President Russell M. Nelson
Priesthood keys govern how the priesthood of God may be used to bring about the Lord’s purposes and bless all who accept the restored gospel.
The Historic Significance of Priesthood Keys
President Nelson reflects on the 40th anniversary of his and President Dallin H. Oaks’ calling to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and the importance of priesthood keys in the governance of the Church. He recalls the history and development of temples and their critical role in the Restoration.
“Priesthood keys govern how the priesthood of God may be used to bring about the Lord’s purposes and bless all who accept the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Doctrine and Covenants 84:19-20: “And this greater priesthood administereth the gospel and holdeth the key of the mysteries of the kingdom, even the key of the knowledge of God. Therefore, in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest.”
- Doctrine and Covenants 107:18: “The power and authority of the higher, or Melchizedek Priesthood, is to hold the keys of all the spiritual blessings of the church”
The Restoration and Function of Temples
President Nelson discusses the significance of the Kirtland Temple in the history of the Restoration and the purchase of historic sites. He highlights the appearances of Jesus Christ, Moses, Elias, and Elijah, and the keys they restored to Joseph Smith.
“The most important of these events occurred on Easter Sunday, April 3, 1836… Jesus Christ then declared that He had accepted the temple as His house and made this stunning promise: ‘I will manifest myself to my people in mercy in this house.’”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Doctrine and Covenants 110:1-4: “The veil was taken from our minds, and the eyes of our understanding were opened. We saw the Lord standing upon the breastwork of the pulpit, before us; and under His feet was a paved work of pure gold, in color like amber. His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of His head was white like the pure snow; His countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and His voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying: I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father.”
- Malachi 4:5-6: “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.”
The Power and Blessings of Priesthood Keys
President Nelson emphasizes the transformative power of priesthood keys, which distinguish The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from other organizations and enable access to essential ordinances and covenants.
“Priesthood keys distinguish The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from any other organization on earth… Without priesthood keys, none of us would have access to essential ordinances and covenants that bind us to our loved ones eternally and allow us eventually to live with God.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Doctrine and Covenants 128:18: “For we without them cannot be made perfect; neither can they without us be made perfect. Neither can they nor we be made perfect without those who have died in the gospel; for it is necessary in the ushering in of the dispensation of the fulness of times, which dispensation is now beginning to usher in, that a whole and complete and perfect union, and welding together of dispensations, and keys, and powers, and glories should take place, and be revealed from the days of Adam even to the present time.”
- Doctrine and Covenants 132:19: “And again, verily I say unto you, if a man marry a wife by my word, which is my law, and by the new and everlasting covenant, and it is sealed unto them by the Holy Spirit of promise, by him who is anointed, unto whom I have appointed this power and the keys of this priesthood… it shall be done unto them in all things whatsoever my servant hath put upon them, in time, and through all eternity; and shall be of full force when they are out of the world.”
Spiritual Empowerment through Temple Worship
President Nelson elaborates on the blessings and spiritual empowerment that come from temple worship. He encourages regular attendance and emphasizes the personal and eternal benefits that come from serving and worshiping in the temple.
“Nothing will help you more to hold fast to the iron rod than worshipping in the temple as regularly as your circumstances permit. Nothing will protect you more as you encounter the world’s mists of darkness. Nothing will bolster your testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ and His Atonement or help you understand God’s magnificent plan more. Nothing will soothe your spirit more during times of pain. Nothing will open the heavens more. Nothing!”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Doctrine and Covenants 109:22-23: “And we ask thee, Holy Father, that thy servants may go forth from this house armed with thy power, and that thy name may be upon them, and thy glory be round about them, and thine angels have charge over them; And from this place they may bear exceedingly great and glorious tidings, in truth, unto the ends of the earth, that they may know that this is thy work, and that thou hast put forth thy hand, to fulfill that which thou hast spoken by the mouths of the prophets, concerning the last days.”
Calls to Action:
“I hope you will repeatedly study the messages of this conference throughout the coming months.”
“I encourage you to study that prayer, recorded in Doctrine and Covenants section 109.”
“Regular temple worship will enhance the way you see yourself and how you fit into God’s magnificent plan.”
“Nothing will help you more to hold fast to the iron rod than worshipping in the temple as regularly as your circumstances permit.”