The Restoration of the Priesthood DC 13 20

The Restoration of the Priesthood D&C 13; 20; 84; 107

Hymn of the Vaudois Mountaineers For the strength of the Hills in Times of Persecution For the strength of the hills we bless Thee, Our God, our fathers God: Thou hast made Thy children mighty By the touch of the mountain sod. Thou hast fixed our ark of refuge, Where the spoiler's foot ne'er trod; For the strength of the hills we bless thee, Our God, our father's God. -Felicia Hemans Story, James E. Faust, “The Keys That Never Rust, ” Ensign, Nov. 1994, 72

For the strength of the Hills We are watchers of a beacon, Whose light never dies We are guardians of an altar, 'Midst the silence of the sky. The rocks yield founts of courage, Struck forth as by Thy rod; For the strength of the hills we bless thee, Our God our fathers' God. Story, James E. Faust, “The Keys That Never Rust, ” Ensign, Nov. 1994, 72

What is the priesthood? The potential of the priesthood is so vast that our comprehension of it is a challenge. Russell M. Nelson, “Keys of the Priesthood, ” Ensign, Nov. 1987, 36

What is the Priesthood? “The Priesthood is an everlasting principle, and existed with God from eternity, and will to eternity, without beginning of days or end of years. ” (TPJS, p. 157). Priesthood

What is the Priesthood? (The priesthood) is the channel through which all knowledge, doctrine, the plan of salvation and every important matter is revealed from heaven. TPJS, 166

…the priesthood is “the law by which the worlds are, were, and will continue for ever and ever” (Discourses of Brigham Young, sel. John A. Widtsoe, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co. , 1941, p. 130).

Happiness and Felicity. "The Priesthood. . . 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. " Brigham Young, Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young [1997], 18

Priesthood is the authority of God delegated to man to minister for the salvation of men. Russell M. Nelson, “Keys of the Priesthood, ” Ensign, Nov. 1987, 36

The Prophet Joseph Smith said, “All Priesthood is Melchizedek, but there are different portions or degrees of it? (TPJS, 180) What do you think he meant by that statement? D&C 107: 1, 5 -7, 14

D&C 107: 5 “All Priesthood is Melchizedek, but there are different portions or degrees of it (TPJS, 180) Melchizedek Priesthood Aaronic Priesthood

Lower Spires Aaronic Priesthood Higher Spires Melchizedek Priesthood

4 windows 5 windows Deacon Elder Teacher Seventy Priest High Priest Bishop Patriarch Apostle

“The priesthood is greater than any of its offices. No office adds any power, dignity, or authority to the priesthood. All offices derive their rights, prerogatives, graces, and powers from the priesthood. This principle may be diagramed by dividing a circle into segments. The priesthood is the circle; the segments of the circle are the callings or offices in the priesthood. Anyone who serves in a segment of the circle must possess the power of the whole circle. No one can hold an office in the priesthood without first holding the priesthood. Bruce R Mc. Conkie (Mormon Doctrine, 595– 96). D T P B HP A P 70 E

Appendages “Thus it is that priesthood is conferred upon worthy individuals, and they are then ordained to offices in the priesthood; and thus it is that all offices in the priesthood and in the Church are specifically designated as appendages to the priesthood; that is, they grow out of the priesthood, they are supplemental to it, they are less than the priesthood in importance. . “Further, there is no advancement from one office to another within the Melchizedek Priesthood. Every elder holds as much priesthood as an apostle or as the President of the Church, though these latter officers hold greater administrative assignments in the kingdom” Bruce R Mc. Conkie (Mormon Doctrine, 595– 96).

Aaronic Priesthood Bishop Priest Deacon Teacher Confer -A priesthood Ordain -to a specific office Melchizedek Priesthood Apostle Seventy Elder High Priest Patriarch Set Apart -For a calling

Online video Aaronic Priesthood May 15, 1829 D&C 13; JS-H 1: 68 -72 In response to a question about baptism in 3 Ne 11

Video Historic Sites Harmony Pennsylvania Joseph Smith Commemorative program

D&C 13; 107: 20 JS-H 1: 68 -72 UPON you my fellow servants, in the name of Messiah I confer the Priesthood of Aaron, which holds the keys of: the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins;

Two different usages of the term keys are found in the revelations. One has reference to the directive powers whereby the church or kingdom and all its organizations are governed, the keys of the kingdom being the powers of presidency. The other usage refers to the means provided whereby something is revealed, discovered, or made manifest. Mormon Doctrine, 410

Keys There is a symbolism involved in the word "keys, " a key being an instrument designed to unlock or open a door. Thus, the keys of the kingdom or the keys of the priesthood constitute the power by which the kingdom is opened or unlocked for men. In other words, the keys of the priesthood constitute the power by which the priesthood is made available for the use of men in building up the Church and kingdom of God here on this earth. IE 1954

The Keys Held by the Aaronic Priesthood In stating that the Aaronic Priesthood "holds the keys" of the gospel of repentance, etc. , reference is being made to the rights and privileges associated with the authority of the Aaronic Priesthood and not to the directing keys of the priesthood. This is a second and more general usage of the word "key" as used in the scriptures. It is with this broader sense of the word "key" in mind that, in response to the question "What is a key? " Joseph F. Smith explained, "It is the right or privilege which belongs to and comes with the Priesthood. . It is the right to enjoy the blessing of communication with the heavens, and the privilege and authority to administer in the ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ, to preach the gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins. That is a key. . We ordain boys. . . to that Priesthood which holds the keys of the ministering of angels and of the gospel of repentance and baptism by immersion for the remission of sin. " 12 Gospel Doctrine, p. 142, italics added. Thus every holder of the Aaronic Priesthood has certain rights and privileges (i. e. , keys) according to his calling in that priesthood. Studies in Scripture, Vol. 1: The Doctrine and Covenants 89 -90

Why John the Baptist? How do Aaronic priesthood holders today use these keys? Key of ministering of angels Key of repentance Key of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins

What does it mean to hold “the keys of the ministering of angels”? “That means, as I interpret it, that if you live worthy of the priesthood, you have the right to receive and enjoy the very power of heavenly beings to guide you, to protect you, to bless you” Gordon B Hinckley, Ensign, Nov. 1982, 45

World’s view of angels On a recent news show an author who had just written a book about belief in God was being questioned about whether he personally believed in God. The author answered with something like this: “If I knew whether or not I believed in God, I wouldn’t have had to write this book. I have no idea whethere is a God, but I do know that religion has gotten a bad name from people who do things like worship cactus and believe in angels. ” That was it. That was his whole response. He didn’t know whether he believed in God or not, but believing in angels was clearly equal to worshipping cactus. (Jeffrey R. Holland, “For a Wise Purpose, ” Ensign, Jan. 1996, 12)

How? 1 Nephi 17: 45 Nephi described three manifestations of the ministering of angels when he reminded his rebellious brothers that (1) they had ‘seen an angel’ (2) they had ‘heard his voice from time to time’ and (3) also that an angel had ‘spoken unto [them] in a still small voice’ though they were ‘past feeling’ and ‘could not feel his words’…Most angelic communications are felt or heard rather than seen. Dallin H. Oaks(Ensign Nov 1998)

How? “Those who hold the Aaronic Priesthood open the door for all Church members who worthily partake of the sacrament to. . . ” Enjoy the companionship of the spirit of the Lord and the ministering of angels. Dallin H Oaks, Ensign, Nov 1998, 39

Holy Ghost and Angels As explained earlier, through the Aaronic Priesthood ordinances of baptism and the sacrament, we are cleansed of our sins and promised that if we keep our covenants we will always have His Spirit to be with us. I believe that promise not only refers to the Holy Ghost but also to the ministering of angels, for “angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ” (2 Ne. 32: 3). So it is that those who hold the Aaronic Priesthood open the door for all Church members who worthily partake of the sacrament to enjoy the companionship of the Spirit of the Lord and the ministering of angels. (Dallin H. Oaks – Ensign Nov 1998)

Where do angels come from? D&C 130: 5 -6 “there are no angels who minister to this earth but those who do belong or have belonged to it. ” Note: This verse uses two tenses, the present (do belong) and the past perfect (have belonged). It appears that humans can now be angels.

Righteous men and Women as Ministering Angels Wilford Woodruff age 27 two year mission 3248 miles, 170 meetings, baptized 43 people “God has provided a means that man through faith, might work mighty miracles; therefore he becometh a great benefit to his fellow beings”

Spencer J. Condie When Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery received the Aaronic Priesthood under the hands of the resurrected John the Baptist, they received “the keys of the ministering of angels, ” and so did you when you were ordained. I pray that you wonderful young men will not only be worthy to receive ministering angels, but that you, like young Wilford Woodruff, will become a ministering angel in the lives of others as you exercise your faith in working “mighty miracles, ” thereby becoming a “great benefit” to your fellow beings. (Ensign, May 2002)

Melchizedek Priesthood D&C 27: 12; 107: 8 -9, 18; 84: 19 -21 Right of the presidency Keys of all spiritual blessings of the church Authority to administer the gospel of Jesus Christ Key of the mysteries of the kingdom and knowledge of god Power of godliness manifested in the ordinances

An ordinance is a mini drama of a portion of the plan of salvation Nicodemus: John 3 Born into the world Water Born Again/From Above Baptism Blood Atonement Spirit Holy Ghost

Paul/ Romans 6: 1 -6

'I want you to tell everyone in Denmark that I hold the keys. We hold the real keys, and we use them everyday'". President Kimball went on to tell a custodian in the church, "These are the dead apostles, we are the living apostles". Boyd K Packer

Keys that will never rust The Prophet Joseph Smith said, “I will give you a key that will never rust, if you will stay with the majority of the Twelve Apostles, and the records of the Church, you will never be led astray. ” The keys given by the Savior to Peter, James, and John, and given by them to the Prophet Joseph, have not rusted. They will open all spiritual doors of the dispensation of the fulness of times. James E. Faust, “The Keys That Never Rust, ” Ensign, Nov. 1994,

Next Week:

Isaiah 24: 1, 3 -6; D&C 1: 14 -15 An ordinance is a doorway, opening up to further light and knowledge Endowment – ordinance Endowment - Blessings and powers received because endowed D&C 38: 32 -33 endowed with power from on high 43: 16 endowed with power, 105: 11 -12 HC 2: 107? Don’t go until ye receive endowments, fountain of wisdom, knowledge and intelligence that ye have never had good quote 35: 40 on ipod

Isaiah 24: 1, 3 -6; D&C 1: 14 -15 An ordinance is a mini drama of a portion of the plan of salvation Baptism – reenacting our birth from our mother’s womb, Nicodemus Paul Rom 6; 1 -6 reenacting our death, burial and resurrection Sac – taking of His flesh and blood , he becomes part with us Set in order the plan of salvation

D&C 84: 19 -21 Notice how both male and female are equal under the priesthood in this manner. Notice the important thing as indicated here is not holding the priesthood, but having the power of godliness which is manifest in the ordinances. That’s very critical. Equal access to the ordinances

The Priesthood Through Earth’s But, dear brother, think, further think for a moment, what joy filled our History hearts, and with what surprise we must have bowed…when we received under his hand the Holy Priesthood as he said, Sa Pe vior ter El ija h (Joseph Smith History, Oliver Cowdery Footnote) Jo h Ba n the pti st Pr ie Of stho Aa od ron Adam No ah Ab Meraha lch m ize de Mo k se s ‘upon you my fellow-servants, in the name of Messiah, I confer this The Holy Priesthood and this authority, which shall remain upon the earth, that the Sons Of Levi may yet offer an offering unto the Lord in righteousness Joseph Smith Millennium Sons of Levi Offering …and this shall never be taken again from the earth, until the sons of Levi [the sons of Moses and Aaron] “Aaronic” Priesthood do offer again an The offering unto the Lord in righteousness.

Its institution was prior to the “foundation of the earth…”, and (it) is the highest and holiest Priesthood, and is after the order of the Son of God, and all other Priesthoods are only parts, ramifications, powers and blessings belonging to the same, and are held, controlled and directed by it….

D&C 84: 2

Prior to the martyrdom, no doubt with a sense of foreboding, the Prophet Joseph prepared for his death. President Joseph Fielding Smith states: “The Prophet declared that he knew not why, but the Lord commanded him to endow the Twelve with these keys and priesthood, and after it was done, he rejoiced very much, saying in substance, ‘Now, if they kill me, you have all the keys and all the ordinances and you can confer them upon others, and the powers of Satan will not be able to tear down the kingdom as fast as you will be able to build it up, and upon your shoulders will the responsibility of leading this people rest. ’ ” 5 Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Bruce R. Mc. Conkie, 3 vols. (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1954– 56), 1: 259.

“How has your life been blessed through the Melchizedek Priesthood? ”

The Priesthood is Restored song

The Church of Jesus Christ can be compared to a building with Christ as the chief cornerstone and the Apostles and prophets as the foundation.

The Priesthood is Restored song Said the Lord to His chosen Apostles: “And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. ” (Matt. 16: 19. )

Harmony

Relationship Between Power, Keys, and Office In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a man exercises the power of priesthood through the keys of priesthood and through a formal office. The "keys" of the priesthood are specific permissions, jurisdictions, or limitations that regulate the use of the power of the priesthood.

Priesthood Organization in the Church (D&C 107: 21 -27, 30)

D&C 84: 33 -34 Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood God Promises Priesthood Holders Promise God 1. They will be sanctified by the Spirit 2. Their bodies will be renewed 3. They will become God’s chosen heirs 4. They will receive the Father and the Son 5. They will receive all that the Father has and become gods To receive the priesthood and magnify it

Patriarchal Key As I left California, bound for Salt Lake City to receive training and be set apart for a mission in Arizona, I experienced for a moment an alarming feeling. I had lost all of my keys. The keys to the cars, home, business, and Church calling had been left behind. I had the depressing feeling that I no longer had any keys; even my pockets seemed empty. Then came the exhilarating thought that I still had the most important key of all, a key that I will hold eternally, if I remain worthy. That key, of course, is the patriarchal key with my family. I became aware of how temporary most other keys are, especially keys that control material things that will one day become victims of moth and rust. Priesthood keys of leadership and other keys of presidency are extremely vital; but for the most part, even they are temporary in nature. Eventually, after faithfully serving, you will then relinquish those keys to someone else. We will, however, be blessed to continue to hold our patriarchal key. Durrel A. Woolsey, “An Eternal Key, ” Ensign, Nov. 1990, 43

1 Ne 15: 14 The priesthood reveals “how to come unto him and be saved. ” T 364 a man can do nothing for himself except it be in the right way and the priesthood is the right way

Although we have the authority to perform certain ordinances as priesthood holders, we cannot perform some of them until we have received permission from our Church leaders to do so. The power to give this permission is called the keys of the priesthood. The prophet is the only man on earth who holds all the priesthood keys, but he has given some of these keys to the leaders who preside over the units of the Church; they in turn grant us permission to use our priesthood to bless Heavenly Father’s children. Also, when we are ordained to the Melchizedek Priesthood, we receive certain keys for use as fathers. With these keys we can use the priesthood to bless our families.

D&C 107: 18 -19 Keys of all the spiritual blessings of the church

T 157 -8, 167 -8 Jesus Christ Father of all living Michael or Adam ancient of days Gabriel or Noah

How is the priesthood directed The Holy ghost is G T 323 Keys

What is the power of the priesthood D&C 88: 11 -13 X 121: 36

Two sources of power or influence – organizational behaviorists D&C 121: 41 Position power – the boss, group behavior, not necessarily attitude ex: army Personal or acquired power – men would follow their peer on the line rather than boss, acquired by the love the peer had for them OB person in position need personal power, even if he has both personal and position power he should not use his position power

Personal Authority This is the art of getting other people to want to do what you want them to do. The smaller the group, the more intimate the relationship, the more important personal authority becomes. We have all seen families where the two year old child is clearly in charge. A two year old has zero positional authority but they can still be the leader, though this is clearly not ideal as they lack the life experience of their parents. The best explanation we have heard for creating and maintaining personal authority is to think of it as a bank account. You make deposits and withdrawals. An "atta boy" is a deposit and a "would you do me a favor" is a withdrawal. Don't try to push the analogy too far because a withdrawal can also be a deposit simply because you are exercising the relationship; but amazingly, if we treat people well, we get our way a lot more of the time. A statement attributed to Ziglar is: You can have anything in your life, if you help others get what they want. [5] The wise leader makes this a core philosophy in their dealings with others.

Positional Authority Positional authority is that authority you get from your title and the location of your office (reporting to the Governor, for example). [1] Historically, you had to have a position of authority to be considered a leader - just like in the military. [2] In the Internet Age with communication being so easy to achieve, we are starting to see the emergence of thought leadership. One person with an ability to write can influence industry with something as simple as a blog. However, positional authority is still the most common underpinning of authority.

Melek = King Zedek = righteousness

Priesthood defined Administers in all the spiritual affairs of the church An everlasting principle Channel through which God reveals everything from the heavens to the earth Perfect law of theocracy

spring of 1829 Joseph and Oliver Cowdery were translating the Book of Mormon found mention of baptism for the remission of sins On 15 May they sought further knowledge on the subject from the Lord in prayer. While offering up their petition on the banks of the Susquehanna River, the two men were visited by a heavenly messenger. He identified himself as John the Baptist of New Testament times. Laying his hands on the heads of Joseph and Oliver, he said, “Upon you my fellow servants, in the name of Messiah I confer the Priesthood of Aaron, which holds the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins” (D&C 13: 1).

3 Nephi 11 21 And the Lord said unto him: I give unto you power that ye shall baptize this people 24 And now behold, these are the words which ye shall say, calling them by name, saying: [Baptismal Prayer] 33 And whoso believeth in me, and is baptized, the same shall be saved;

The Keys of the Kingdom Planted on Earth "In 1844 Joseph Smith conferred all the keys of the priesthood upon Brigham Young, John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, and their fellow Apostles. The Prophet said: 'I have lived until I have seen this burden, which has rested on my shoulders, rolled on to the shoulders of other men; . . . the keys of the kingdom are planted on the earth to be taken away no more for ever. . No matter what becomes of me' (quoted by Wilford Woodruff in Deseret News, Dec. 21, 1869, 2). Sadly, three months later, on June 27, Joseph Smith the Prophet and his brother Hyrum were martyred at Carthage, Illinois. " Robert D. Hales, "Preparations for the Restoration and the Second Coming: 'My Hand Shall Be over Thee, ' " Ensign, Nov. 2005, 90 -91

The Keys That Never Rust "Prior to the martyrdom, no doubt with a sense of foreboding, the Prophet Joseph prepared for his death. President Joseph Fielding Smith states: " 'The Prophet declared that he knew not why, but the Lord commanded him to endow the Twelve with these keys and priesthood, and after it was done, he rejoiced very much, saying in substance, "Now, if they kill me, you have all the keys and all the ordinances and you can confer them upon others, and the powers of Satan will not be able to tear down the kingdom as fast as you will be able to build it up, and upon your shoulders will the responsibility of leading this people rest" ' (Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Bruce R. Mc. Conkie, 3 vols. [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1954– 56], 1: 259). "After learning of the deaths of the Prophet Joseph and the Patriarch Hyrum, Wilford Woodruff reports his meeting with Brigham Young, who was then the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, as follows: 'I met Brigham Young in the streets of Boston, he having just returned, opposite to Sister Voce's house. We reached out our hands, but neither of us was able to speak a word. . After we had done weeping we began to converse. . In the course of the conversation, he [Brigham Young] smote his hand upon his thigh and said, "Thank God, the keys of the kingdom are here. " ' ("The Keys of the Kingdom, " Millennial Star, 2 Sept. 1889, p. 546. )" James E. Faust, "The Keys That Never Rust, " Ensign, Nov. 1994, 72

Editor’s Note: This lesson is a little shorter because I used the last 15 minutes to show the new DVD Only a Stonecutter, the story of Brother Moyle, a stonecutter on the Salt Lake Temple. Great demonstration of fulfilling our callings.

After almost 18 months, translation of the Book of Mormon finally begins Oliver Cowdery arrives Harmony April 5 th, 1829 They begin translation on April 7 th Research suggests they probably started with Mosiah 1 Covering about 7 pages a day Places them at 3 Nephi 11 by May 15 th

Elder Dallin H. Oaks Through the Aaronic Priesthood ordinances of baptism and the sacrament, we are cleansed of our sins and promised that if we keep our covenants we will always have His Spirit to be with us. … So it is that those who hold the Aaronic Priesthood open the door for all Church members who worthily partake of the sacrament to enjoy the companionship of the Spirit of the Lord and the ministering of angels. "

Addison Everett, in a letter he wrote in 1881, relates that he overheard a conversation between Joseph and his brother Hyrum a few days before their martyrdom in which Joseph told how he and Oliver had been arrested at Colesville for preaching and were being held at the home of the Justice of the Peace. Their attorney, Mr. Reid, helped them escape through a window as a mob had begun to gather in front of the house. Everett goes on to say, "it was night and they traveled through brush and water and mud, fell over logs, etc. , until Oliver was exhausted; then Joseph helped him along through brush and water, almost carrying him. They traveled all night, and just at the break of day Oliver gave out entirely and exclaimed, "Brother Joseph, how long have we got to endure this thing? " They sat down on a log to rest and Joseph said that at that very time Peter, James, and John came to them and ordained them to the Apostleship. They had 16 or 17 miles to go to get back to Mr. Hales, his father-in-law's, but Oliver did not complain any more of fatigue

Higher Spires Lower Spires Aaronic Priesthood 4 windows Deacon Teacher Priest Bishop Melchizedek Priesthood 5 windows Elder Seventy High Priest Patriarch Apostle

The Orders of the Priesthood (D&C 107: 1, 5 -8, 18 -20)

What is the priesthood? The priesthood is the eternal power and authority of God. It is the power by which He created and governs the heavens and the earth. It is also the power by which He redeems and exalts His children. He gives a portion of His priesthood power and authority to worthy male members of the Church so they can preach the gospel, administer the ordinances of salvation, and govern His kingdom on earth. D&C Teacher’s manual

What is the priesthood? The priesthood is the eternal power and authority of God. Through the priesthood God created and governs the heavens and the earth. Through this power He redeems and exalts His children, bringing to pass “the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1: 39). True to the Faith,

MEANING OF THE KEYS OF THE PRIESTHOOD D&C 35: 25; 84: 19; 81: 2 to first presidency Second—Keys held by presidencies: the directive power The keys are the directing power, which directing power is the right of presidency. Each presiding officer in the priesthood holds the keys of presidency which go with his particular office in the Church; and it is by virtue of the keys which he holds that he is entitled to direct the manner in which other people use their priesthood, or the manner in which they work in the Church. These keys are delegated to him by the president of the Church. In discussing the distinction between keys of the priesthood and priesthood, President Joseph F. Smith stated: IE 1954

MEANING OF THE KEYS OF THE PRIESTHOOD D&C 28: 7; 84: 19 The means provided by which something is revealed, discovered or made manifest Mc. Conkie First—Meaning of the "Keys of the Priesthood": There is a symbolism involved in the word "keys, " a key being an instrument designed to unlock or open a door. Thus, the keys of the kingdom or the keys of the priesthood constitute the power by which the kingdom is opened or unlocked for men. In other words, the keys of the priesthood constitute the power by which the priesthood is made available for the use of men in building up the Church and kingdom of God here on this earth. IE 1954

Doctrine and Covenants 13: 1—The Sons of Levi Although Moses held the Melchizedek Priesthood, the law of Moses was administered under the Aaronic Priesthood (see D&C 84: 23– 27). Only men from the tribe of Levi (called Levites) were given the Aaronic Priesthood. The expression “sons of Levi” was used to refer to all priesthood holders in that day. Moses and Aaron belonged to that tribe. It was the duty of the Levites to perform the sacrifices of the law of Moses in Old Testament times (see Bible Dictionary, “Levites, ” p. 724). Today, the expression “sons of Levi” is used to characterize all those in the Church who faithfully receive the priesthood and become the “sons of Moses and of Aaron” (see D&C 84: 33– 34). Seminary Student manual

Sons of Levi 91 - 92 Section 84 of the Doctrine and Covenants reveals that all who receive and honor the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods "become the sons of Moses and Aaron" (v. 34), thereby becoming in effect the sons of Levi (Moses and Aaron were of the tribe of Levi). These sons of Levi, whether they be literal sons who receive the priesthood by right of descent or sons "according to the Holy Priesthood" (v. 6), "shall be filled with the glory of the Lord, upon Mount Zion in the Lord's house" (v. 32) where they "shall offer an acceptable offering and sacrifice in the house of the Lord" (v. 31). Studies in Scripture, Vol. 1: The Doctrine and Covenants 91 -92

How can we receive the ministering of angels? Moroni 7: 35 -37 Through the restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood, the ministering of angels is available to all Church members, not just to priesthood holders. How can we receive the ministering of angels? (See Moroni 7: 35– 37 and the following quotation. ) the relationship between partaking of the sacrament and receiving the ministering of angels: “Through the Aaronic Priesthood ordinances of baptism and the sacrament, we are cleansed of our sins and promised that if we keep our covenants we will always have His Spirit to be with us. I believe that promise not only refers to the Holy Ghost but also to the ministering of angels, for ‘angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ’ (2 Nephi 32: 3). So it is that those who hold the Aaronic Priesthood open the door for all Church members who worthily partake of the sacrament to enjoy the companionship of the Spirit of the Lord and the ministering of angels” Dallin H Oaks, Ensign, Nov. 1998, 39.

Jeffrey R. Holland No wonder we speak of our missionaries as the angels that they are. “Now when Ammon and his brethren saw this work of destruction among those whom they so dearly beloved, and among those who had so dearly beloved them—for they were treated as though they were angels sent from God to save them from everlasting destruction—therefore, when Ammon and his brethren saw this great work of destruction, they were moved with compassion” (Alma 27: 4; emphasis added). Jeffrey R. Holland, “For a Wise Purpose, ” Ensign, Jan. 1996, 12

Unseen Angels In a conference address, Elder James E. Faust shared the feeling of one company member: “ ‘Not one of [the Willie Handcart] company ever apostatized or left the Church, because everyone of us came through with the absolute knowledge that God lives, for we became acquainted with him in our extremities. “ ‘I have pulled my handcart when I was so weak and weary from illness and lack of food that I could hardly put one foot ahead of the other. I have gone on [to some point I thought I could never reach, only to feel that] the cart began pushing me. I have looked back many times to see who was pushing my cart, but my eyes saw no one. I knew then that the angels of God were there. ” (Ensign, May 1979, p. 53. )

What do Anti-Christs do? – An interesting threesome It is not insignificant to me that when Sherem, the first great anti-Christ we meet in the Book of Mormon, receives his only-too-eagerly-sought-for “sign, ” he admits before death his dishonesty, confessing to the three great truths he had denied. The three truths he mentions, the three great testifiers Sherem now openly acknowledges, are “Christ, …the Holy Ghost, and the ministering of angels” (Jacob 7: 17). An interesting threesome. Jeffrey R. Holland, “For a Wise Purpose, ” Ensign, Jan. 1996, 12