The Priesthood

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is led by Jesus Christ through apostles and prophets. These are righteous men who are called of God and given the priesthood. Not only are leaders of the Church given the priesthood, but all worthy male members of the Church may receive the priesthood by proper ordination by the laying on of hands by one who has authority.

The priesthood is the power and authority given to man to act in God's name for the salvation of His children. Through the priesthood we receive the ordinances of salvation. The priesthood can also be used for blessings of comfort, healing, and counsel.

There are two priesthoods in the Church today, the Aaronic Priesthood (or preparatory priesthood) and the Melchizedek Priesthood (or higher priesthood). Although the priesthood was lost following the death of Christ and His apostles, the priesthood was restored in 1829 when John the Baptist appeared to the Prophet Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery and conferred upon them the Aaronic Priesthood. Peter, James, and John later conferred upon them the Melchizedek Priesthood, which they had received from Jesus Christ. This priesthood, directly from Jesus Christ, is the priesthood in the Church today.

It is a tremendous blessing to be a man who receives the priesthood. He enters a covenant to fulfill sacred duties, serve others, and help build up the Church. Exercising the priesthood should only be done in love, righteousness, and patience. Through the power of the priesthood, men may bless and serve their families.

I am grateful to hold the priesthood of God. It is a sacred responsibility to be able to act in God's name for the benefit of His children. It has blessed my family and I in countless ways.

The painting used in this post depicts Christ's ancient apostles--Peter, James, and John, conferring the Melchizedek Priesthood upon the Prophet Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. Use of the image is courtesy of www.lds.org. To learn more about the Priesthood, click here.