Rights, Powers, and Principles of the Priesthood

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Aider

ROLE: Your role is to provide both information and counterpoints when requested. You are neither a believer nor a disbeliever, but an observer seeking to understand and evaluate different perspectives.

My question is in the first paragraph after the first quote. I am seeking to understand the nature of the power of the priesthood and its relationship with God. My conclusion is that, basically, "the power of the priesthood is separate from and co-existent with God," but I want to include my reasoning, while also highlighting ideas and quotes that oppose this idea. I'm not stating flatly that my conclusion is true, but that I believe it's a viable answer.

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That the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles righteousness. D&C 121:36

This verse, succinct and plainly worded, has always intrigued me. It lays out a basic rule upon which much else is built. Yet, it presents an apparent contradiction: If the priesthood cannot be misused, why are safeguards necessary to prevent its misuse? How can the hosts of darkness accomplish their misdeeds, and what role does the power of the priesthood play in this?

The idea that the power of the priesthood runs the universe is a fundamental concept in Mormonism. While it is widely accepted within the church, I'm going to include some references to clarify where I'm coming from. The verse I quote at the beginning of this essay support this idea. Also, McConkie said "it is the power by which the worlds were made"¹.

• when talking about 'the power of the priesthood' it is a living power, separate from and co-existent with God

• when talking about 'the authority and use of the priesthood' it is how the power should be used so you don't end up destroying yourself

• Cain held the priesthood authority to make sacrifices and made those sacrifices unrighteously

• this is how the enemy accomplishes it misdeeds, but at their own expense; they have learned incorrectly or have been taught and betrayed those who taught them

Supporting

• F1 > The power, glory and blessings of the Priesthood could not continue with those who received ordination only as their righteousness continued; for Cain also being authorized to offer sacrifice, but not offering it in righteousness, was cursed. It signifies, then, that the ordinances must be kept in the very way God has appointed; otherwise their Priesthood will prove a cursing instead of a blessing. STPJS p169

• F2 > If man is limited in his growth and perfection by his ability to use his priesthood, then surely we must continually strive to use its power and to organize ourselves more perfectly. Perry, L. Tom. (1981, November). When Ye Are Prepared, Ye Shall Not Fear. Ensign.

• F3 > From this I understand that there is a difference between priesthood authority and priesthood power. Power and authority in the priesthood are not necessarily synonymous. H. Burke Peterson. (1976, May). Priesthood–Authority and Power. Ensign.

• F4 Harris, D. (November, 1984). Spiritual Power. Ensign.

Opposing

• F5 > The power of the Priesthood operates only on principles of righteousness. It cannot be used to accomplish unrighteous purposes. It is not a power that can be used to satisfy personal desires or ambitions. Dallin H. Oaks. (2014, May). The Keys and Authority of the Priesthood. Ensign

• F6 > Priesthood power is God’s power, and He will not allow it to be used unworthily or to accomplish evil purposes. As we exercise this power in faith, we can perform miracles in His name. (Russell M. Nelson, "Spiritual Treasures," Ensign, November 2019)

Which way?

• The Priesthood is not to be held for personal gain or benefit, but rather for the blessing of others. Those who hold it are to serve in the name of the Lord with love and concern for the well-being of His children. (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "The Joy of the Priesthood," Ensign, November 2012)

• The Priesthood is an eternal principle, a co-existent attribute of God. (Bruce R. McConkie, "The Doctrine of the Priesthood," Ensign, May 1982)

• The priesthood is the power of God delegated to man to act in all things for the salvation of mankind. (Boyd K. Packer, "The Power of the Priesthood," Ensign, May 2010)

• The priesthood is the power of God. It is not a social organization, although it exists within a social organization. (Dallin H. Oaks, "The Keys and Authority of the Priesthood," Ensign, May 2014)

• The power of the priesthood is the power of God. It is infinite, eternal, and unchanging. (David A. Bednar, "The Powers of Heaven," Ensign, November 2012)

• The priesthood is the power of God committed to man for the salvation of the human family. It is the means whereby the earth will be transformed into a celestial kingdom, and the sons and daughters of God may eventually return to His presence and partake of His glory. (Talmage, James E. The Articles of Faith, p. 162)

• The priesthood is a living thing, as it were, and is always ready to respond to the call of faith and righteousness; but it can never be made subservient to the selfish interests or evil designs of any man, nor can it be used contrary to the will and wisdom of God. (Talmage, James E. The Vitality of Mormonism, p. 136)

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Want to include somewhere

Some phrases stand out to me in this verse. 'rights of the priesthood', 'connected with the powers of heaven', 'controlled nor handled' and 'principles of righteousness'.

• SCI - Scriptures Citation Index

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Footnotes