Gospel Principles
Unit 5: The Church of Jesus Christ
Chapter 13: The Priesthood
Concept 5: What Blessings Come When We Use the Priesthood Properly?
"The Lord has promised great blessings to righteous priesthood holders who use the priesthood to bless others:
"Then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven.
"The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever." (D&C 121:45-46).
A great Latter-day prophet, David O. McKay, promised every man who uses the priesthood in righteousness that he "will find his life sweetened, his discernment sharpened to decided quickly between right and wrong, his feelings tender and compassionate, yet his spirit strong and valiant in defense of right; he will find the priesthood a never failing source of happiness -- a well of living water springing up unto eternal life" (Priesthood, Instructor, Oct. 1968, p 378).
Discussion
What are some of the blessings you have received through the priesthood?
What are some of the blessings you can receive through the priesthood?
Additional Scriptures
D&C 107 (revelation on priesthood)
Revelation on priesthood, given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, dated March 28, 1835. HC 2: 209 217. On the date named the Twelve met in council, confessing their individual weaknesses and shortcomings, expressing repentance, and seeking the further guidance of the Lord. They were about to separate on missions to districts assigned. Although portions of this section were received on the date named, the historical records affirm that various parts were received at sundry times, some as early as November 1831.
1-6, There are two priesthoods: the Melchizedek and the Aaronic; 7-12, Those who hold the Melchizedek Priesthood have power to officiate in all offices in the Church; 13-17, The bishopric presides over the Aaronic Priesthood, which administers in outward ordinances; 18-20, The Melchizedek Priesthood holds the keys of all spiritual blessings; the Aaronic Priesthood holds the keys of the ministering of angels; 21-38, The First Presidency, the Twelve, and the Seventy constitute the presiding quorums, whose decisions are to be made in unity and righteousness; 39-52, Patriarchal order established from Adam to Noah; 53-57, Ancient saints assembled at Adam-ondi-Ahman, and the Lord appeared to them; 58-67, The Twelve are to set the officers of the Church in order; 68-76, Bishops serve as common judges in Israel; 77-84, The First Presidency and the Twelve constitute the highest court in the Church; 85-100, Priesthood presidents govern their respective quorums.
D&C 20:38-67 (duties of the priesthood explained).
38 The duty of the elders, priests, teachers, deacons, and members of the church of Christ An apostle is an elder, and it is his calling to baptize;
39 And to ordain other elders, priests, teachers, and deacons;
40 And to administer bread and wine the emblems of the flesh and blood of Christ
41 And to confirm those who are baptized into the church, by the laying on of hands for the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost, according to the Scriptures;
42 And to teach, expound, exhort, baptize, and watch over the church;
43 And to confirm the church by the laying on of the hands, and the giving of the Holy Ghost;
44 And to take the lead of all meetings.
45 The elders are to conduct the meetings as they are led by the Holy Ghost, according to the commandments and revelations of God.
46 The priest's duty is to preach, teach, expound, exhort, and baptize, and administer the sacrament,
47 And visit the house of each member, and exhort them to pray vocally and in secret and attend to all family duties.
48 And he may also ordain other priests, teachers, and deacons.
49 And he is to take the lead of meetings when there is no elder present;
50 But when there is an elder present, he is only to preach, teach, expound, exhort, and baptize,
51 And visit the house of each member, exhorting them to pray vocally and in secret and attend to all family duties.
52 In all these duties the priest is to assist the elder if occasion requires.
53 The teacher s duty is to watch over the church always, and be with and strengthen them;
54 And see that there is no iniquity in the church, neither hardness with each other, neither lying, backbiting, nor evil speaking;
55 And see that the church meet together often, and also see that all the members do their duty.
56 And he is to take the lead of meetings in the absence of the elder or priest
57 And is to be assisted always, in all his duties in the church, by the deacons, if occasion requires.
58 But neither teachers nor deacons have authority to baptize, administer the sacrament, or lay on hands;
59 They are, however, to warn, expound, exhort, and teach, and invite all to come unto Christ.
60 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.
61 The several elders composing this church of Christ are to meet in conference once in three months, or from time to time as said conferences shall direct or appoint;
62 And said conferences are to do whatever church business is necessary to be done at the time.
63 The elders are to receive their licenses from other elders, by vote of the church to which they belong, or from the conferences.
64 Each priest, teacher, or deacon, who is ordained by a priest, may take a certificate from him at the time, which certificate, when presented to an elder, shall entitle him to a license, which shall authorize him to perform the duties of his calling, or he may receive it from a conference.
65 No person is to be ordained to any office in this church, where there is a regularly organized branch of the same, without the vote of that church;
66 But the presiding elders, traveling bishops, high councilors, high priests, and elders, may have the privilege of ordaining, where there is no branch of the church that a vote may be called.
67 Every president of the high priesthood (or presiding elder), bishop, high councilor, and high priest, is to be ordained by the direction of a high council or general conference.