And without the ordinances thereof, and the authority of the priesthood, the power of godliness is not manifest unto men in the flesh; ” SAVING ORDINANCES: Baptism, Confirmation, Priesthood Ordination, Temple (Endowment, Seal to Parent, Seal to Spouse) NON-SAVING ORDINANCES: Setting Apart, Dedications (home, grave, country), Naming a Child, Patriarchal Blessing, etc. ©Christian. Eternalism. org 6

Politics PRIESTHOOD ORDER Joseph Smith (Aug 1843): “There are three grand orders of priesthood referred to here. 1 st…Those holding the fulness of the Melchizedek Priesthood are kings and priests of the Most High God, holding the keys of power and blessings. The 2 nd Priesthood is Patriarchal authority. Go to and finish the temple, and God will fill it with power, and you will then receive more knowledge concerning this priesthood. ” The 3 rd Priesthood is what is called the Levitical Priesthood, consisting of priests to administer in outward ordinances, made without an oath: but the priesthood of Melchizedek is by an oath and covenant. ” (Aug. 27, 1843, DHC 5: 554 -555, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p 322 -323) Contradiction? D&C 107: 1 (April 1835): “There are, in the church, two priesthoods, namely, the Melchizedek and Aaronic, including the Levitical Priesthood. ” Joseph Smith (Jan. 1841): “All Priesthood is Melchizedek, but there are different portions or degrees of it. ” (TPJS, p 180) President Boyd K. Packer: “The patriarchal order is not a third, separate priesthood. Whatever relates to the patriarchal order is embraced in the Melchizedek Priesthood. … The patriarchal order is a part of the Melchizedek Priesthood which enables endowed and worthy men to preside over their posterity in time and eternity. … The Levitical Priesthood is an order in or a part of the Aaronic Priesthood. … While the Levitical order does not function today, its privileges and authority are embraced within the Aaronic Priesthood for whatever future use the Lord may direct. ” (A Primer on Principles of Priesthood Government, General Authority Training Session, April 1992) ©Christian. Eternalism. org 7

Politics PRIESTHOOD ORDER: OFFICES Elder Boyd K. Packer: “The priesthood is greater than any of its offices. … After the priesthood has been conferred upon him, he is ordained to an office in the priesthood. All offices derive their authority from the priesthood. … The priesthood is not divisible. An elder holds as much priesthood as an Apostle. (See D&C 20: 38) When a man receives the priesthood, he receives all of it. However, there are offices within the priesthood— divisions of authority and responsibility. One may exercise his priesthood according to the rights of the office to which he is ordained or set apart. … There are different rights, privileges, and authorities which expand with each succeeding office. ” (A Primer on Principles of Priesthood Government, General Authority Training Session, April 1992) President Joseph Fielding Smith: “They used the term ordain in the early days of the church for everything. Today we would say set apart. ” (Doctrines of Salvation, p 107) Elder Bruce R. Mc. Conkie: “Proper modern usage of terms conforms to this pattern: Priesthood is conferred upon an individual; he is ordained to an office in the priesthood; and he is set apart to a position of presidency or administration. ” (Mormon Doctrine, p 549) Elder Boyd K. Packer: “The authority of a man set apart as president of a stake is limited to the boundaries of that stake. … When a man is ordained a bishop, he is also set apart to preside in a specific ward and has no authority outside its boundaries. ” (A Primer on Principles of Priesthood Government, General Authority Training Session, April 1992) ©Christian. Eternalism. org 8

Politics PRIESTHOOD ORDER: QUORUMS D&C 41: 2 -3 “Hearken, O ye elders of my church whom I have called, behold I give unto you a commandment, that ye shall assemble yourselves together to agree upon my word; And by the prayer of your faith ye shall receive my law, that ye may know how to govern my church and have all things right before me. ” Elder Bruce R. Mc. Conkie: “Bearers of the priesthood living in the various ecclesiastical units of the Church are divided into organizational units called quorums…. Other special groups with administrative responsibility are also called quorums. Presiding Bishopric, High Councils, Ward Bishoprics … In this sense any group of priesthood bearers designated to perform a special labor could be considered a quorum. ” (Mormon Doctrine, p 597) Elder Bruce R. Mc. Conkie: “There are three great quorums in whose hands the power rests to preside over the Church and direct its affairs. … The meaning of this revelation (D&C 107), setting forth the order of succession in the Church … As long as a superior quorum is organized, there is no equality of powers and authority. There can never be two equal heads in the Kingdom of God. ” (Mormon Doctrine, p 597 -598) Elder Stephen L Richards: “A quorum is three things: first, a class; second, a fraternity; and third, a service unit. ” (CR Oct. 1938, p 118, see also “The Priesthood Quorum”, Oct. 1998) CLASS = Learn Together, Nourished by the Good Word of God FRATERNITY = Friendship, Welcomed, Treated as a Brother SERVICE UNIT = Assignments, Ministering… Melchizedek Priesthood Quorums: The First Presidency (3) The Quorum of the Twelve (12) Seventies quorums (70) High Priests quorums (~) Elders quorums (96) Aaronic Priesthood Quorums: Priests quorums (48) Teachers quorums (24) Deacons quorums (12) Mark 10: 43 -45 “Whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister” ©Christian. Eternalism. org 9

Politics PRIESTHOOD ORDER: KEYS President Lorenzo Snow: “The Priesthood in general is the authority given to man to act for God … But it is necessary that every act performed under this authority shall be done at the proper time and place, in the proper way, and after the proper order. The power of directing these labors constitutes the keys of the Priesthood. In their fulness, the keys are held by only one person at a time, the Prophet and President of the Church. ” (“Priesthood and Church Government”, Elder John A. Widtsoe, 1954 ed. p 195). President Brigham Young: “The Priesthood is given to the people and the keys thereof, and when properly understood, they may actually unlock the treasury of the Lord, and receive to their fullest satisfaction. ” (JD 3: 191 -192) Elder Boyd K. Packer: “The priesthood is always regulated by those who have the keys… While the word key has other meanings, like keys of wisdom or keys of knowledge, the keys of the priesthood are the right to preside and direct the affairs of the Church within a jurisdiction. All priesthood keys are within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and no keys exist outside the Church on earth. ” (A Primer on Principles of Priesthood Government, General Authority Training Session, April 1992) Elder Boyd K. Packer: “All men who are ordained Apostles and sustained as members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles have all priesthood keys conferred upon them. The President of the Church is the only person on earth who has the right to exercise all the keys in their fulness. He receives authority by setting apart by the Twelve Apostles. ” (A Primer on Principles of Priesthood Government, General Authority Training Session, April 1992) ©Christian. Eternalism. org 10

Politics SUMMARY MELCHIZEDEK PRIESTHOOD (highest order) OFFICE (ordination) Elder Quorum: President (set apart, presides, keys) High Priest Quorum: Stake President (set apart, presides, keys) Patriarch Seventy Quorum: 7 Presidents (set apart, presides, keys) Apostle Quorum: Acting President (set apart, presides, keys) PATRIARCHAL (order of heaven): Family: Father (presides) UNITED ORDER (order of Enoch): Law of Consecration AARONIC Priesthood (lesser order) OFFICE (ordination) Bishop Ward: Bishop (set apart, keys) Deacon Quorum: President (set apart, keys) Teacher Quorum: President (set apart, keys) Priest Quorum: Bishop (High Priest, set apart, keys) LEVITICAL (hereditary order): Literal Descendant (presides) ©Christian. Eternalism. org TWO PRIESTHOODS = Melchizedek, Aaronic (VARIOUS “ORDERS” = Patriarchal Order, Order of Enoch, Levitical Order) GENERAL OFFICES = Universal Ordination SPECIFIC QUORUMS = Specific geographical responsibility, via common consent, with a set apart presiding authority President Brigham Young: “The Lord Almighty will not suffer His Priesthood to be again driven from the earth. ” (JD 2: 183 -184) 11

Politics PRIESTHOOD SUMMARY President Brigham Young: “You see mankind running to and fro, like ants upon an ant-hill, —now forward, now wheeling and taking the back track; then to the right and to the left, seemingly in a perfect state of excitement and confusion. They are seeking they know not what. They possess the foundation for eternal intelligence, and they do not know how to obtain that which will satisfy their minds. Nothing can satisfy, except being perfectly subject to the law that will preserve them in their identity to all eternity, and that is the holy Priesthood. ” (JD 7: 202) President Brigham Young: “Until a selfish, individual interest is banished from our minds, and we become interested in the general welfare, we shall never be able to magnify our Holy Priesthood as we should. ” (JD 11; 115) Elder John A. Widtsoe: “Priesthood is to be used for the benefit of the entire human family … Clearly then, every righteous task for the uplift of the race, whether within or without the Church or the household, is a Priesthood activity. ” (Priesthood and Church Government, 1954 ed. p 92 -93) Elder Boyd K. Packer: “Gideon had an interesting way of selecting his recruits. When the men drank water at a stream, most ‘bowed down … to drink. ’ Those he passed over. A few scooped up water in their hands and drank, remaining completely alert. They were the ones chosen. … Gideon’s small force succeeded because, as the record states, ‘they stood every man in his place. ’” (The Power of the Priesthood, Apr. 2010) ©Christian. Eternalism. org 12

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