Throughout time, God has given His servants the prophets, the authority to act in His name. This authority is called the Priesthood. Jesus Christ gave it to His original Twelve Apostles by ordination (John 15:16), and they directed the work of His Church after Jesus ascended to heaven. But after the Apostles were killed, the priesthood gradually disappeared from the earth.
This lost authority from God could no more be ‘assumed’ today than if I were to assume to be a doctor and start doing surgery on my neighbors. Certification / licensing is a principle of order for our safety. It’s common sense that the Creator of the universe would be a God of infinite order. In contrast we see the chaos man creates even when his actions are well meaning. Thus God has order in spiritual things for our eternal welfare and spiritual safety.
In 1829 Joseph Smith received the priesthood authority to organize Christ’s Church from Heavenly Messengers who had held this authority anciently including the prophet John the Baptist and apostles Peter, James, and John. In 1830 the same Church of Jesus Christ that existed centuries ago was organized and restored to the earth.
Thus the true authority to perform all sacred ordinances was restored to the earth in accordance with God’s order and purposes. Such ordinances are fully recognized by Him and recorded in heaven… and any religious administrations outside of this, noted perhaps for sincerity, would not have eternal value in the hereafter.
This personal post above is one of many on Mormon.org authored with the Lord’s guidance. The idea being that we can share Gospel truths with others who don’t know or have forgotten them. Sister Sharon Eubank, First Counselor in the General Relief Society Presidency spoke September 23, 2017 of us all learning to ‘articulate’ gospel teachings to anyone interested in a way that provides clarity to the LDS position. (see ‘Turn On Your Light’). Each post will be numbered and, as with this format, will include the Church position and my own thoughts. (k)
1. increasing faith in Jesus Christ 2. What is the Atonement of Jesus Christ 3. Why is authority to perform a baptism important? 4. How has attending church services helped you? 5. How has the Book of Mormon brought you closer to God? 6. Please share your feelings/testimony of Joseph Smith. 7. shielding family from unwanted influences 8. What do Mormons believe about family? 9. Make more right choices
