PRIESTHOOD POWER

 

The most important element of the restoration of Christ’s Church through the Prophet Joseph would have to be the priesthood. Elder Bruce R. McConkie spoke in the October 1977 General Conference of the ten blessings of the priesthood. Notice how many you can identify that relate to the priesthood ordinances in the Church and consider the amazing privileges the priesthood represents for all of us, married or not:

First, being members of the Church and receiving the fulness of the everlasting gospel;

Second, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost and the other gifts of the Spirit.

Third, becoming sanctified by the Spirit, thereby becoming fit to dwell with God.

Fourth, representing Jesus Christ in administering salvation to mankind.

Fifth, becoming children of God in the family of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Sixth, having the opportunity of eternal marriage, without which there is no exaltation in the highest degree of the celestial kingdom.

Seventh, having the power to govern all spiritual and temporal things.

Eight, having power to gain eternal life, the greatness of all the gifts of God.

Ninth, having power to make one’s calling and election sure while yet in mortality.

Tenth, having the power and privilege, if pure in heart, to see the face of God while yet in mortality.

-          (As quoted by Bruce C. Hafen in “The Belonging Heart” p 213-4)

When we consider that the author and the source of the priesthood is Christ himself, the importance of it goes way beyond the privileges listed. When we participate in the ordinances of the priesthood we inadvertently receive of His power and influence in our lives. This is evident through the ritual of the sacrament which promises His Spirit will be with us as we symbolically partake of His body and His blood. (D&C 20:77).

It is Christ’s power which sustains us in this life and prepares us for the next. Without it there would be no salvation. The forgiveness which we are granted through the Atonement and His suffering would be wasted if there was no priesthood to move us along the path of progression to the eternal reward.

May we remember this source of power next time we press the cup to our lips….. 

- CATHRYNE ALLEN 

(Art: Restoration by Liz Lemon Swindle)