Restoration of Priesthood Authority

Restoration Of Priesthood Authority

The next event, in chronological order, was the visit of a heavenly messenger, John the Baptist, who, under the direction of Peter, James, and John, appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery and ordained them to the Aaronic Priesthood. Following is Joseph Smith's own account of this heavenly visitation and ordination:

Two days after the arrival of Mr. Cowdery (being the 7th of April) I commenced to translate the Book of Mormon, and he began to write for me.

We still continued the work of translation, when, in the ensuing month (May, 1829), we on a certain day went into the woods to pray and inquire of the Lord respecting baptism for the remission of sins, that we found mentioned in the translation of the plates. While we were thus employed, praying and calling upon the Lord, a messenger from heaven descended in a cloud of light, and having laid his hands upon us, he ordained us, saying:

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; and this shall never be taken again from the earth until the sons of Levi do offer again an offering unto the Lord in righteousness.

He said this Aaronic Priesthood had not the power of laying on hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost, but that this should be conferred on us hereafter; and he commanded us to go and be baptized, and gave us directions that I should baptize Oliver Cowdery, and that afterwards he should baptize me.

Accordingly we went and were baptized. I baptized him first, and afterwards he baptized me—after which I laid my hands upon his head and ordained him to the Aaronic Priesthood, and afterwards he laid his hands on me and ordained me to the same Priesthood—for so we were commanded.

The messenger who visited us on this occasion and conferred this Priesthood upon us, said that his name was John, the same that is called John the Baptist in the New Testament, and that he acted under the direction of Peter, James and John, who held the keys of the Priesthood of Melchizedek, which Priesthood, he said, would in due time be conferred on us, and that I should be called the first Elder of the Church, and he (Oliver Cowdery) the second. It was on the fifteenth day of May, 1829, that we were ordained under the hand of this messenger, and baptized. (Joseph Smith 2:67-72.)

From this visit of John the Baptist, we learn these great truths:

1. That one must be ordained to the necessary priesthood by one having authority before he can administer the ordinances of the gospel.

2. That the Aaronic Priesthood holds the keys of:
a. the ministering of angels;
b. the gospel of repentance;
c. baptism by immersion for remission of sins.


3. That this priesthood "shall never be taken again from the earth until the sons of Levi do offer again an offering unto the Lord in righteousness."

4. That while the Aaronic Priesthood is divine authority from God, its administration is limited; that it "had not the power of laying on hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost"; that in conferring this priesthood upon Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, John the Baptist acted under the direction of Peter, James, and John, who held the keys of the priesthood of Melchizedek, which should thereafter be conferred upon them.


Restoration of the Melchizedek Priesthood

Therefore, in order that there might be a "restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began" (see Acts 3:21), it was necessary that these two priesthoods be restored again to men upon this earth.

Not long after this glorious event took place, Peter, James, and John, apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ, conferred upon Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery the Melchizedek Priesthood, including the holy apostleship as promised by John the Baptist, which gave them the necessary authority to organize the church and kingdom of God upon the earth in this dispensation. Accordingly, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was organized with six members at Fayette, Seneca County, New York, on the sixth day of April, 1830.


Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods

An understanding of the Aaronic, or Levitical, Priesthood, sometimes called the Lesser Priesthood (see D&C 107:14), and the Melchizedek Priesthood, and the functions and administrations of each, is very necessary to a proper understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the church he established upon the earth.

The question might be asked: "Under which order of priesthood do the present Christian churches claim to operate—the Aaronic or Melchizedek?" A satisfactory answer to this question could not be expected from any of them. The only reason we are in a position to make proper explanation is that John the Baptist brought back to this earth the Aaronic, or Levitical, Priesthood and conferred it upon the heads of Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. The apostles Peter, James, and John brought the Melchizedek Priesthood in like manner. All doubt and misunderstanding have thus been removed, and we are therefore able to understand the scriptures dealing with this important subject. Could there be any subject more important than to understand the meaning and purpose of the priesthood of God and how it is obtained, since it holds the keys and rights to officiate in his name and administer unto his children the saving ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ? How could anyone suppose that without this priesthood authority there could be any authorized Church of Jesus Christ upon the earth?

If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?

For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.

For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Judah; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.

For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. (Hebrews 7:11-12, 14, 17, 24.)

This explanation should make it plain that the law, or schoolmaster (see Galatians 3:24), to lead the people unto Christ was administered by the Aaronic, or Levitical, Priesthood. However, perfection cannot be obtained through this priesthood alone, as Paul explained. Therefore, it was necessary for the Lord to send another priest after the order of Melchizedek. The priesthood thus being changed, there was "of necessity a change also of the law." The fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ, therefore, was introduced by him to take the place of the law of Moses.


Limitations of the Aaronic Priesthood

John the Baptist understood this fully, for his ministry was under the authority of the Aaronic Priesthood, which held the keys of administering the ordinance of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins. When he was sent to prepare "the way of the Lord" (see Matthew 3:3), he did not attempt to confer the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. He taught that one mightier than he would come, and "he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire." (See Matthew 3:11.)

This is the explanation he gave to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery when he conferred the Aaronic Priesthood upon them and commissioned them to baptize each other by immersion for remission of their sins. He told them that their priesthood "had not the power of laying on hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost" (see Joseph Smith 2:70), but that this would be conferred on them later.


Nature of the Melchizedek Priesthood

In a revelation on priesthood given through the Prophet Joseph Smith on March 28, 1835, the Lord stated:

There are, in the church, two priesthoods, namely, the Melchizedek and Aaronic, including the Levitical Priesthood.

Why the first is called the Melchizedek Priesthood is because Melchizedek was such a great high priest.

Before his day it was called the Holy Priesthood, after the order of the Son of God.

But out of respect or reverence to the name of the Supreme Being, to avoid the too frequent repetition of his name, they, the church, in ancient days, called that priesthood after Melchizedek, or the Melchizedek Priesthood.

All other authorities or offices in the church are appendages to this priesthood.

But there are two divisions or grand heads—one is the Melchizedek Priesthood, and the other is the Aaronic or Levitical Priesthood. (D&C 107:1-6.)

The apostle Paul also understood what a great high priest Melchizedek was; he made this explanation:

For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;

To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;

Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually. (Hebrews 7:1-3.)

This last verse has been much misunderstood, some assuming that Paul meant that Melchizedek was without father or mother, or descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life. However, in a revelation on the subject of priesthood given through the Prophet Joseph Smith, September 22, 1832, the Lord made it plain that it is the priesthood and not Melchizedek that is without beginning of days or end of years:

Which priesthood continueth in the church of God in all generations, and is without beginning of days or end of years. (D&C 84:17.)


Calling and Ordination Necessary to Authority

Now that we have established the necessity for priesthood authority, we will consider the scriptural evidences that men must be ordained to the priesthood to minister in the things of God—they cannot assume this authority or receive it from one who does not possess it. This is why it was necessary for John the Baptist to bring back the Aaronic, or Levitical, Priesthood, and for Peter, James, and John to bring again the Melchizedek Priesthood, both of which were conferred upon Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery:

For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins:

And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.

So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.

As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. (Hebrews 5:1, 4-6.)

Could anything be said with greater plainness—"For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God"? Then how can a man be a high priest if he is not so ordained?

"And no man taketh this honour unto himself but he that is called of God as was Aaron." How was Aaron called? The Lord spoke unto Moses, saying:

And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office. . . .

And thou shalt put them upon Aaron thy brother, and his sons with them; and shalt anoint them, and consecrate them, and sanctify them, that they may minister unto me in the priest's office. (Exodus 28:1, 41.)

Therefore, we see that Aaron did not call or ordain himself.

"So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest," but was chosen and appointed by his Father a high priest forever; and after being so called and appointed, he proceeded to call others:

Then Jesus said unto them [the Twelve] again. Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained. (John 20:21, 23.)

And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,

And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils. (Mark 3:14-15.)

The apostles of Jesus did not call or ordain themselves—Jesus called them, ordained them, and sent them forth to minister as his Father had sent him.


The Calling and Ordination of Paul

The calling of Saul (afterwards called Paul—Acts 13:9) to the ministry, including his subsequent ordination, presents a vivid example of the order of heaven in such matters, since the pattern was given by the voice of Jesus:

And as he [Saul] journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:

And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. (Acts 9:3-6.)

Notwithstanding the fact that Jesus spoke to Saul personally, that did not qualify him to engage in the ministry and administer the ordinances of the gospel. It was necessary for him to regain his sight by the laying on of Ananias' hands and to be baptized by him. Even though the Lord had indicated to Ananias that Saul was a chosen vessel unto him to bear his name before the gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel, it was nevertheless necessary that he should be ordained to this ministry sometime later, after he had declared before the disciples and others what he had seen and heard.

Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon . . . and Saul.

As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. (Acts 13:1-3.)

We assume that there are many in the world today who would consider themselves fully called and ordained had they seen and heard what Paul saw and heard on the way to Damascus. But not so with Paul, and neither with Joseph Smith! They had to be ordained by one having authority, and so must all men who would authoritatively engage in the ministry. Joseph Smith learned this great truth, not by reading the Bible, but through the visitations of John the Baptist and of Peter, James, and John. Hence the fifth Article of Faith of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as penned by the Prophet Joseph Smith:

We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands, by those who are in authority to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.


Church of Jesus Christ "A Royal Priesthood"

Peter, in speaking of the church in his day, said:

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; and ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. (1 Peter 2:9.)

From this and the revelations of the Lord to the Prophet Joseph Smith in restoring the priesthood to the earth again in this dispensation, the Lord has made it plain that all male members of the Church who live worthily may receive the priesthood and thus become an active force in establishing the church and kingdom of God in the earth, a part of that "royal priesthood" to which Peter referred; that they may all be united in showing forth "the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light." These men are not trained specially for the ministry, any more than were the apostles of old. But they develop the gifts and talents with which God has endowed them through the service they render and the gift of the Holy Ghost.


Paul understood this also when he said:

For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

And base things of the world, and the things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to naught things that are:

That no flesh should glory in his presence. (1 Corinthians 1:26-29.)

In addition to all of its local officers, the Church of this dispensation each year now sends into the mission field, in areas throughout the world, many thousands of missionaries, all of the type to which Paul referred. This great host of missionaries represents an unpaid ministry as was the priesthood in the days of Christ and his apostles.

Today approximately a million men hold the Melchizedek and the Aaronic priesthoods. Where else in all the world is there such a "royal priesthood" as Peter called the church of his day?

It was this practice to ordain to the priesthood and to call into service all who were worthy and willing to serve that led Jesus to say, when he—

appointed . . . seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.

Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest. (Luke 10:1-2.)


Offices in the Priesthood

There is so much to be done that the Lord placed many leaders and officers in his church and divided the Aaronic and Melchizedek priesthoods into many divisions, so that there would be a place suited to each man's capacity.

In the Aaronic Priesthood there are the following divisions: deacons, teachers, and priests. There are bishops when they are direct descendants of Aaron; otherwise they are chosen from among the high priests of the Melchizedek Priesthood.

In the Melchizedek Priesthood there are the following divisions and offices: elders, seventies, high priests, patriarchs (or evangelists), apostles, and prophets.

All of the above-named officers are mentioned in the New Testament in connection with the primitive church of Christ. However, only a few of them are now found in the existing branches of modern Christianity. It is our impression that if this complete organization were to be offered to the churches of today, they would not know what to do with it. They would not know the differences between the callings of an elder, a high priest, a deacon, a teacher, or a priest, nor the differences in their respective ministrations. Neither would they know how many of each are required to make a quorum nor how a quorum should be organized and governed. Neither would we know this if we were dependent upon the Bible only for this information. But we are not so dependent, for all this knowledge have we received through the revelations of the Lord in connection with the restoration of the priesthood in this dispensation through the Prophet Joseph Smith. (See D&C sections 13, 20, 84, 107, 121.)

The Church Should Be Fully Organized

Paul fully understood the importance of a complete organization when he said:

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive. (Ephesians 4:11-14.)

It surely appears as if the Christian world has been "tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and the cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive." Who would say that it is not because they have done away with the officers whom God placed in his church to bring them to a unity of the faith? What more could be expected?


The Future of the Church of Jesus Christ

With its limited membership, already The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with most of its male membership over the age of twelve years holding some office in the priesthood, is attracting great attention. When the general conferences of the Church are held in Salt Lake City, the great Tabernacle and Assembly Hall on Temple Square and many other Church buildings worldwide are filled to capacity with priesthood holders at the Saturday evening general priesthood session. These men serve the Church without compensation, except a very few who give their entire time to the service of the Church and who receive only a living allowance. From the most highly trained educators, the most efficient and successful businessmen, the most qualified and experienced scientists, agriculturists, contractors, and mechanics, to the laboring man himself—each is at the call of his church, and his services and training may be called for in the service of the Church and of his fellowmen, and, in most cases, without even the thought that he should be compensated. It is considered an honor to be able to serve the interests of the Church. Highly successful businessmen, professional men, and farmers may be called to leave their businesses, their professional work, their farms, and their families and at their own expense travel to the far countries of the world to labor for a few years in the great missionary cause of the Church. There is nothing like it in this world today. They must be like the saints of Peter's time, which led him, when calling them "a royal priesthood," to add "a peculiar people," for in this respect also we are a very "peculiar people." (See 1 Peter 2:9.)

If you were to travel through communities where the majority of the people are Latter-day Saints and were to stop and visit with a farmer working in his field, you would possibly find that he is the bishop of his ward or the president of his stake, or holds a position of responsibility in the Church, and is an elder, a seventy, or a high priest. This would possibly be as true if you were to stop and visit with the banker, postmaster, owner or clerks in the stores, workers in the shops and factories, or the barber who may serve you.

Labor disturbances, therefore, do not find so fruitful a field among Latter-day Saints as among other people, for how can our men meet weekly in their priesthood meetings where every man is a brother, and at the same time participate in labor disturbances when his brother's interests are at stake? To a true Latter-day Saint, the priesthood of God is the greatest union in the world. Can you visualize a day when this kingdom of God shall be spread throughout the world as Daniel declared (see Daniel 2:44), and all men everywhere, united in the bonds of the holy priesthood, will devote their strength and talents to the welfare of their fellowmen and the establishment of the kingdom of God on the earth?

We would not have understood these great truths had it not been for the restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood by John the Baptist and the Melchizedek Priesthood by Peter, James, and John. The truths revealed in the Bible are in accord with the truths that have been revealed through prophets in our own day, and latter-day scriptures help make it possible for us to understand them.

Further information concerning the responsibilities and activities of the priesthood will be given in succeeding chapters.



(Legrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1950], 93.)