Hic et Nunc

Priesthood: “The Power of Godliness”

Joseph Smith stated that the priesthood is “the channel through which all knowledge, doctrine, the plan of salvation and every important matter is revealed from heaven.” Further, the priesthood “is the channel through which the Almighty commenced revealing his glory at the beginning of this earth, through which He has continued to reveal Himself to the children of men to the present time, and through which he will make known His purposes to the end of time.”(History of the Church 4:207; Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pp. 166-67)

The Lord makes known through this revelation that it is by means of the authorized ordinances of the priesthood that the “power of godliness” is manifest unto men on earth. It is the power of godliness—the power of righteousness—which enables mortal man to enter into the realm of divine experience. “For without this“—the power of godliness—”no man can see the face of God, even the Father, and live” (D&C 84:22)

“In and through the holy priesthood,” Elder Bruce R. McConkie has written, “including all the laws and rites that go with it, the power of godliness, or in other words the power of righteousness, is brought to pass in the lives of men. Without these priesthood laws and powers, God’s power and glory would not be revealed to man on earth. Without them they would not see the face of God, for if they did, his glory would destroy them. Sinful men cannot see the face of God and live (JST, Exod. 33:20).”  (The Promised Messiah (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1978), p. 589.)

OVERVIEW:

• Order in the restoration of the priesthood and its offices.
• The oath and covenant of the priesthood.
• Principles for using the priesthood.

Here is the handout for this week’s lesson: D&C-Church History Lesson 25.

pax vobiscum