Class 7 – Sections 84, 107, and Official Declaration 2 The Priesthood

Sect One Mighty and Strong v. 7 And it shall come to pass that I, the Lord God, will send one mighty and strong… to set in order the house of God, and to arrange by lot the inheritances of the saints whose names are found, and the names of their fathers, and of their children, enrolled in the book of the law of God. leftover

Steady the Ark v. 8 While that man, who was called of God and appointed, that putteth forth his hand to steady the ark of God, shall fall by the shaft of death, like as a tree that is smitten by the vivid shaft of lightning. leftover

Section 104 Economic situation in Kirtland becoming difficult. People moving in without resources. Debt for building increasing. Saints lost property in Missouri. United Order in Kirtland and Missouri decoupled. leftover

The Lord can and will provide... v I, the Lord, stretched out the heavens, and built the earth, my very handiwork; and all things therein are mine. And it is my purpose to provide for my saints, for all things are mine. But it must needs be done in mine own way… leftover

The Lord’s Way… v … and behold this is the way that I, the Lord, have decreed to provide for my saints, that the poor shall be exalted, in that the rich are made low. For the earth is full, and there is enough and to spare. leftover

Debts v. 78 And again, verily I say unto you, concerning your debts—behold it is my will that you shall pay all your debts. v. 80 And inasmuch as you are diligent and humble, and exercise the prayer of faith, behold, I will soften the hearts of those to whom you are in debt, until I shall send means unto you for your deliverance. v. 83 I give unto you a promise, that you shall be delivered this once out of your bondage. leftover

Section 84 Given in Kirtland, Fall Missionaries returning and reporting on their labors Given to Joseph Smith and six elders..

Section 107 Given in Kirtland, Spring The Apostles met just before leaving on missions.

Official Declaration 2 Revelation announced in June No one with Negroid ancestry could hold the Priesthood or receive temple ordinances. Many members from Brazil and elsewhere probably had African ancestors. Some were ordained to the preisthood.

The Curse of Cain Cain Noah Egyptus Ham Shem Japheth Africans

Premortal Status But … “A man must be punished for his own sins…” Was the distinction between races based on something that happened before this life? Was the reason based on things we couldn’t foresee and the Lord didn’t reveal?

What is Priesthood?

According to Elder Bruce R. McConkie: As pertaining to eternity, priesthood is the eternal power and authority of Deity by which all things exist; by which they are created, governed, and controlled; by which the universe and worlds without number have come rolling into existence; by which the great plan of creation, redemption, and exaltation operates throughout immensity. It is the power of God.

According to Elder Bruce R. McConkie: As pertaining to man's existence on this earth, priesthood is the power and authority of God delegated to man on earth to act in all things for the salvation of men. It is the power by which the gospel is preached; by which the ordinances of salvation are performed so that they will be binding on earth and in heaven; by which men are sealed up unto eternal life…

What is Priesthood? The power of God The authority of God

What is the difference between power and authority?

For a law enforcement officer: Power comes from his gun. Authority comes from his badge.

Priesthood as Authority How the church is organized through the priesthood.

How Many Priesthoods Are There?

There are, in the church, two priesthoods, namely, the Melchizedek and Aaronic, including the Levitical Priesthood. - D&C 107:1

How Many Priesthoods Are There? Answer to the question, Was the Priesthood of Melchizedek taken away when Moses died? All Priesthood is Melchizedek, but there are different portions or degrees of it. That portion which brought Moses to speak with God face to face was taken away; but that which brought the ministry of angels remained. All the prophets had the Melchizedek Priesthood and were ordained by God himself. - Joseph Smith, 1841

How Many Priesthoods Are There? All other authorities or offices in the church are appendages to this [the Melchizedek] priesthood. – D&C 107:5

What is the Levitical Priesthood?

No man has a legal right to this office, to hold the keys of this priesthood, except he be a literal descendant of Aaron. But as a high priest of the Melchizedek Priesthood has authority to officiate in all the lesser offices, he may officiate in the office of bishop when no literal descendant of Aaron can be found, provided he is called and set apart and ordained unto this power by the hands of the Presidency of the Melchizedek Priesthood. –D&C 107:16-17

What is the Patriarchal Priesthood?

A n Evangelist is a Patriarch, even the oldest man of the blood of Joseph or of the seed of Abraham. Wherever the Church of Christ is established in the earth, there should be a Patriarch for the benefit of the posterity of the Saints. – Joseph Smith

What is the Patriarchal Priesthood? It is the duty of the Twelve, in all large branches of the church, to ordain evangelical ministers, as they shall be designated unto them by revelation – D&C 107:39 It was the primary administrative priesthood from Adam through Noah and at times thereafter. – D&C 107:

What Is the Office of Patriarch to the Church? Joseph Smith, Sr., Dec 1833 Hyrum Smith took over this office in 1841 after the death of Joseph Smith, Sr.

Patriarch to the Church … Hyrum may take the office of Priesthood and Patriarch, which was appointed unto him by his father, by blessing and also by right; That from henceforth he shall hold the keys of the patriarchal blessings upon the heads of all my people, That whoever he blesses shall be blessed, and whoever he curses shall be cursed; that whatsoever he shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever he shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. -D&C 124:91-93

Patriarch to the Church Was formerly sustained as “prophet, seer, and revelator” as was the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Currently Eldred G. Smith is “Patriarch Emeritus” and there is no one serving actively as Patriarch to the Church.

Offices in the Melchizedek Priesthood Elder from 1830 Seventy from 1835 High Priest from June 1831 Patriarch from 1833 Apostle from 1835

Stake as a Miniature Church Stake President has keys to allow ordinances of salvation to be administered to all members of a stake. Presidency +Council of 12 + Patriarch More and more trust must be placed in local leaders, as general leaders can’t be everywhere.

Ward as a Miniature Church Bishopric is the “Ward Presidency” – the Presiding High Priest in the Ward. Bishop is the President of the Aaronic Priesthood. Bishop uses PEC and Ward Council. – Relies on quorums and auxiliaries.

Offices of the Aaronic Priesthood deacon from 1830 teacher from 1830 priest from 1830 bishop from 1831

Presiding Councils First Presidency – v.22 Apostles or traveling high councilors – special witnesses of Christ. – v , 33 Seventy – preach, be especial witnesses v , 34

Ministry by Councils Unanimous decision required. v. 27. Why councils? How do councils work in the church?

Conferences and Common Consent What is the role of conferences in Church administration? D&C 20:61-63.

In Summary D&C 107: Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence. He that is slothful shall not be counted worthy to stand, and he that learns not his duty and shows himself not approved shall not be counted worthy to stand. Even so. Amen.

Section 84 – Power in the Priesthood Why was the section given? D&C 84:1-5 Can we expect to establish Zion on other principles?

Section 84 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. - D&C 84:19-21

What is the “Power of Godliness”?

D&C 84:22 For without this no man can see the face of God, even the Father, and live. D&C 93:1 Verily, thus saith the Lord: It shall come to pass that every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall see my face and know that I am;

Oath and Covenant -The contract is made by ordinance or oath. -The covenant lasts until the terms of the contract are realized.

Oath and Covenant v … faithful unto obtaining the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods and magnify their callings v. 36 … receive the Lord’s servants … v. 44 …live by every word that procededth forth from the mouth of God.

Oath and Covenant v. 33 … sanctified by the Spirit unto the renewing of their bodies v. 34 … become the sons of Moses and Aaron… v. 34 … and the seed of Abraham … v. 34 … and the church, and kingdom, and the elect of God. v. 38 … all that my Father hath shall be given unto him.

Light v … light is Spirit … the Spirit giveth light to every man … v. 49 … the whole world lieth in sin and groaneth under darkness …

Important and Interesting Notes v. 28 John the Baptist was baptized in his childhood and ordained to his calling (not the priesthood) at 8 days old. v. 36 The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth. v. 57 Remember the new covenant: Book of Mormon and the commandments.

Important and Interesting Notes v. 85 … treasure up in your minds continually the words of life, and it shall be given you in the very hour… v. 92 … cleanse your feet … v A new song… v. 109 … let every man stand in his own office …

And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up. – D&C 84:88