Over the years, I've had people ask me questions about what I believe as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, so I decided to lay out some basic doctrines of what we believe. Although I deleted the original sources from quotes, they are easily searchable on the Church's website. Almost everything was pulled from student manuals. There will be 13 posts on this topic total. Enjoy! 6. We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth. Photo: The First Presidency, 2018 From the Handbook: Jesus Christ is the “chief corner stone” of His Church (Ephesians 2:20). He holds all priesthood keys. He calls apostles and prophets to assist Him in the work of salvation and exaltation. He confers upon these chosen servants all the keys that presently pertain to the kingdom of God on the earth. Through prophets and apostles, the Lord calls men to the office of Seventy to assist in His work in all the world. In addition, the Presiding Bishopric, General Officers, and other men and women leaders are given important responsibilities to assist in the work. “The Same Organization That Existed in the Primitive Church”Elder David B. Haight (1906–2004) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said: “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints proclaims to the world that this church is a restoration of Christ’s church. A restoration was necessary because prophets and Apostles, who were the foundation of the Lord’s original church, were put to death or otherwise taken. The Church today is built on a foundation of prophets and Apostles, with Jesus Christ as its chief cornerstone. It is therefore not a reformation, a revision, a reorganization, or a mere sect. It is the Church of Jesus Christ restored in these latter days.” “Apostles”The Handbook states: Anciently, Jesus Christ called twelve Apostles to help lead His Church. In our day, the Lord calls men through the President of the Church to be ordained as Apostles and to serve in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. This quorum acts under the direction of the First Presidency to build up and regulate the Church in all nations. Members of the Twelve proclaim the gospel in all the world. Each Apostle holds all the keys of the kingdom and exercises those keys under the direction of the President of the Church. The Twelve Apostles are “special witnesses” of the name of Jesus Christ. They witness to all the world of His divinity and the reality of His Resurrection. Apostles serve full-time in the Church for the remainder of their lives. The Handbook continues: All members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles are prophets, seers, and revelators. Together they form the Council of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Under the direction of the Lord and by unanimous voice, this council has authority to declare and interpret doctrine and establish policy for the Church. Joseph Smith said: “They are the Twelve Apostles, who are called to the office of the Traveling High Council, who are to preside over the churches of the Saints, among the Gentiles, where there is no presidency established; and they are to travel and preach among the Gentiles, until the Lord shall command them to go to the Jews. They are to hold the keys of this ministry, to unlock the door of the Kingdom of heaven unto all nations, and to preach the Gospel to every creature. This is the power, authority, and virtue in their apostleship.” “Prophets”President of the Church. Since ancient days, the Lord has directed His people through prophets. The President of the Church is a prophet, seer, and revelator. He is also the senior Apostle. Under the Lord’s direction, he presides over the Church and is the only person on earth authorized to exercise all priesthood keys. He has authority to receive revelation and declare the will of God for the whole Church. Photo: The Presiding Bishopric “Pastors (Bishops)”Elder Bruce R. McConkie (1915–85) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught: “Bishops are the overseers, shepherds, pastors, and judges of their flocks.” Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said: “All members of the Church can turn to their bishops when they are in need of help and can feel secure in his love for them and can have confidence in following his counsel. Bishops learn not to judge people against a standard of perfection. A bishop learns that he will rejoice with those over whom he presides in any progress they make.” “Teachers”President David O. McKay (1873–1970) said: “No greater responsibility can rest upon any man, than to be a teacher of God’s children.” “Evangelists (Patriarchs)”“‘Patriarchal blessings,’ wrote the First Presidency in a letter to stake presidents, ‘contemplate an inspired declaration of the lineage of the recipient and, when so moved upon by the Spirit, an inspired and prophetic statement of the life mission of the recipient, together with such blessings, cautions and admonitions as the patriarch may be prompted to give for the accomplishment of such life’s mission, it being always made clear that the realization of all promised blessings is conditioned upon faithfulness to the gospel of our Lord, whose servant the patriarch is’ (First Presidency letter to stake presidents, 28 June 1958). President Thomas S. Monson (Second Counselor in the First Presidency) said: “Who is this man, this patriarch, through whom such seership and priesthood power flow? How is he called? The Council of the Twelve Apostles has special responsibility pertaining to the calling of such men. From my own experience I testify that patriarchs are called of God by prophecy. How else could our Heavenly Father reveal those to whom such prophetic powers are to be given? A patriarch holds an ordained office in the Melchizedek Priesthood. The patriarchal office, however, is one of blessing—not of administration. I have never called a man to this sacred office but what I have felt the Lord’s guiding influence in the decision.” Priesthood Keys and Priesthood Authority doctrinal points:The priesthood is divine power and authority.
Priesthood authority is conferred only by the laying on of hands.
There are two orders of priesthood.
The work of God is performed by the power of the priesthood.
Through the keys of the priesthood, God directs and coordinates His work.
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AuthorI am a proud member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I am not a gospel scholar, but I hope to be one someday. While I’m learning and growing, I hope you join me on my journey for further light and knowledge. Archives
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